ADA News and Information
Legal Victory for Deaf Patients (7/9/19)
A deaf patient won an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) arbitration claim filed against Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and others, alleging Kaiser failed to make appropriate accommodations for him. Included in the court’s decision are requirements that Kaiser South Sacramento provide training for staff regarding recognizing the signs of a... Read more...
DOJ Celebrates 20th Anniversary of the Olmstead Supreme Court Decision (6/21/19)
Twenty years ago this week, the U.S. Supreme Court in Olmstead v. L.C. determined that the confinement of people with disabilities in institutions who are otherwise eligible for community-based programs violates the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The result was that people with disabilities who can handle and benefit from... Read more...
TIME WARNER CABLE AND CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS TO PAY $99,500 TO SETTLE EEOC DISABILITY LAWSUIT (5/30/19)
According to the EEOC's lawsuit, an employee requiring a leave of absence for surgery to remove a cancerous nodule from her thyroid was fired while she was recovering from surgery, 10 days after the surgery and three weeks before she was set to return to work. The EEOC charged that... Read more...
CORIZON HEALTH / CORIZON LLC TO PAY $950,000 TO SETTLE NATIONWIDE EEOC DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT (5/16/19)
Corizon Health Inc. and Corizon LLC have agreed to pay $950,000 and provide other significant relief in a public consent decree to settle a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced today. The Corizon companies provide health care in jails and corrections... Read more...
VERONA RESORT AND SPA TO PAY $16,000 TO SETTLE EEOC PREGNANCY AND DISABILITY SUIT (5/13/19)
EEOC filed suit against Polaris Guam LLC dba Verona Resort and Spa in 2017, charging that the company refused to allow an employee with gestational diabetes to be allowed to wear open-toed shoes and be able to sit while fulfilling her duties as front desk agent. Verona failed to provide... Read more...
Over $3.25 Million Paid by Greyhound to Individuals in Disability Settlement (5/2/19)
The Department of Justice announced payments by Greyhound Lines, Inc. totaling $2,966,000 to over 2,100 individuals who experienced disability discrimination while traveling or attempting to travel on Greyhound. The payments were part of a broader settlement from 2016 resolving the Department’s complaint that Greyhound, the nation’s largest provider of intercity... Read more...
Federal data reveals hundreds of wheelchairs mishandled monthly by airlines (5/2/19)
A new federal law authored by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is forcing airlines to reveal how much they break or lose wheelchairs."This isn't a destroyed bag, or this isn't the inconvenience for ripped clothing. This is somebody's mobility." (WIFR) Read more...
Safeway to Pay $75,000 to Settle EEOC Disability Discrimination Lawsuit (4/19/19)
An applicant who was deaf applied on line for a job at Safeway and was selected for an interview. He then requested an interpreter for the in-person meeting. He did not receive a call-back about the request for an interpreter or the interview. The position was subsequently filled. Read more...
EEOC Releases Fiscal Year 2018 Enforcement and Litigation Data (4/10/19)
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today released detailed breakdowns for the 76,418 charges of workplace discrimination the agency received in fiscal year 2018. The data show that disability was the third most frequently filed charge with 24,605 charges (32.2 percent). Read more...
U.S. Department of Justice reaches voluntary compliance agreement with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). (4/1/19)
The complaint alleged that AICPA and NASBA discriminated on the basis of disability in failing to provide necessary testing accommodations for individuals who are blind or have low vision in the provision of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Exam. Read more...
Pacific ADA Center Training Workshop for the 2019 CASp Examination (3/4/19)
Pacific ADA Center will offer a four-day workshop to provide a comprehensive review of the relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully pass the examination to become a CASp in the State of California. Read more...
Uber, Lyft to pay into fund to provide wheelchair-accessible trips (2/28/19)
“Accessibility in ride-hailing services for individuals who use motorized wheelchairs has been lacking. Thanks to the new TNC Access for All Act (SB 1376), ride-hailing services will be rolling out a new wheelchair-accessible program in California by July 1, 2019. This will help to ensure equivalent service for wheelchair users.” Read more...
DOJ Settlement with Selma Medical Associates (1/31/19)
Selma Medical Associates, Inc., a privately-owned medical facility providing primary and specialty care, allegedly refused to accept an individual with opioid use disorder (OUD) as a patient in a family practice due to the individual’s use of Suboxone, a prescription medication for treatment of OUD. Read more...
