Cases
Yesue v. Sebastopol
In October 2022, DRA, ACLU Foundation of Northern California, Legal Aid of Sonoma County, and California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. filed suit against the city of Sebastopol for enacting an ordinance that prohibits vehicles “used for human habitation” from parking anywhere within city limits during the day. This action, aimed at driving the city’s most … Continue reading “Yesue v. Sebastopol”
WRAP v. Newsom
DRA represented the Western Regional Advocacy Project and the Coalition on Homelessness in this lawsuit on behalf of people with psychiatric and mobility disabilities who experienced barriers in San Francisco’s homeless shelter system. DRA reached a settlement with the City that was approved by the court in August of 2010. During the course of the … Continue reading “WRAP v. Newsom”
White v. Square
In White v. Square, the California Supreme Court considered the issue of whether a plaintiff deterred from using an online service by discriminatory terms and conditions stated on its website may bring claims under California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act, an issue with important implications for the ability of people with disabilities to challenge discriminatory barriers … Continue reading “White v. Square”
Westchester Independent Living Center, et al. v. SUNY Purchase, et al.
In July 2016, DRA filed this class action lawsuit against the State University of New York at Purchase College, located in Westchester County, alleging that it violates federal and state disability law by not providing students and visitors with mobility disabilities equal access to its educational and cultural programs. Specifically, the suit says that those … Continue reading “Westchester Independent Living Center, et al. v. SUNY Purchase, et al.”
Westchester County Emergency Preparedness
Disability Rights Advocates, Westchester Disabled on the Move, Inc., and Westchester County have reached a settlement agreement that will result in significant improvements to the County’s emergency preparedness and response programs for people with disabilities who live in, work in, or travel to the County. The agreement was reached through structured negotiations without any lawsuit … Continue reading “Westchester County Emergency Preparedness”
Weimer v. U.S. Air Force
Since 2020, Disability Rights Advocates and the Law Offices of Wendy Musell have represented a group of Deaf civilian employees, applicants, and former employees in an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) case against the United States Air Force—which, despite its $190 billion annual budget, has consistently failed to provide Deaf employees and applicants with American … Continue reading “Weimer v. U.S. Air Force”
Veterans for Common Sense (VCS), et al. v. Shinseki, et al.
In January 2013, the Supreme Court declined to hear the case. Despite this disappointment, the landmark case raised national awareness of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ serious deficiencies and delays in providing veterans with the mental health care treatment and benefit determination claims they deserve and need. The case furthered awareness of veterans’ mental health … Continue reading “Veterans for Common Sense (VCS), et al. v. Shinseki, et al.”
United Spinal Association, et al. v. Board of Elections (BOE)
In 2010, DRA, United Spinal Association and Disabled in Action filed a lawsuit on behalf of all New Yorkers of voting age with mobility and vision disabilities, who face access barriers attempting to vote privately and independently at their designated polling sites in New York City year after year. After more than four years of … Continue reading “United Spinal Association, et al. v. Board of Elections (BOE)”
United Spinal Association v. N.Y. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
In July of 2011, DRA reached a settlement with the N.Y. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) that resulted in the installation of an elevator at the Dyckman Street subway station. DRA represented the United Spinal Association, whose members live with physical disabilities due to spinal cord injuries and disorders, in this lawsuit against the MTA. The … Continue reading “United Spinal Association v. N.Y. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)”
United Spinal Association et al. v. Beth Israel Medical Center et al.
In October 2017, Disability Rights Advocates and Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, on behalf of United Spinal Association, Inc. and four individuals with mobility, vision, and hearing disabilities, settled a federal class action lawsuit against Beth Israel Medical Center, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Continuum Health Partners. The hospitals are … Continue reading “United Spinal Association et al. v. Beth Israel Medical Center et al.”
UC Berkeley Accommodations Initiative Structured Negotiations
Nationwide, college students with print disabilities – individuals who cannot read standard print because of vision, physical, developmental, or learning disabilities – face major barriers and disparities to academic success because colleges and universities fail to provide these students with text books, course readers, and library research materials in alternative formats they can read. These … Continue reading “UC Berkeley Accommodations Initiative Structured Negotiations”
Tucker v. CA State Parks
In 2005, DRA reached a landmark statewide class action settlement with the California State Park System. Under the settlement, the state park agency agreed to improve access to its system of over 250 different parks through comprehensive barrier removal. The improvements include making a reasonable portion of the trail system accessible for people in wheelchairs, … Continue reading “Tucker v. CA State Parks”
Trivette v. Tennessee Department of Correction
This lawsuit, filed in March 2020 on behalf of several Deaf and hard of hearing people incarcerated in Tennessee Department of Correction (“TDOC”) facilities, challenges TDOC’s failure to provide effective communication to Deaf and hard of hearing incarcerated people, and seeks to enable them to access the same programs and services as non-disabled people who are incarcerated. Plaintiffs Kevin Trivette, … Continue reading “Trivette v. Tennessee Department of Correction”
Thompson v. Sutter Health
In December 2006, DRA filed a class action lawsuit against Sutter in California state court on behalf of individuals with mobility and sensory disabilities alleging that Sutter maintained barriers to access in three areas: (1) architectural barriers at Sutter facilities; (2) policies, practices, and procedures that did not accommodate individuals with physical disabilities at Sutter … Continue reading “Thompson v. Sutter Health”
The History of DRA’s Lawsuits Against the NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority
The New York City subway system, the lifeblood of the city, is the most convenient way for nearly all New Yorkers to get around town. However, the MTA wholly excludes hundreds of thousands of NYC residents and visitors who have a mobility disability that limits their use of stairs from the 75% of stations that … Continue reading “The History of DRA’s Lawsuits Against the NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority”
Terrill v. State of Oregon
On April 20, 2021, Disability Rights Advocates and Lynn S. Walsh filed a class action lawsuit against the State of Oregon and the Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) on behalf of current and former people with disabilities who are incarcerated and who have been charged for the costs of the prostheses and other equipment they … Continue reading “Terrill v. State of Oregon”
Taxis For All Campaign v. Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)
In January 2011, DRA and Sheppard Mullin filed a class action lawsuit against New York City and the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) on behalf of a coalition of people with disabilities, including Taxis For All Campaign, United Spinal Association, 504 Democratic Club, and Disabled In Action of Metropolitan New York, challenging the … Continue reading “Taxis For All Campaign v. Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)”
T.G. v. Kern County
