Sacramento, CA – In response to the news that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Placer ARC over allegations from 2008 that the organization did not provide a certified American Sign Language interpreter for a deaf employee, The Arc of California released the following statement:

“Chapters of The Arc are committed to our shared mission of promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community. In the course of their operations, they must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those applicable to employment practices.

“Through their programs, supports, and services, Placer ARC is making a difference in the lives of the people it serves. While disputes with current or former employees may arise with any nonprofit or for-profit business organization, we hope that this matter dating back to 2008 can be resolved quickly and fairly for all involved.

“As Placer ARC’s executive director, Barbara Guenther, has publicly stated, Placer ARC is committed to adhering to all laws and regulations in regard to their employment practices as well as services for the people they serve,” said Tony Anderson, Executive Director of The Arc of California.