Racial discrimination alleged at Portland quadriplegic center Lawsuit alleges whistleblower retaliation at Quadriplegics United Against Dependency's Burnside location. A former attendant at a Portland nonprofit that cares for those living with disabilities alleges she was fired due to racial discrimination, whistleblower retaliation — and for asking for time off to recuperate from surgery, according to a new lawsuit. Lawyers for Marie Gertrude Jean Valmont are seeking at least a quarter million dollars in damages from Quadriplegics United Against Dependency, a local nonprofit in Portland known as QUAD Inc. The suit says Valmont was a hard worker "beloved" by residents at QUAD's Burnside Station center, 10610 E. Burnside St., earning her a promotion last August to shift lead and a one-dollar raise to $14.25 per hour.