Read the Class Notice in English or Spanish. On February 22, 2018, Disability Rights Advocates, in partnership with Disability Rights California (“DRC”), released a 50-page report on our 6-month investigation of the treatment of youth with disabilities at the Kern County Juvenile Hall and other Kern County juvenile detention facilities. Our investigation uncovered abuse and … Continue reading “T.G. v. Kern County”
Suffolk Independent Living Organization v. Metropolitan Transportation Authority
On July 10, 2020, Disability Rights Advocates (DRA), Kasowitz Benson Torres, and the Law Offices of James E. Bahamonde reached an agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to resolve a lawsuit alleging three LIRR stations violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to install elevators when … Continue reading “Suffolk Independent Living Organization v. Metropolitan Transportation Authority”
Stokes et al. v. Total Transit, Inc. (d/b/a Discount Cab)
Disability Rights Advocates, in partnership with the Arizona Center for Disability Law, filed this suit in November 2015, alleging that Total Transit Inc., doing business as Discount Cab, violates federal and state law by charging wheelchair users in Arizona a $10.00 fee per trip in addition to their regular fare because they require accessible taxis. … Continue reading “Stokes et al. v. Total Transit, Inc. (d/b/a Discount Cab)”
Sterling VisionCare
DRA’s client – an individual who used a wheelchair – was denied service at a Sterling VisionCare Center because he was unable to walk from his wheelchair to the examination chair. To avoid litigation, Sterling VisionCare committed to ensure that accessible examination chairs are made available to patrons with disabilities at all of its facilities, … Continue reading “Sterling VisionCare”
Spieler v. Mt. Diablo Unified School District
The Spieler v. Mt. Diablo Consent Decree negotiated in 2000, represents the most sweeping school access settlement to date under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Consent Decree created equal access to school buildings, educational programs, and social programs. Mt. Diablo School District has committed $20 million over ten years to ensure equal access for … Continue reading “Spieler v. Mt. Diablo Unified School District”
Spencer v. Providence St. Joseph Health
In July 2022, DRA filed a lawsuit in the Western District of Washington against Providence St. Joseph Health for the health care company’s failure to ensure effective communication for Deaf patients seeking medical care at Providence’s Seattle-area facilities. DRA’s clients, all of whom are Deaf and use ASL as their primary method of communication, had … Continue reading “Spencer v. Providence St. Joseph Health”
Smith, et al. v. Hotels.com
In 2009, DRA reached a landmark settlement with two major travel websites – Hotels.com and Expedia.com. Under the settlement, the major online travel service companies agreed to improve reservation services for travelers with disabilities. Both companies added new features to their travel websites to improve the ability for people with disabilities to search and reserve … Continue reading “Smith, et al. v. Hotels.com”
Smith v. City of Oakland
Image: Fox Oakland Theater via Flickr Oakland renters who need to live in accessible units are either shut out of the City’s rent control protections entirely, or forced to live in inaccessible units. If you are in either situation, we want to hear from you: contact us at 510-529-3491 or oakland.rent@dralegal.org On August 28, 2019, … Continue reading “Smith v. City of Oakland”
Senior and Disability Action v. San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
In April 2017, DRA and Legal Aid at Work filed a lawsuit against San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART), alleging that it discriminates against people with mobility disabilities and effectively excludes them from the regional mass transit system. For people with disabilities, problems that may be familiar annoyances to other riders can create … Continue reading “Senior and Disability Action v. San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)”
Sandra Lamb v. NRAD Medical Associates, et al.
In 2017, Disability Rights Advocates filed a federal lawsuit against NYU Langone-NRAD Radiology Centers on behalf of a person who uses a wheelchair after she was denied service based on her disability. None of NYU Langone-NRAD Radiology Centers’ many facilities throughout Long Island and in Queens provide the accessible medical equipment necessary for treating patients … Continue reading “Sandra Lamb v. NRAD Medical Associates, et al.”
Salsiccia v. Sharks Sports & Entertainment LLC
In March 2019, DRA filed a class action suit against Sharks Sports & Entertainment LLC (the San Jose Sharks), the City of San Jose, and the San Jose Arena Authority for their failure to make the San Jose Sharks + SAP Center mobile application accessible to those with vision disabilities. In September 2021, the parties … Continue reading “Salsiccia v. Sharks Sports & Entertainment LLC”
Ruffa v. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
On July 20, 2021, DRA filed a class action lawsuit against the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) on behalf of Deaf human resource (HR) professionals who do not have equal access to SHRM’s services because SHRM fails to provide accommodations like sign language interpreters, captioning, and timely transcripts for SHRM’s continuing education programming. SHRM … Continue reading “Ruffa v. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)”
Richard v. U-haul
In 1998, DRA settled a class action lawsuit with U-Haul, whereby U-Haul agreed to: Make significant modifications to its vehicle rental, retail, and storage facilities to bring those facilities into compliance with ADA regulations Provide accessible information to customers with disabilities regarding access and other disability-related issues Make best reasonable efforts to provide removable hand … Continue reading “Richard v. U-haul”
Prado v. City of Berkeley
On September 5, 2023, DRA initiated legal action to prevent the City of Berkeley from conducting evictions of unhoused Berkeley residents who reside on 8th and Harrison Street until there are sufficient provisions of shelter, housing, or alternative accommodations that take into consideration their disability-related needs.
Planet Fitness
On September 21, 2021, Planet Fitness, Inc., one of the largest and fastest-growing global franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Council on Independent Living, and American Council of the Blind (collectively “Coalition for Inclusive Fitness” or the “Coalition”) announced a … Continue reading “Planet Fitness”
Phillips, et al. v. City of New York, et al.
James Phillips and Daniel Carione filed this lawsuit in 2011 to challenge their termination from the New York City Police Department under a policy that discriminates against officers with hearing aids. Both individuals had exemplary service records – and both sustained hearing loss while performing their duties as police officers. Yet, the NYPD terminated their … Continue reading “Phillips, et al. v. City of New York, et al.”
PADD v. Equity Residential
In September of 2005, a settlement was reached to improve access for soldiers and their family members with disabilities to housing and access at Fort Lewis in Washington, the West Coast headquarters of the U.S. Army. DRA, Stritmatter Kessler Whelan Withey & Coluccio, Brancart & Brancart, and Trial Lawyers for Public Justice represented the plaintiffs … Continue reading “PADD v. Equity Residential”
Ochoa, et al. v. City of Long Beach, et al.
In June 2014, DRA, Goldstein, Borgen, Dardarian & Ho (GBDH), and Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC) filed a class action lawsuit against the City of Long Beach and its Mayor alleging discrimination against residents and visitors who have mobility disabilities by failing to maintain accessible sidewalks and pedestrian rights-of-way. Individuals who use wheelchairs, motorized scooters, … Continue reading “Ochoa, et al. v. City of Long Beach, et al.”
O’Hanlon v. Uber Technologies, Inc.
On June 11, 2019, DRA and co-counsel Carlson Lynch filed a class action lawsuit against Uber, challenging its failure to make wheelchair-accessible vehicles available through its popular, on-demand ridesharing service in the Pittsburgh area. Uber is a multi-billion dollar company and a major provider of transportation services in the Pittsburgh area. However, Uber fails to … Continue reading “O’Hanlon v. Uber Technologies, Inc.”
