East Providence Boys and Girls Club settles in discrimination complaint

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Boys and Girls Club of East Providence (EPBGC) resolved allegations that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Tuesday, according to the office of United States Attorney for Rhode Island Zachary A. Cunha.

The allegations stem from a complaint that the EPBGC denied children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in its Kinder Camp program.

The complaint was filed by the parent of an autistic child who alleged that EPBGC would not make reasonable accommodations for her child to attend the free eight-week summer camp for children registered to start kindergarten.

The investigation into the matter found that during the registration process for the camp, EPBGC requested that parents submit a copy of their child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Six parents of registered children submitted the IEPs, and five were rejected admission.

The one child who was granted admission was only let in after a parent explained to the EPBGC’s Education Director that the child’s behaviors had improved and they would not need accommodation.

Parents of three other children complained about their denials, and the denials were reversed by the EPBGC.

A complainant and one other guardian of a child denied admission were not made aware of the appeal process, and alternate childcare arrangements had to be made for those children.

As a result of the settlement, the EPBGC must train its staff on the ADA, evaluate all applications on a case-by-case basis and make reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities, and pay $20,000 in compensation to the aggrieved parents and children, among others.