WASHINGTON, D.C., January 14, 2013 – The Equal Rights Center (ERC)—a national non-profit civil rights organization— announced today it has been awarded Community Impact Funds from the United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) to help further its work to improve access to healthcare for individuals with disabilities.

“The Equal Rights Center is honored to receive this additional funding from United Way of the National Capital Area,” said Don Kahl, Executive Director of the ERC. “The ability to access appropriate medical care promotes individual well-being and the active participation of people in their communities and in the workforce. The denial of accessible healthcare to people with disabilities too often means compromised medical treatment for those who most need it. These health disparities will only become more devastating as baby boomers age and the number of people with disabilities continues to grow.”

For people with disabilities, quality healthcare services remain largely inaccessible. In a recent investigation and report, the Equal Rights Center (ERC) documented that less than 25 percent of medical service providers tested were compliant with accessibility standards required under federal law. In order to address the growing health disparities for people with disabilities, the ERC, thanks in part to the funding provided by United Way NCA, will provide people with disabilities with information and resources about their right to accessible, quality healthcare, and with resources available when confronted with discriminatory barriers.

The ERC’s funds are part of nearly $1.65 million United Way NCA raised through designations to the regional Community Impact Funds to more than 120 of its member nonprofit organizations located throughout the Washington region. In total, United Way NCA raises approximately $30 million each year to address the needs of the community. All of the grants awarded fall in one of United Way NCA’s three community impact areas of Education, Financial Stability and Health. In addition to receiving this grant award, the Equal Rights Center is a nonprofit member of the United Way NCA federation and a donor choice in their workplace giving campaigns and the Combined Federal Campaign.

About the Equal Rights Center (www.equalrightscenter.org)
Originally formed in 1983, the Equal Rights Center (ERC) is a national non-profit civil rights organization based in Washington, D.C. With members located in every state and the District of Columbia, the ERC works nationally to promote equal opportunity in housing, employment, disability rights, immigrant rights, and access to public accommodations and government services for all protected classes under federal, state, and local laws.

About United Way of the National Capital Area (www.unitedwaynca.org)
Focusing on the critical areas of education, financial stability and health, United Way of the National Capital Area and its nonprofit members not only provide immediate relief of social problems affecting the community, but also work to alleviate the underlying causes of these issues. Serving the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties for more than 35 years, United Way of the National Capital Area works to inspire acts of caring, deliver hope and improve lives. For more information about United Way of the National Capital Area, visit www.unitedwaynca.org.