Ninth Circuit Reverses Robles v. Dominos Pizza LLC, Holds ADA Title III Suits Don’t Violate Due Process Rights (1/15/19)
A recent website accessibility decision out of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act to websites, while dismissing arguments that doing so would violate the due process rights of defendants in the absence of regulations from the Department of Justice. Read more...
ADA National Network Learning Session: The latest in American Red Cross efforts to integrate people with disabilities in emergency planning and response. (1/10/19)
The webinar will outline the American Red Cross Disability Integration program that is rolled out across the US to Red Cross regions and Divisions. Current disaster relief operational successes, such as the video relay phone installations and sensory kit distribution will be discussed along with the challenges that arise during... Read more...
White Paper: Local offices of emergency management (OEM) and preparedness for people with disabilities (12/14/18)
The increased frequency and severity of large scale natural disaster events in the US is well documented. In 2016, there were 103 Presidential Declared disasters, almost a 25% increase over 2015. This past year, 2017, the US experienced 217 large scale natural disaster events. These included hurricanes, tornadoes, severe weather,... Read more...
100 Percent Healed Policies – One of the EEOC's Enforcement Priorities (11/21/18)
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) is making it a priority to educate employers whose policies require an employee returning from medical leave to be fully recovered and to work without any restrictions. According to the EEOC’s 2016 guidance leave under the ADA, an employer will violate the ADA... Read more...
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year’s theme is “America’s Workforce: Empowering All”. (10/1/18)
NDEAM is a nationwide campaign that celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities throughout American history. Read more...
NEW U.S. Access Board animations on accessible sales and service counters (8/8/18)
NEW U.S. Access Board animations on accessible sales and service counters are available now as part of its online guide to standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). You can view all the animations here. Read more...
28 Years of the American with Disabilities Act (7/26/18)
View the most recent report on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) enforcement from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) “28 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act”. Read more...
Today marks the 28th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). (7/26/18)
For a timeline on the history of the ADA go to https://adata.org/ada-timeline. Read more...
ADA Movie Captioning and Audio Description Rule Equipment Deadline takes Effect this Month (6/28/18)
The ADA Title III Movie Captioning and Audio Description Rule contains requirements to have and maintain the equipment necessary to provide closed movie captioning and audio description whenever showing a digital movie made available with these features. These requirements went into effect this month for covered movie theaters that have... Read more...
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Teachers Test Prep to Ensure Equal Access for Individuals with Disabilities (6/27/18)
The Justice Department today reached a settlement agreement with Teachers Test Prep Inc, (TTP), to resolve allegations that it violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by not offering its online courses in a manner accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and by... Read more...
Traveling by Air with Service Animals Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) (6/12/18)
The U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on amending its Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulation on transportation of service animals. Read more...
Curb Cuts (5/31/18)
If you live in an American city and you don’t personally use a wheelchair, it’s easy to overlook the small ramp at most intersections, between the sidewalk and the street. Today, these curb cuts are everywhere, but fifty years ago — when an activist named Ed Roberts was young —... Read more...
Opioid Crisis: Keeping the Workplace Drug-Free and ADA Compliant (5/31/18)
The opioid epidemic is affecting workplaces across the country. Because opioids can be lawfully prescribed (but are increasingly abused), employers must tread carefully when taking adverse action against opioid users to avoid running afoul of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Read more...
Coconino County, AZ, agrees to ensure Accessible Voting (5/8/18)
The U.S. Justice Department recently reached a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with Coconino County, Arizona, to make the County’s polling places, including over a dozen polling places located on Indian reservations, accessible to individuals with mobility and vision impairments. The County will also train its... Read more...
U.S. Access Board Launches YouTube Channel (4/23/18)
The U.S. Access Board has launched its own channel on YouTube to further share and disseminate information. It features a message from Executive Director David M. Capozzi on the Board's mission and the services it provides to the public. Animations on accessibility that the Board has developed as part of... Read more...
Federal Communications Commission Seeks Comments on Accessibility of Communications Technologies Required by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (4/5/18)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeks comments filed electronically or on paper by May 8, 2018 on the state of accessibility of services and equipment used with analog and digital telephone handsets, cordless phones, “mobile” or wireless services, and smart phones. Read more...
