Welcome to Disability Rights Advocates
Cars struck Santa Barbara High School student Liana Mitchum three times on her way to class on the Santa Barbara High School campus. Because the high school lacked accessible routes through school buildings and around the campus, she was forced to navigate her way to class on a dangerous campus roadway. Despite repeated complaints to school officials, nothing was done to protect Liana's safety until after this case was filed.
In addition, Liana was routinely disciplined for being late to class — tardiness that was caused by the pervasive access barriers at the school. She was also denied necessary rest room privileges, forced to leave her wheelchair outside classrooms, and prohibited from enrolling in classes of her choice on the basis that they were situated at inaccessible locations at the school.
This case seeks to provide equal access to all school buildings and educational programs at the 23 public schools in Santa Barbara and to implement a disability awareness program for all staff and students.