North Carolina Council of the Blind v. North Carolina State Board of Elections
On July 27, 2020, disability organizations filed a lawsuit against the North Carolina State Board of Elections for excluding North Carolinians with disabilities from their Absentee Voting program. The lawsuit charges the state agency with discrimination against voters who are unable to independently and privately mark a paper ballot due to vision disabilities. All North … Continue reading “North Carolina Council of the Blind v. North Carolina State Board of Elections”
Noon v. Alaska
DRA represented a class of all students in Alaska with learning disabilities who were required to take the Alaska High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE). The parties reached a comprehensive settlement agreement on Monday, August 2, 2004. Among other critical new access features to the testing program, the settlement included a broad expansion of the … Continue reading “Noon v. Alaska”
Netflix Settlement
In 2016, DRA reached a first-of-its-kind agreement with Netflix to make accessible for blind people the movies and videos offered through the Netflix video streaming and DVD rental subscriptions. Under the agreement, Netflix will provide a new technology called “audio description” for many popular titles in its streaming and disc rental libraries. Audio description technology … Continue reading “Netflix Settlement”
Navarro v. Mountain View
If you are a person who is houseless in Mountain View or one of the nearby communities and have parked or may park any vehicle that could be considered “oversized” by Mountain View, (over 6’ in height, 7’ in width, or 22’ in length) then click here to read the Class Notice describing a proposed … Continue reading “Navarro v. Mountain View”
National Federation of the Blind, et al., v. The City of New York, et al.
In January of 2017, Disability Rights Advocates announced a settlement of its 2016 federal lawsuit on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind (“NFB”) and three blind individuals, alleging that the City of New York and its partner, CityBridge LLC, discriminated against blind people in their LinkNYC program. LinkNYC, touted as a “first-of-its-kind communication … Continue reading “National Federation of the Blind, et al., v. The City of New York, et al.”
National Federation of the Blind, et al. v. Scribd, Inc.
In July 2014, DRA filed a lawsuit on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and Heidi Viens, challenging Scribd, Inc.’s failure to design its digital reading subscription service to work with software used by the blind. Available on desktop and mobile devices, Scribd’s service provides users access to a large library of … Continue reading “National Federation of the Blind, et al. v. Scribd, Inc.”
National Federation of the Blind of California, et al. v. Uber Technologies, Inc., et al.
Page Contents Introduction Case Background Settlement Addressing Ongoing Discrimination Introduction In 2016, DRA reached an unprecedented settlement with Uber to stop discrimination against blind people who use guide dogs on the Uber platform. DRA is currently monitoring Uber’s compliance with the settlement agreement. If you were denied service by an Uber driver because you travel … Continue reading “National Federation of the Blind of California, et al. v. Uber Technologies, Inc., et al.”
National Federation of the Blind (NFB), et al. v. Target Corporation
As technology plays a central role in many facets of our lives from communication to purchasing goods, enrolling in classes and seeking employment, it is important now more than ever to bridge the digital divide between technology and people with disabilities. In 2006, DRA represented the National Federation of the Blind and three blind plaintiffs … Continue reading “National Federation of the Blind (NFB), et al. v. Target Corporation”
National Federation of the Blind (NFB), et al. v. Ridecharge
On behalf of several blind individuals and NFB, DRA and co-counsel at LaBarre Law Offices, TRE Legal Practice, and the Law Offices of Anthony Goldsmith, filed a lawsuit against RideCharge and its related companies challenging the illegal barriers that its “Taxi Magic” point-of-sale terminals presented to blind and low-vision taxi riders in the greater Los … Continue reading “National Federation of the Blind (NFB), et al. v. Ridecharge”
National Federation of the Blind (NFB), et al. v. Law School Admissions Council (LSAC)
The Law School Admission Council’s (LSAC) website is the gateway for aspiring law students to apply to law schools and to register for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Yet, LSAC operated a website that was not accessible to blind law school applicants who use screen reader software. To challenge LSAC’s inaccessible website, DRA and … Continue reading “National Federation of the Blind (NFB), et al. v. Law School Admissions Council (LSAC)”
National Association of the Deaf v. Sirius XM
In December 2021, Disability Rights Advocates and National Association of the Deaf filed a lawsuit against three major providers of podcasts, SiriusXM, Stitcher, and Pandora, to end their exclusion of deaf and hard of hearing Americans from each company’s extensive podcast streaming service. Read the complaint here. Because Defendants do not make transcripts available for … Continue reading “National Association of the Deaf v. Sirius XM”
Mitchum v. Santa Barbara School District
DRA reached a class action settlement with the Santa Barbara School District in improved access to the District’s High School. DRA represented several students with mobility disabilities who had been subjected to discriminatory and dangerous conditions at this high school. One of the students, Liana Mitchum was struck three times by cars on her way … Continue reading “Mitchum v. Santa Barbara School District”
Metzler v. Kaiser
In March of 2001, DRA and Co-counsel John Burris reached a landmark settlement with Kaiser Permanente, to improve access to health care for people with disabilities. The settlement plan has been used as a model for the health care industry on how to deliver medical care for men, women, and children with mobility, vision, and … Continue reading “Metzler v. Kaiser”
Mental Health & Wellness Coalition v. Stanford
Disability Rights Advocates initially brought this case on behalf of the Stanford Mental Health & Wellness Coalition and three students in May 2018. On July 16, 2018, with three new students joining the suit, DRA filed a motion for class action certification requesting that the court certify a class to challenge Stanford’s system-wide policies and … Continue reading “Mental Health & Wellness Coalition v. Stanford”
McCullough v. California Department of Developmental Services
In April 2020, Disability Rights Advocates and Disability Rights California filed a class action lawsuit against the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) on behalf of deaf individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The lawsuit sought to address the state agency’s discrimination against deaf people who depend on regional center programs and services funded … Continue reading “McCullough v. California Department of Developmental Services”
Massachusetts General Hospital Structured Negotiations
In 2008, DRA and Co-counsel Greater Boston Legal Services reached a settlement through structured negotiations with Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. The hospitals agreed to make the following improvements to health care access for patients with mobility, vision, and hearing disabilities: Remove physical and programmatic barriers Provide accessible medical equipment … Continue reading “Massachusetts General Hospital Structured Negotiations”
Manderson v. New York City Department of Education
Dayniah Manderson, a tenured English teacher with over 15 years of teaching experience in New York City public schools, uses an electric wheelchair and has been unable to use a restroom at her middle school building in the Bronx for the past 13 years due to the New York City Department of Education (DOE)’s failure … Continue reading “Manderson v. New York City Department of Education”
Macy’s Cases
In one of the first cases under the ADA concerning access to business to go to trial, DRA prevailed on behalf of a class of all persons with mobility disabilities who were denied access to Macy’s flagship store at Union Square in San Francisco. Subsequently, in Camalo v. Macy’s, a global settlement was reached resolving … Continue reading “Macy’s Cases”
M.W., et al. v. United States Department of the Army, et al.
DRA filed this lawsuit to challenge a nationwide, antiquated U.S. Army policy that prohibits staff in its Child, Youth and School Services (“CYSS”) programs from administering critical medications and providing vital support to children with diabetes in their care. As long as the policy is in place, children with diabetes cannot participate safely in Army … Continue reading “M.W., et al. v. United States Department of the Army, et al.”
