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Join us for ‘The Roots of Disability Rights’ January 25

Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc. is proud to once again host Attorney Bob Fleischner for his presentation, “The Roots of Disability Rights: The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement and Criminal Justice Constitutional Reform.” The event will be held virtually (via TEAMS) on January 25, 2024, at 11 a.m..

The presentation will illustrate the connection between the early civil rights movement and criminal justice reform cases to the disability rights movement, providing an immersive history as well as a look at the future of the movements.

Nonotuck CEO/President George H. Flesichner spoke of the importance of the topic. "I believe that understanding the roots of disability rights is fundamental to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. Join us on January 25 as we explore the historical ties that shape our commitment to promoting diversity and equality," he says.

The general public is encouraged to attend via Teams.

Presenter Bio

Bob Fleischner retired in 2018 after more than 45 years as a disability rights lawyer at the Center for Public Representation, a national public interest law firm in Northampton. He litigated and argued appeals in state and federal courts involving guardianship, prison conditions, solitary confinement, juvenile justice, civil commitment, involuntary treatment, and the rights of persons with disabilities to be free from institutionalization and to live in the community. Since his retirement, Bob continues to work supported decision-making and is a Senior Advisor to the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health. He is a work stream leader for the Access to Justice Knowledge Hub, an international gathering of disability advocates working to conform legal systems to the mandates of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Lexis published three editions of his treatise on Massachusetts guardianship law and he has written numerous law journal articles and book chapters about capacity, disability law, and guardianship. Bob graduated from Boston College Law School in 1973.

Fleischner retired in 2018 after more than 45 years as a disability rights lawyer at the Center for Public Representation, a national public interest law firm in Northampton. He litigated and argued appeals in state and federal courts involving guardianship, prison conditions, solitary confinement, juvenile justice, civil commitment, involuntary treatment, and the rights of persons with disabilities to be free from institutionalization and to live in the community. Since his retirement, Bob continues to work supported decision-making and is a Senior Advisor to the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health. He graduated from Boston College Law School in 1973. 

“(Through shared living) people with a disability experience a real transformation and discover confidence in themselves; they discover their capacity to make choices, and also find a certain liberty and above all their dignity as human beings.”

Caregiving with Love:
Guide for Shared Living Providers

Learn how Nonotuck developed a love-based ideology of care. We started our shared living program as an alternative to group homes for people with disabilities. Instead, Shared Living creates genuine life transformation for people with disabilities, as well as families and communities. The true power of caregiving is found through hospitality, authenticity, and love.

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