For Aspiring Doctors with Disabilities, Many Medical Schools Come Up Short (4/5/18)
One medical resident with a physical disability was about a year and a half into training when the medical institution finally installed an automatic door he needed. Another student faced frustrations when arranging accommodations for taking tests, with it seeming like the medical school was "making up rules along the... Read more...
Text-to-911 launches in metro Phoenix (4/2/18)
People who need emergency services in the metro Phoenix area have a new way to ask for help: via text message. After spending $150,000 on software updates and dispatcher training, the Maricopa County Association of Governments launched text-to-911 capabilities Monday. Read more...
2017 Profile of Older Americans (4/1/18)
A Profile of Older Americans: 2017, an annual summary of the latest statistics on the older population compiled primarily from U.S. Census data, is now available as a web-based publication in a user friendly format along with data tables and charts in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Read more...
U.S. Access Board to Hold Town Hall Meeting in Phoenix on May 23, 2018 (3/21/18)
On May 23, 2018, the U.S. Access Board will hold a town hall meeting in Phoenix where members of the public can pose questions to the Board and share comments or concerns related to accessibility. There also will be panel discussions with local speakers on specific topics. Read more...
Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Learning Care Group Inc. to Resolve ADA Violations (3/20/18)
The Justice Department has reached a settlement agreement with Learning Care Group (LCG), the second largest for-profit child care provider in North America. The settlement agreement resolves complaints under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that LCG was discriminating against children with insulin dependent diabetes, on the basis of disability,... Read more...
Nevada law requires prescription drug label readers (1/31/18)
Effective January 1, 2018, a Nevada law now requires retail community pharmacies to provide free prescription medication bottle label readers for customers with vision or reading disabilities. The label reader must be provided upon request from the individual who uses the medication for the length of the prescription. Read more...
See EEOC’s Public Portal for general inquiries, making appointments and submitting complaints (1/25/18)
Click the "Read More" link below for more information or to access the portal. Read more...
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Digest (1/22/18)
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently announced the latest edition of its federal sector Digest of Equal Employment Opportunity Law. Read more...
Delta Enhanced Requirements for Customers Traveling with Service or Support Animals (1/19/18)
In compliance with the Air Carrier Access Act, Delta provides in-cabin travel for service and support animals without charge. Delta’s new guidelines, effective March 1, 2018, require that all customers traveling with a service or support animal show proof of health or vaccinations 48 hours in advance. Read more...
Court Vacates EEOC Rules on Wellness Disclosures (1/8/18)
A federal district court vacated the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) rules on how employers’ wellness programs must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Genetic Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). Read more...
ASL Services Available at EEOC (12/29/17)
Deaf and hard of hearing persons whose primary language is American Sign Language (ASL) may communicate directly with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) about issues of discrimination they may be facing. EEOC representatives who are fluent in ASL are available to take complaints, answer questions and guide callers... Read more...
FHWA Issues Guide on Accessible Shared Streets (12/4/17)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released a guide on access to shared streets for people with vision impairments. Read more...
Chariot Transit, Inc. enters landmark settlement agreement with the United States Attorney's Office (11/29/17)
Chariot Transit, Inc. entered a landmark settlement agreement with the United States Attorney's Office to resolve allegations that the San Francisco-based company violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against customers with disabilities. Read more...
U.S. Department of Education Releases Parent & Educator Guide on Section 504 in Public Elementary & Secondary Schools (1/25/17)
The Office for Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Education recently released several guidance documents, including a Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools. Read more...
Justice Department Publishes Final Rule on Movie Captioning and Audio Description (1/19/17)
The U.S. Department of Justice has published an advance copy of a final rule that amends its regulation implementing title III of the ADA, which covers public accommodations and commercial facilities - including movie theaters. Read more...
U.S. Access Board Issues Standards for Medical Diagnostic Equipment (1/11/17)
The U.S. Access Board has issued new accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) under section 510 of the Rehabilitation Act. The standards provide design criteria for examination tables and chairs, weight scales, radiological and mammography equipment, and other diagnostic equipment that are accessible to people with disabilities. Read more...
U.S. Access Board Updates Requirements for Information and Communication Technology (1/11/17)
The U.S. Access Board released a final rule that updates accessibility requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) in the federal sector covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The rule also refreshes guidelines for telecommunications equipment subject to Section 255 of the Communications Act. Read more...