M.G., et al. v. New York City Department of Education, et al.
On June 22, 2021, a United States District Court approved a settlement with the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) to resolve a 2017 lawsuit brought by Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS) and two students with disabilities in the Bronx, represented by Disability Rights Advocates (DRA). The class action lawsuit challenged the DOE’s denial … Continue reading “M.G., et al. v. New York City Department of Education, et al.”
M.F. v. NYC Department of Education
In November 2018, DRA, the American Diabetes Association®, and Alan L. Yatvin of Weir Greenblatt Pierce LLP sued the New York City Department of Education (“DOE”) and other New York City agencies, alleging that these agencies systemically failed to ensure that students with diabetes could attend school safely and have access to the same educational … Continue reading “M.F. v. NYC Department of Education”
Lyft Access for Riders with Service Animals
DRA is representing the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and guide dog users in their efforts to secure equal access to Lyft’s transportation network nationwide. Lyft provides transportation services through thousands of vehicles, to consumers throughout the nation. Lyft uses smartphone applications to create a convenient, streamlined experience, dispatching cars on-demand to drive passengers … Continue reading “Lyft Access for Riders with Service Animals”
Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, et al. v. Redbox Automated Retail LLC, et al.
Self-service kiosk technology allows us to bank, shop, and conduct a wide range of transactions independently, without the assistance of a clerk. In this era of automated technology and self-service, it is important that businesses operate kiosks that allow everyone, including people with disabilities, to use their services. In January 2012, DRA, along with the … Continue reading “Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, et al. v. Redbox Automated Retail LLC, et al.”
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired v. ADP TotalSource
In September 2020, DRA filed a class action suit on behalf of San Francisco’s LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired and two of its employees against payroll processing and HR giant, ADP TotalSource and its parent company Automatic Data Processing, Inc. for failing to make their industry-leading products and services accessible to blind managers and … Continue reading “LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired v. ADP TotalSource”
Liberty Resources, Inc v. the City of Philadelphia
In August 2019, DRA filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, alleging that the City of Philadelphia discriminates against residents and visitors with disabilities that affect their mobility by failing to make its sidewalks and pedestrian routes accessible. When the lawsuit was filed, some corners … Continue reading “Liberty Resources, Inc v. the City of Philadelphia”
Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (LSPC) et al. v. Ahern et al.
In 2012, DRA filed a lawsuit on behalf of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (LSPC) and taxpayers Barbara Michel and Laura Magnani. The lawsuit alleged that Santa Rita Jail failed to provide for basic needs of people with disabilities by forcing people with mobility disabilities to live in inaccessible housing units that lacked basic … Continue reading “Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (LSPC) et al. v. Ahern et al.”
Lane Bryant Structured Negotiations
In 2012, DRA, The California Council of the Blind (CCB), and the Law Offices of Jay Koslofsky reached a cooperative agreement with Lane Bryant. As a result of the agreement, Lane Bryant has added tactile keypads to its point-of-sale devices at all of its 83 locations in California. This accessibility feature will ensure that blind … Continue reading “Lane Bryant Structured Negotiations”
Kaiser Permanente Structured Negotiations
In 2012, DRA, the California Council of the Blind (CCB), Goldstein, Borgen, Dardarian & Ho (GBDH), and three Kaiser patients with vision disabilities entered structured negotiations with Kaiser Permanente to address health care access barriers. These barriers to services, programs, and facilities compromise the health care of people who are blind or low vision. Kaiser patients … Continue reading “Kaiser Permanente Structured Negotiations”
Jantz, et al. v. Barnhart
Disabled employees of the Social Security Administration (SSA) challenged SSA’s discriminatory practice of limited job promotions and other career advancement opportunities for people with disabilities. On August 25, 2010, the EEOC Office of Federal Operations affirmed the October 8, 2008 decision of the Administrative Judge to certify the case as a class action. SSA filed … Continue reading “Jantz, et al. v. Barnhart”
Jackson v. The Board of Education of the City of Chicago
On August 29, 2019, Disability Rights Advocates and Legal Council for Health Justice filed a class action lawsuit against Chicago Public Schools (“CPS”) challenging CPS’s policy of denying free nutrition programs to students whose disabilities require them to attend therapeutic day schools (“TDS”). On June 3, 2021, Judge Young B. Kim preliminarily approved a settlement … Continue reading “Jackson v. The Board of Education of the City of Chicago”
Jackson v. Queens Borough Public Library
On November 26, 2019, Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) filed a class action lawsuit against Queens Borough Public Library, The Board of Trustees of the Queens Borough Public Library, and the City of New York, challenging the inaccessibility of Queens’ newest library branch, Hunters Point Library. Plaintiffs Tanya Jackson and Center for Independence of the Disabled … Continue reading “Jackson v. Queens Borough Public Library”
J.R. v. Oxnard School District
Disponible en español abajo. On June 9, 2017, Disability Rights Advocates, The Learning Rights Law Center, and the Law Office of Shawna L. Parks filed a lawsuit in the Central District of California on behalf of the organization Primero Los Niños and 10 individual children with disabilities, charging that the Oxnard School District does not … Continue reading “J.R. v. Oxnard School District”
Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco (ILRC), et al. v. Uber Technologies, Inc., et al.
On October 24, 2018, Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) filed a major class action lawsuit against Uber challenging the popular ride-sharing service’s lack of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The federal lawsuit was brought by a coalition of individuals and disability rights groups in the San Francisco Bay Area: the Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco, Community Resources … Continue reading “Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco (ILRC), et al. v. Uber Technologies, Inc., et al.”
Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco (ILRC), et al. v. Lyft, Inc., et al.
In March 2019, Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) filed a major class action lawsuit against Lyft challenging the popular ride-sharing service’s failure to provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles as a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The federal law suit was brought by a coalition of individuals and disability rights groups in the San Francisco Bay Area: … Continue reading “Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco (ILRC), et al. v. Lyft, Inc., et al.”
Ho v. The Hertz Corporation
In February 2024, DRA filed a class action lawsuit in the Northern District of California against national car rental company Hertz to end its systemic civil rights violations against people with disabilities who need hand controls to operate a rental car. While there are many configurations, hand controls generally consist of a mechanism that allows … Continue reading “Ho v. The Hertz Corporation”
Hinkle, et al. v. Kent, et al.
On October 18, 2018, DRA and a coalition of blind advocates filed a class action lawsuit in Federal Court against the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and its county agents for failing to provide Medi-Cal notices in accessible formats, such as Braille. The plaintiffs are the California Council of the Blind and three … Continue reading “Hinkle, et al. v. Kent, et al.”
