United Spinal Staffer to Head NYC Bar Committee
New York, NY, April 24, 2006–United Spinal Association, a national veterans service and disability rights organization serving Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders, is delighted to announce the appointment of its Counsel, John P. Herrion, as Chair of the Legal Issues Affecting People with Disabilities Committee of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York. Mr. Herrion’s term in this position commences on September 1, 2006.
Previously, John Herrion has served as Secretary of the Legal Issues Affecting People with Disabilities Committee from 1997 to 2000, and from 2005 to the current time. In a letter informing Mr. Herrion of his appointment as Chair of this committee, Association of the Bar President Bettina B. Plevan stated that “your selection is a tribute to you and to the high quality of your service to the Association.”
Prior to joining United Spinal Association in 1996, Mr. Herrion was a legal assistant at the Rockland County, New York, Independent Living Center. In his current position at United Spinal, Herrion is involved in issues of critical importance to the group’s members and all persons with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible housing, transportation, employment, and public accommodations.
In 1999, Mr. Herrion successfully represented a mobility-impaired resident of a New York City cooperative housing building who had requested, and who was denied, the installation of a ramp to said building by the cooperative board. The decision in this case required the construction of the ramp and the award of compensatory damages to the plaintiff; more importantly, the outcome in this case has made it easier for persons with disabilities in New York City to achieve needed accessibility improvements in multi-family housing complexes.
Subsequently, Herrion authored United Spinal Association’s informative pamphlet, “Know Your New York City Housing Rights,” which describes the housing discrimination protections in the New York City Human Rights Law for individuals with disabilities. Single, free copies of this pamphlet may be obtained by calling United Spinal Association’s publications request line, 800-444-0120.
John Herrion is a graduate of Pace University, New York, School of Law, and he also is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, United Spinal Association is a national membership organization for people with spinal cord disabilities. United Spinal has enabled members, as well as other persons with disabilities, to lead full and productive lives. In addition to helping write the Americans with Disabilities Act, United Spinal was also instrumental in drafting portions of the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. The staff promotes compliance with these laws and educates the public about them through their publications and workshops. For more information about United Spinal, visit www.unitedspinal.org or call 800-404-2898.
Media Contact: Donna Fredericksen, (718) 803-3782, ext. 283 / (917) 921-2766 / dfred@unitedspinal.org