The Disability Law Center (DLC) is proud to announce the permanent appointment of Laura Henrie as the agency’s Legal Director effective April 19, 2021, a position she has held in interim since late 2020.
Ms. Henrie has been an integral part of the DLC’s staff since 2007, playing a key role in the agency’s efforts to promote and expand community integration in concert with “Olmstead v L.C.,” the landmark Supreme Court decision that requires states to eliminate unnecessary segregation of persons with disabilities and to ensure that persons with disabilities receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. As the barriers people with disabilities face continue to grow, it is the DLC’s priority to ensure equal access and full participation of people with disabilities in communities across Utah.
“We are not satisfied with maintaining the status quo,” said Ms. Henrie; “Too many individuals with disabilities still find themselves struggling to equally access employment, education, and the most basic services. We will not hesitate to be bold and innovative in order to disrupt unfair and unlawful practices. We will be clear in speaking out against systems that require the separation of people with disabilities in schools, housing, and service-delivery models. Finally, I want to assure our constituents that the DLC is committed to using all the tools at our disposal to ensure that people with disabilities can be full participants in their communities regardless of their need for accommodations or support.”
“Laura is a talented attorney who has a genuine passion for advancing the rights of Utahns with disabilities. She has an intimate, sophisticated, and nuanced understanding of the ongoing challenges people with disabilities and their families face. Over the past decade she has gained the respect of clients, community partners and legal adversaries,” said Adina Zahradnikova, DLC Executive Director. “I could not be more confident in the continued success of the legal team under Laura’s leadership.”
On her new appointment, Ms. Henrie added, “I am honored to assume the role of the Disability Law Center’s Legal Director. I have been fortunate to witness the significant growth the agency has already achieved, and I am excited to help build upon that success.”
Disability Law Center
(801) 363-1347 / (800) 662-9080
disabilitylawcenter.org