Herrera v. New York State
On June 10, 2020, Disability Rights Advocates filed a Charge of Discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the State of New York and several of its agencies. The Charge challenges the State’s bright-line rule disqualifying anyone with binocular vision lower than 20/40 from being hired as a Mental Health Therapy Aide Trainee (MHTAT), … Continue reading “Herrera v. New York State”
Hernandez v. New York State Board of Elections
On May 22, 2020, DRA and a coalition of disability organizations filed a lawsuit against the New York State Board of Elections for excluding New Yorkers with disabilities from their Absentee Ballot program, which has expanded in response to COVID-19. The lawsuit charges the state agency with discrimination against voters who are unable to independently … Continue reading “Hernandez v. New York State Board of Elections”
HBO Max Structured Negotiations
In a landmark agreement, advocates for people who are blind obtained WarnerMedia’s pledge to increase the accessibility of HBO Max—the much-anticipated online streaming platform that was launched in May 2020. Among other commitments, the agreement provided that WarnerMedia would provide audio description on at least 1,500 hours of new and existing programming on HBO Max … Continue reading “HBO Max Structured Negotiations”
Hayward Unified School District Structured Negotiations
The Hayward Unified School District has entered into a comprehensive agreement with nonprofit law firms Disability Rights Advocates and Disability Rights California (formerly Protection & Advocacy, Inc.) and several parents to expand its voter approved District-wide modernization and new building efforts into making all its schools accessible to students with disabilities. The agreement was negotiated … Continue reading “Hayward Unified School District Structured Negotiations”
Guzman v. Wells Fargo
It is essential that all consumers have the ability to conduct business matters with companies by phone. In order for deaf and hard of hearing consumers to communicate with companies, they must use a relay calling service that involves an interpreter who facilitates communication between the consumer and business representative. In 2009, DRA investigated complaints … Continue reading “Guzman v. Wells Fargo”
Gustafson v. U.C. Berkeley
DRA reached a class action settlement with the University of California, Berkeley that is resulting in comprehensive access improvements to this leading national University. The Plaintiffs are a class of all students with mobility and/or vision disabilities at U.C. Berkeley. Under the settlement, U.C. Berkeley has been removing thousands of access barriers throughout its facilities. … Continue reading “Gustafson v. U.C. Berkeley”
Guerra v. West Los Angeles College
In July 2024, a federal judge ordered West Los Angeles College (WLAC), part of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), to restore a transportation assistance system to provide access for two disabled student plaintiffs, Charles Guerra and Karlton Bontrager, to WLAC’s steep, hilly campus by the start of the Fall 2024 semester. This case … Continue reading “Guerra v. West Los Angeles College”
Guckenberger v Boston University
In 1996, DRA filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of 10 students with learning disabilities challenging Boston University’s new policy for evaluating accommodation requests of students with learning disabilities as unreasonable, overly-burdensome, and in violation of the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Massachusetts state law. Plaintiffs challenged three aspects of Boston University’s policy: BU … Continue reading “Guckenberger v Boston University”
Griffin v. City of Los Angeles
In July 2024, on the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and four years before the Los Angeles Olympics, DRA filed a federal class action lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles for denying people with mobility disabilities full and equal access to the City’s newly constructed and renovated public park facilities, a … Continue reading “Griffin v. City of Los Angeles”
Gray, et. al v. Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), et al.
In 2008, DRA filed a lawsuit on behalf of a class of people with mobility and vision disabilities who were unable to fully participate in the Golden Gate National Recreational Area (GGNRA)’s park system due to pervasive access barriers at its parks, facilities, and programs. After approximately six years of contested litigation and extensive settlement … Continue reading “Gray, et. al v. Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), et al.”
Goodlaxson v. Baltimore
On June 10, 2021, three wheelchair users and the IMAGE Center of Maryland filed a class action lawsuit alleging widespread and ongoing violations of federal accessibility requirements by the City of Baltimore for its failure to properly install and maintain of curb ramps and sidewalks. These violations severely impact the ability of people with mobility … Continue reading “Goodlaxson v. Baltimore”
Golden 1 Center Ticketing Platform Partnership
As Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center welcomes increasing numbers of visitors back to the stadium to enjoy Kings games, concerts, and other events, community members who are blind or have low vision will notice improvements to the stadium’s online ticket purchase platform. These improvements are thanks to a February 2023 collaboration between the Golden 1 Center, … Continue reading “Golden 1 Center Ticketing Platform Partnership”
Geary v. City of Pacifica
On March 15, 2021, on behalf of five Pacifica residents who reside in RVs, Disability Rights Advocates, the ACLU Foundation of Northern California, and the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County filed a class action lawsuit against the city to strike down a law that bans RV parking within city limits. The lawsuit argues … Continue reading “Geary v. City of Pacifica”
G.F. et al. v. Contra Costa County et al.
Disability Rights Advocates in partnership with Public Counsel filed this lawsuit because Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall had a policy and practice of locking young people with disabilities in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours a day and depriving them of education. In a video, parents of young people held at Juvenile Hall say … Continue reading “G.F. et al. v. Contra Costa County et al.”
Fust v. First Urology
First Urology is a full-service urological medical and imaging practice with roughly twenty locations in Kentucky and Indiana. First Urology is required by law to buy equipment and train its staff to help people with disabilities lift onto examination and imaging tables. Instead, First Urology had a written policy stating that patients requiring assistance to … Continue reading “Fust v. First Urology”
Fraihat v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Click here for community resources (English and Spanish) including information explaining the consequences of the court’s order, who it applies to, and aspects of the decision that may be useful in your advocacy. According to the April 20, 2020 emergency order, ICE must conduct custody redeterminations for all subclass members. Click here for information on … Continue reading “Fraihat v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement”
Fowler v. California Department of Insurance
In October 2021, Disability Rights Advocates and TRE Legal Practice filed a disability rights lawsuit in California State Court against the California Department of Insurance (CDI) for its failure to ensure the accessibility of its licensing exam for insurance agents for blind applicants. The lawsuit also included claims against PSI Services, the private entity that … Continue reading “Fowler v. California Department of Insurance”
Fisher v. City of Berkeley
In August 2023, DRA filed a lawsuit against the City of Berkeley on behalf of three disabled members of the Berkeley Commission on Disability for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to allow them to attend Commission meetings remotely as an accommodation unless they subject themselves to burdensome, dangerous, and invasive requirements. Read … Continue reading “Fisher v. City of Berkeley”
FDNY’s Discrimination Against Veterans
On September 19, 2017, DRA filed a class Charge of Discrimination against the City of New York and the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) for discriminating against veterans applying for FDNY positions. On December 12, 2017, DRA filed a second Charge in the same case. The Charges are filed on behalf … Continue reading “FDNY’s Discrimination Against Veterans”
Farrell v. Allen
In 2004, the California Youth Authority (CYA), the state’s juvenile prison system, agreed to a major overhaul of the entire CYA system to address the inhumane and illegal conditions of confinement which affect young inmates in the CYA system. The case was brought under state law to stop the CYA from perpetuating illegal conditions within … Continue reading “Farrell v. Allen”
Enyart v. National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE)
In January of 2011, the Ninth Circuit Court granted Stephanie Enyart, a blind law school graduate, the right to use assistive technology to take the Multistate Bar Exam and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam. The court issued a landmark ruling that established that testing entities are required to provide accommodations that best ensure exams measure … Continue reading “Enyart v. National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE)”
EF v. New York City Department of Education
On January 26, 2021, DRA and partners filed a major class action lawsuit challenging New York City’s segregated school system for students with disabilities on Staten Island. The lawsuit alleges that the borough’s separate school district for children with disabilities, known as District 75, denies these students an equal education, forcing them into segregated … Continue reading “EF v. New York City Department of Education”
Eason, et al. v. New York State Board of Elections (NYS BOE), et al.
