The ARC of Minnesota and O’Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl, P.A. to Celebrate Landmark Class Action Settlement at March 7, 2012 Event
Minneapolis, MN
On December 1, 2011, the Minnesota Federal Court approved an important Class Action Settlement involving widespread restraint and seclusion of several hundred Minnesotans with developmental disabilities at the Minnesota Extended Treatment Options (METO) facility located on the former Cambridge State Hospital campus.
The Settlement immediately prohibits the use of restraint and seclusion and other techniques that use punishment to change behavior, and requires that a true emergency must exist before any approved restraint procedure can be used. The Settlement also establishes important committees to review the care and treatment of people with developmental disabilities consistent with best practices and develop a statewide Olmstead plan to ensure that Minnesotans with disabilities have opportunities to live in their community consistent with their own dreams and aspirations.
Shamus O'Meara of O'Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl, P.A. serves as Settlement Class Counsel and will be recognized along with the Class Representative families at The ARC Minnesota Public Policy Recognition Event to be held on March 7, 2012, 6PM at the Midland Hills Country Club in Roseville, MN.
About The ARC Minnesota
The ARC Minnesota is a private, non-profit, statewide voluntary organization. The mission of The ARC Minnesota is to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. The Arc Minnesota and their local chapters provide crucial information for people with developmental disabilities and their families, connect them with resources, and stand with them when they need an advocate.
About O'Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl, P.A.
O'Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl, P.A. is a 30-attorney Civil Litigation law firm based in Minneapolis that has been guiding its clients to effective decisions for more than 35 years. Regularly honored by their peers as the best in the industry, O'Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl, P.A.'s record in business, education and disabilities litigation has helped shape the law and protect important rights, as shown in the METO Class Action Settlement.
About Shamus O'Meara
Shamus O'Meara is a partner at O'Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl, P.A. representing school districts, businesses and local governments. He has guided public officials through many crises, and presents nationally on school safety and emergency management topics. Shamus also advocates for increased independence, inclusion and self-determination for people with developmental disabilities and their families. His public service has included board leadership positions with Disability Justice, the U.S. Civil Rights Commission state advisory committee, Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, Autism Society of Minnesota, and National Council of School Attorneys, among others. Shamus has been recognized as an Attorney of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer, and a Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law & Politics.
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