Is this a situation you have experienced?
- You are a person with a disability and use a wheelchair;
- You have visited a non-accessible building;
- You want to return to enjoy all the amenities of that building.
If so, you have encountered a barrier involving wheelchair access. You now have what is called “legal standing” in Federal Court litigation.
You could make your mark on civil rights law, the way hundreds of people have since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was first passed, just by standing up for your rights.
STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Some people think that the ADA means that access for people with disabilities is a “done deal.” You know, however, that barriers still remain—far too many barriers. In reality, ADA law is still being refined, and enforcement is still in the hands of individuals like you.
On December 5th, 2014, the Justice Department announced a settlement with a bus company in Virginia to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.
Vanita Gupta, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division made this statement: “Intercity bus service is a growing and effective means of affordable transportation across this country. People with disabilities must be able to count on accessible bus service that is equal to the service provided to others.”
The company in question had a number of violations:
- Did not have accessible buses available for every trip;
- Required people with disabilities to give advance notice before going on a trip;
- Did not report the data on passengers with disabilities who used a lift to board the bus;
- Had not provided training for their employees on accessibility requirements.
Somebody noticed. Somebody spoke up. And because they did, that bus company is now being held accountable and is making changes that improve accessibility for a lot of people.
ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS
It could be your turn.
But perhaps you’re unsure about the nature and extent of the violations you have encountered. Maybe you’re not sure about how to proceed.
That’s understandable. The law is complicated. Call Access Advocates and together we’ll figure it out.
At Access Advocates we have over 20 years of experience and are experts in working with people like you (people with all types of disabilities, not just people who use wheelchairs) to bring buildings into ADA compliance.
Best of all, our assistance is at no cost to you.
Let’s begin. Contact us and be part of the effort to keep the wheels of justice rolling in the right direction.