Disability Rights Advocates and the American Civil Liberties Union sued the New York State Board of Elections and Department of Motor Vehicles over online voter registration that is inaccessible to people with disabilities on June 9, 2016. As a result of a settlement reached on February 25, 2019, the BOE and DMV have agreed to … Continue reading “Eason, et al. v. New York State Board of Elections (NYS BOE), et al.”
Doe and Roe v. County of Los Angeles
In July 2021, Disability Rights Advocates filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of two participants in Los Angeles County’s federally-funded Master of Social Work Trainee Program, whose internship and employment offers with the County’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) were withdrawn following invasive and unnecessary psychological evaluations. Read the … Continue reading “Doe and Roe v. County of Los Angeles”
Disabled In Action of Metropolitan New York (DIA) v. The City of New York
Disability Rights Advocates filed a class action lawsuit against the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the City of New York in October 2016 on behalf of four individual plaintiffs who were unable to get into NYPD precinct stations to make crime reports, attend community safety meetings, or otherwise access the services provided at … Continue reading “Disabled In Action of Metropolitan New York (DIA) v. The City of New York”
Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA), et al. v. San Francisco Airport (SFO)
In 2005, DRA reached a settlement with San Francisco Airport (SFO) that resulted in the installation of accessibility features such as visual paging, improved access to TTYs, improved signage, and numerous other features to make travel throughout the airport accessible for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. DRA represented the Deaf Counseling, Advocacy … Continue reading “Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA), et al. v. San Francisco Airport (SFO)”
De La Rosa v. MTA (Federal case)
In May 2019, DRA filed a civil rights class action lawsuit in New York against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), challenging its prevalent, discriminatory practice of renovating New York City subway stations without installing elevators or other stair-free routes in blatant violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This illegal conduct harmed hundreds of … Continue reading “De La Rosa v. MTA (Federal case)”
D.C. Center for Independent Living, et al. v. District of Columbia
On September 9, 2014, DRA filed a class action lawsuit together with co-counsel from Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP and the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs against the District of Columbia for its failure to meaningfully include persons with disabilities in its emergency planning. People with disabilities have traditionally faced exceptionally … Continue reading “D.C. Center for Independent Living, et al. v. District of Columbia”
Curran v. City of Oakland
In May 2023, DRA filed a federal class action lawsuit against the City of Oakland on behalf of two people with mobility disabilities for denying them full and equal access to the City’s pedestrian rights of way, a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and California … Continue reading “Curran v. City of Oakland”
Complainants v. State Bar of California
In May 2023, DRA and DREDF filed a group complaint with the United States Department of Justice on behalf of four law school graduates with disabilities against the State Bar of California for consistently violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to provide accommodations on the California bar exam. Read the complaint. The State … Continue reading “Complainants v. State Bar of California”
Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) v. MobilityWorks
In October 2018, Disability Rights Advocates filed a class action lawsuit alleging that Mobility Works—the country’s largest provider of wheelchair accessible vehicles for sale or rent, and a major installer of adaptive devices—employed two policies that discriminated against drivers with disabilities. Mobility Works denied these allegations, and does not admit liability. But, after extensive negotiations, … Continue reading “Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) v. MobilityWorks”
Communities Actively Living Independent and Free (CALIF), et al. v. City of Los Angeles
The City and County of Los Angeles have experienced multiple natural disasters ranging from earthquakes, fires, and landslides; the County of L.A. has declared a state of emergency over twenty-four times since 1980. L.A.’s vulnerability to disasters highlighted the critical need to ensure that the City and County of L.A. include the safety of people … Continue reading “Communities Actively Living Independent and Free (CALIF), et al. v. City of Los Angeles”
Cole, et al. v. County of Santa Clara, et al.
Disability Rights Advocates represents Santa Clara County Jail inmates with mobility disabilities in litigation against Santa Clara County. Currently, there are no housing areas at the County Jails compliant with federal or state accessibility standards, and much of the rest of the County Jails have some sort of architectural barriers. Accordingly, some inmates report suffering … Continue reading “Cole, et al. v. County of Santa Clara, et al.”
City and County of San Francisco Structured Negotiations
Mr. Goodwin is a person of short stature who relies on a customized wheelchair for mobility. In 2011, Mr. Goodwin was travelling on a San Francisco sidewalk to catch a bus home when he fell from his wheelchair. He sustained injuries that required medical attention, and was transported by ambulance to a hospital in San … Continue reading “City and County of San Francisco Structured Negotiations”
Chiappetta vs. New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
In October 2020, Disability Rights Advocates filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of blind New Yorkers and the American Council of the Blind, New York against New York state entities, challenging the inaccessibility of “NY-Alert,” a Mass Notification System intended to warn New Yorkers and visitors of emergencies and other critical information in a … Continue reading “Chiappetta vs. New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services”
Chabner v. United of Omaha
DRA prevailed after many years of hard-fought litigation against United of Omaha Life Insurance Company. This case has positively altered the landscape of insurance coverage for people with disabilities in California. A U.S. District Court judge found that United discriminated against Howard Chabner, a man with muscular dystrophy, by charging him a life insurance premium … Continue reading “Chabner v. United of Omaha”
Center for Independent Living, Inc. (CIL), et al. v. Wal-Mart
In today’s challenging economy, many Americans are shopping at stores like Wal-Mart that offer low prices, convenience and affordability. These stores are central to activities of daily living for millions of people. Yet many of these retailers knowingly place point-of-sale machines beyond the reach of patrons with disabilities who use wheelchairs and scooters. This compromises … Continue reading “Center for Independent Living, Inc. (CIL), et al. v. Wal-Mart”
Center for Independence of the Disabled New York (CIDNY), et al. v. City of New York, et al.
In July 2014, DRA and Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP filed a class action lawsuit against the City of New York challenging widespread, dangerous curb ramps and inaccessible pedestrian routes throughout New York City neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan, where a number of critical services, including government buildings, centers for civic participation, offices, and other … Continue reading “Center for Independence of the Disabled New York (CIDNY), et al. v. City of New York, et al.”
Center for Independence of the Disabled New York (CIDNY) v. MTA (State case)
This case challenges the MTA’s failure to install elevators at all New York City’s subway stations. DRA has a second, related case challenging the MTA’s failure to maintain the few elevators that currently exist. In April 2017, DRA filed a class action lawsuit against the New York City Transit Authority (“NYCTA”), Metropolitan Transit Authority (“MTA”), … Continue reading “Center for Independence of the Disabled New York (CIDNY) v. MTA (State case)”
Center for Independence of the Disabled New York (CIDNY) v. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) (S.D.N.Y.)
