Providence Reporter

Zachary A. Cunha, United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island, announced a resolution with the Boys & Girls Club of East Providence, Inc. (EPBGC) over allegations of disability discrimination. The settlement addresses claims that EPBGC violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by denying children with disabilities access to its Kinder Camp program.

The complaint originated from a parent of a child with autism, who alleged that EPBGC did not make reasonable accommodations for her child to attend Kinder Camp, an eight-week summer camp for incoming kindergarteners at East Providence schools. During registration, EPBGC's Education Director requested parents submit their child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Out of six submissions, five children were denied admission based on their IEPs. One child was eventually admitted after the parent explained improvements in behavior and a lack of need for accommodations. Although three denials were overturned following complaints to the Associate Director, some parents were unaware of any appeal process and had to find alternative childcare.

“Summer fun is for everyone, and when it comes to summer camp, the ADA is clear that nobody should be left out because of a disability,” stated U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. “This resolution—our Office’s fourth ADA settlement with a local summer camp—should serve as a reminder that this Office will stand up to make sure that children with disabilities have access to the activities and services that the law requires.”

The settlement mandates several actions from EPBGC:

- Train staff on ADA requirements.

- Evaluate each application individually and provide reasonable modifications.

- Implement a non-discrimination policy.

- Compensate affected families $20,000.

- Report compliance annually for two years.

This marks the fourth ADA-related settlement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office involving camps. Under ADA guidelines, camps must allow reasonable modifications so children with disabilities can participate fully in programs and activities.

AUSA Amy Romero handled this case for the United States.

For more information about ADA regulations or to file related complaints in Rhode Island, individuals are encouraged to visit www.ada.gov or contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 401-709-5010.