As someone with a disability, you probably take note of accessibility issues in your area. What works, what doesn’t, and what could use some improvements — chances are, you’re aware of all these issues. Something else you should be aware of is news related to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA has been in the news quite a bit lately. Here are some of the stories you should know:
- Senator Plans to Change ADA
Republican senator Jeff Flake of Arizona wants to “extortion attempts” made by people with disabilities filing lawsuits against companies that aren’t accessible. He believes there needs to be a grace period of 120 days, during which time the business in question could then fix the problem without anyone taking legal action.
- Schools Not Following ADA Regulations
If you live in Virginia or California, you may already be aware of the problems with public schools and universities not following regulations. In California, the Department of Justice has leveled claims against UC Berkeley, and three students have filed civil rights complaints against public schools in Danville, Virginia.
- Lawsuits Give ADA a Bad Name
It’s been suggested that frequent lawsuits filed for minor infractions are giving the ADA a bad name, and in turn hurting the very people it’s supposed to help. Some lawyers have filed more than a dozen lawsuits, and it’s making people wary. With so many lawsuits, some have suggested that it’s a money venture and nothing more.
As a person with a disability, it’s important to stay informed about these and other issues that arise in regard to the ADA. If you’d like to learn more, contact Access Advocates today.