This case challenges the MTA’s failure to maintain the few elevators that exist in New York City’s subway stations. DRA has resolved two separate other cases against the MTA through an agreement for the agency to install elevators in at least 95% of subway stations system-wide over the coming years. In April 2017, DRA filed … Continue reading “Center for Independence of the Disabled New York (CIDNY) v. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) (S.D.N.Y.)”
Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities (CID) v. Serra Yellow Cab
A lawsuit filed on February 24, 2016 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California alleges that Serra Yellow Cab (“Serra”) violates federal and state law by charging wheelchair users up to four times more than the standard fare because they require accessible taxis. Serra, a for-profit transportation company based in Daly … Continue reading “Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities (CID) v. Serra Yellow Cab”
Celano v. Marriott
In 2008, the Court ordered Marriott International, Inc. to provide accessible golf carts at all of its golf facilities nationwide. Accessible golf carts, also known as single-rider carts, are used by individuals with mobility impairments. The carts are operated with hand controls and have seats that swivel to get the golfer into a hitting position. … Continue reading “Celano v. Marriott”
Cardew v. New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
On August 30, 2021, Disability Rights Advocates and Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York filed a class action lawsuit against the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) on behalf of people with disabilities who are incarcerated at Five Points Correctional Facility and have been denied mobility-related accommodations they need to get … Continue reading “Cardew v. New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision”
Canellada v. Preferred Open MRI
In September 2024, Chicago resident Ramon Canellada filed a federal lawsuit against Preferred Open MRI, Ltd., d/b/a Preferred Imaging Centers, challenging its illegal refusal to provide him with healthcare services because of his disability in violation of the ADA and other disability rights laws. Open MRI provides imaging services at seven locations across the Chicagoland … Continue reading “Canellada v. Preferred Open MRI”
Caltrain Clipper Card
On behalf of several blind individuals, DRA demanded that Caltrain address the access barriers that the Clipper Card system at Caltrain stations presented to blind and low-vision passengers, such as: (1) fare gates that were difficult to locate, (2) confusing audio tones that emitted from the gates, and (3) the inability for blind and visually … Continue reading “Caltrain Clipper Card”
Californians for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR), et al. v. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
In 2010, DRA; Jose Allen, partner at Skadden, Arps, Meagher & Flom LLP; and AARP Foundation Litigation (AFL) achieved a landmark $1.1 billion dollar settlement with Caltrans, the largest architectural access settlement to date for people with disabilities. Under the settlement, Caltrans agreed to improve the surface conditions of thousands of miles of sidewalks and … Continue reading “Californians for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR), et al. v. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)”
California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC), et al. v. County of Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport serves approximately 7.9 million passengers per year yet has failed to make its facilities and services accessible to travelers with disabilities. DRA’s class action lawsuit, filed in December of 2012, alleges that the County of Sacramento discriminates against people with mobility disabilities in its operation of the newly constructed Airport Terminal B, … Continue reading “California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC), et al. v. County of Sacramento”
California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC), et al. v. City of Oakland, et al.
On January 21, 2010, in a settlement announced by DRA and the City of Oakland, Oakland agreed to adopt an emergency plan which includes the needs of people with all types of disabilities during emergency disasters. Oakland is particularly vulnerable to emergency disasters. Since 1983, it has experienced eight Presidential-declared disasters, including the 1989 Loma … Continue reading “California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC), et al. v. City of Oakland, et al.”
California Council of the Blind v. Weber
In March 2024, Disability Rights Advocates and a coalition of disability organizations and California voters with disabilities filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Norther District of California against the California Secretary of State to (SOS) to challenge discrimination in the state’s vote-by-mail program. Later in March 2024, DRA filed a motion … Continue reading “California Council of the Blind v. Weber”
California Council of the Blind (CCB) et al. v. County of Alameda et al.
Voting privately and independently is one of the most fundamental and cherished American rights. In July 2013, DRA filed a lawsuit against the County of Alameda challenging discrimination faced by voters with disabilities who are denied an equal opportunity to vote on Election Day. The suit was brought by California Council of the Blind and … Continue reading “California Council of the Blind (CCB) et al. v. County of Alameda et al.”
Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID), et al., v. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy
On March 16, 2017, DRA filed a class action lawsuit against the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy for their failure to make the Franklin Delano Roosevelt (“FDR”) Memorial accessible for persons with mobility disabilities. The obstacles include a flight of stairs at the very … Continue reading “Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID), et al., v. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy”
Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID), et al. v. Mayor Bloomberg, et al.
This federal class action lawsuit was filed in September of 2011. More than a decade after 9/11, New Yorkers with disabilities continued to face disproportionate risks of catastrophic harm and death during disasters – as Hurricanes Irene had shown, and as Sandy soon demonstrated. The class of 900,000 New York residents with disabilities included people with vision, … Continue reading “Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID), et al. v. Mayor Bloomberg, et al.”
Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS), et al. v. Union Community Health Center (UCHC), et al.
In September 2016, Disability Rights Advocates announced a settlement of its federal class-action lawsuit on behalf of Bronx Independent Living Services (“BILS”) and three individuals with disabilities in the Bronx, alleging that the Union Community Health Center (“UCHC”) and St. Barnabas Hospital discriminate against patients with disabilities. Specifically, the suit had alleged that the UCHC … Continue reading “Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS), et al. v. Union Community Health Center (UCHC), et al.”
Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS) v. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
Disability Rights Advocates filed a class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) and New York City Transit Authority (“NYCTA”) on June 28, 2016 challenging their failure to install an elevator when they completed a $21.85 million rehabilitation to the Middletown Road … Continue reading “Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS) v. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)”
Breimhorst v. ETS
This case received major national attention as it challenged the practice of “flagging” test scores for students with disabilities who ask for accommodations. Flagging is the practice by which administrators of standardized tests place notations on the score reports of people with disabilities who take the exams with accommodations for their disabilities. Since its implementation … Continue reading “Breimhorst v. ETS”
Bloom et al v. City of San Diego
In November 2017, DRA and partners filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of San Diego residents who depend on their vehicles as their only form of shelter against the City of San Diego, challenging the constitutionality of the City’s enforcement of the Vehicle Habitation Ordinance (VHO) and the Oversized Vehicle Ordinance (OVO). The VHO … Continue reading “Bloom et al v. City of San Diego”
Blanks v. San Francisco Federal Credit Union
In September of 2015, San Francisco Federal Credit Union overhauled its website. Suddenly, Credit Union member Marco Salsiccia, who is blind, discovered he was unable to use the Credit Union’s online banking services independently. “I could no longer log in to my account like I had before,” he recalled. “I had to get a sighted … Continue reading “Blanks v. San Francisco Federal Credit Union”
Battle v. Tennessee
In 2022, DRA joined the plaintiffs’ counsel team in Disability Rights Tennessee’s lawsuit on behalf of several d/Deaf Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or mental health disabilities and Disability Rights Tennessee to challenge the State of Tennessee’s failure to ensure that effective communication is provided to d/Deaf people who receive services from the Tennessee … Continue reading “Battle v. Tennessee”
Bates v. UPS
After 10 years of hard fought litigation, including an appeal to the Ninth Circuit, DRA and Co-counsel Schneider Wallace Cottrell Brayton Konecky LLP reached a settlement with UPS on the remaining issue in this class action case. The settlement resolves the question of whether UPS may use the Department of Transportation hearing standard as a … Continue reading “Bates v. UPS”
BART Clipper Card
On behalf of the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired and several blind individuals, DRA demanded that BART address the access barriers that the Clipper Card system at BART stations presented to blind and low-vision passengers. Specifically, Clipper Card readers at BART fare gates did not provide any audible feedback. As a consequence, blind … Continue reading “BART Clipper Card”
Barden v. Sacramento
This case set a nationwide precedent requiring cities and other public entities to make all public sidewalks accessible to people with mobility and vision disabilities. The court ruled that public entities must address barriers such as missing or unsafe curb cuts throughout the public sidewalk system, as well as barriers that block access along the … Continue reading “Barden v. Sacramento”
Audio Description in AMC Theaters
AMC has agreed to improve audio description service in its theaters nationwide, after several blind individuals, the California Council of the Blind, and the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired (LightHouse) brought a case against the theater chain. Audio description technology enables people who are blind or low-vision to participate in and enjoy the … Continue reading “Audio Description in AMC Theaters”
Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA), et al. v. Cinemark
Going to the movies is a central part of American life, which the deaf and hard of hearing community has been largely excluded from up until DRA’s recent settlement with Cinemark Theaters, the third largest movie chain in the country. In November of 2010, DRA and Co-counsel John Waldo filed a class action lawsuit on … Continue reading “Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA), et al. v. Cinemark”
Anthony v. New York State Department of Corrections & Community Supervision (DOCCS)
In May 2024, DRA filed a class action lawsuit along with The Legal Aid Society and Winston & Strawn LLP on behalf of incarcerated New Yorkers with disabilities against the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (“DOCCS”) and the New York State Office of Mental Health (“OMH”) for their ongoing violations of … Continue reading “Anthony v. New York State Department of Corrections & Community Supervision (DOCCS)”
American Council of the Blind, Michael Godino, et al. v. Keenwawa, Inc., d/b/a Eatsa
In September 2017, Disability Rights Advocates announced a settlement of its federal lawsuit on behalf of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and members of the blind community against eatsa, a growing, national fast-casual restaurant chain. eatsa utilizes a high-tech service model in which customers order meals via its smartphone app or at an … Continue reading “American Council of the Blind, Michael Godino, et al. v. Keenwawa, Inc., d/b/a Eatsa”
American Council of the Blind of New York, Inc., v. The City of New York
On June 27, 2018, DRA, on behalf of the American Council of the Blind of New York (“ACBNY”) and two individual plaintiffs, filed a landmark class action lawsuit against the New York City Department of Transportation. According to the suit, New York City violated federal law by failing to systematically implement audible and tactile pedestrian … Continue reading “American Council of the Blind of New York, Inc., v. The City of New York”
American Council of the Blind of Metropolitan Chicago vs. City of Chicago
In September 2019, DRA and Proskauer Rose LLP, on behalf of the American Council of the Blind of Metropolitan Chicago and three individual plaintiffs, filed a landmark class action lawsuit against the Chicago Department of Transportation. The lawsuit alleges that Chicago ignores blind pedestrians in its pedestrian planning, sometimes ignoring their safety needs and sometimes … Continue reading “American Council of the Blind of Metropolitan Chicago vs. City of Chicago”
American Council of the Blind of Indiana v. Indiana Election Commission
Indiana voters with print disabilities can now use their own assistive technology to cast their absentee ballot privately and independently, due to a historic settlement agreement reached in January 2023. As a result of the settlement, the state has agreed to acquire a new remote accessible ballot marking tool that will allow these voters to … Continue reading “American Council of the Blind of Indiana v. Indiana Election Commission”
AMC Theaters Structured Negotiations
Leveraging our success in ALDA v. Cinemark, we achieved a similar result with AMC Theaters on behalf of the Association of Late Deafened Adults (ALDA). In 2011, on the heels of our settlement with Cinemark, AMC agreed to offer closed captioning for 127 screens in California by mid-2012, and projects that number to grow to … Continue reading “AMC Theaters Structured Negotiations”
Amazon.com Structured Negotiations
DRA reached a settlement through structured negotiations with Amazon.com on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind. Under the settlement, Amazon.com agreed to make its website, as well as several affiliated websites, fully accessible to people with disabilities who use assistive technology to read and navigate internet websites. This was a monumental achievement for … Continue reading “Amazon.com Structured Negotiations”
Adam X. v. New Jersey Department of Corrections
Please see the notice to individuals who may be impacted by the class action settlement agreement at the following link: https://bit.ly/3H8v9Ln . The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) will drastically improve the provision of special education services for people in its prisons, according to a settlement preliminarily approved by the federal District Court for … Continue reading “Adam X. v. New Jersey Department of Corrections”
Access to Health Care in New York City
Do you have a disability? Do you face barriers at hospitals or clinics? Exam rooms too small? Waiting rooms are too crowded with furniture? Exam tables too high? Examined while still in your wheelchair? MRI machines and mammograms inaccessible? No accessible weight scales? No ASL interpreters? No information in Braille or large print? Staff does … Continue reading “Access to Health Care in New York City”
ACB v. Hulu LLC
Beginning in November 2017, Disability Rights Advocates and the Disability Law Center, Inc.represented the American Council of the Blind,Bay State Council of the Blind, and two individuals in litigation against Hulu, LLC to address the video streaming company’s failure to provide audio description and failure to maintain a website and applications that are accessible via … Continue reading “ACB v. Hulu LLC”
Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services, et al. v. Northwest Hospital & Medical Center et al.
Northwest Hospital & Medical Center has agreed to implement policy changes to ensure that its patient-focused healthcare services are accessible to individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing. Hospitals are required to provide patients and companions with auxiliary aids and services—such as qualified sign language interpreters or assistive listening devices—that are necessary for effective … Continue reading “Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services, et al. v. Northwest Hospital & Medical Center et al.”
A.S.K. v. Oregon
As a result of a lawsuit filed by Disability Rights Advocates (DRA), Oregon undertook extensive steps to modify its high stakes testing system to ensure that the tests do not discriminate against students with learning disabilities. The settlement is based on the findings of an expert panel that was convened by the parties to examine … Continue reading “A.S.K. v. Oregon”
A.C. v. Los Angeles Unified School District
Disability Rights Advocates and Learning Rights Law Center filed suit to challenge an administrative law judge’s ruling that let a major school district off the hook for failing to ensure provision of special education services to a young student at one of its charter schools. After the plaintiff was wrongly exited from special education at … Continue reading “A.C. v. Los Angeles Unified School District”