Justice: A universal
human right
The right to equal justice is considered a universal human right for all people, including individuals with developmental disabilities.
However, some people continue to believe that individuals with developmental and other disabilities do not need—or deserve—equal treatment, despite scientific advances, general recognition that abilities far outweigh an individual’s disabilities, community integration, and improvements in education. Some cite competency to justify their beliefs. Others do not understand developmental disabilities and believe outdated stereotypes that portray people with developmental disabilities as inadequate or incapable and, therefore, less deserving of equal justice. Even among people who profess to be committed to equal justice, few take actions that put these beliefs into practice.
While progress has been made in obtaining justice for people of different races, genders, and sexual orientations, justice for people with developmental and other disabilities remains elusive. In this section, you will find information about people with developmental and other disabilities, who they are, and some of the common issues that stand in the way of assuring that they also have access to equal justice.
Learn more about people with developmental disabilities and some of the common issues that pose a threat to justice.
Videos
The Importance of Justice for People with Disabilities
The Honorable Donovan Frank
In this short video, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Donovan W. Frank discussed the importance of justice for people with disabilities and the personal experiences that helped cement his commitment to justice. Learn more about Judge Donovan Frank in an article originally printed in The Federal Lawyer, September 2012, and used with permission.
Pathways to the Bench: Judge Donovan Frank
The Honorable Donovan Frank
A brief history of how Judge Donovan Frank became the strong disability advocate he is today.
Motivation to Pursue Justice for People with Disabilities
David Ferleger
David Ferleger is a well-known lawyer from Philadelphia who specializes in public interest, civil rights, and disability law. He litigated landmark disability cases and argued five times before the Supreme Court. Hear what motivates him to pursue justice for people with disabilities. Learn more about David Ferleger and his efforts to further justice for people with developmental disabilities
