Judge Certifies Class of Three Million Visually Impaired Beneficiaries in Social Security Administration Lawsuit

September 12, 2008
San Francisco, California — On Thursday, September 11, 2008, Judge William Alsup of the US District Court for the Northern District of California granted class certification in a disability rights action in which plaintiffs argue that the Social Security Administration (SSA) fails to provide its communications in alternative formats that would enable people with visual impairments to have equal access to SSA programs as required by federal disability civil rights laws and the US Constitution.

Have it Your Way at Burger King? Not if You Use a Wheelchair

September 10, 2008
The lawsuit, Castaneda v. Burger King Corporation, was filed on behalf of thousands of wheelchair- and scooter-using Burger King customers who face a series of unnecessary physical barriers at the fast food restaurants in California, including inaccessible dining areas, parking lots and restrooms; narrow or steep sidewalks or ramps; and queue lines that are too narrow for wheelchairs. The lawsuit asks the federal court for an injunction to require the fast food giant to remove these barriers and fix the discriminatory practices.

Burger King Corporation

September 10, 2008
In September 2008, DREDF and co-counsel filed a class action lawsuit against Burger King for violations of state and federal civil rights disability access laws in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco. The suit asked Burger King to remove the barriers in their stores and fix their discriminatory practices. The initial case included ten Burger King stores in California and settled in 2010. A second case was brought in 2011 covering 86 additional Burger King restaurants. A settlement was approved in October 2012.

Judge Rules Social Security Administration Must Accommodate Blind Beneficiaries

April 24, 2008
San Francisco, California — On Wednesday, April 23, 2008, Judge William Alsup of the US District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that the US Social Security Administration (SSA) must accommodate the real and legitimate needs of people with visual impairments who receive benefits from SSA. The agency is required under the Rehabilitation Act and the due process clause, the ruling states, to provide communications in formats that are accessible to these beneficiaries.

National Council on Independent Living honors DREDF’s Marilyn Golden

July 9, 2007
National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) acknowledged DREDF's Marilyn Golden for her leadership in opposing assisted suicide bills in the California legislature. NCIL awarded Ms. Golden the NCIL Region IX Advocacy Award for her dedication to promoting the rights of people with disabilities and advancing the Independent Living movement.

24 Hour Fitness Welcomes Patrons with Disabilities

December 13, 2005
Through an amicable collaboration, the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, Inc. ("DREDF") and 24 Hour Fitness have reached consensus regarding issues concerning access for patrons with disabilities at 24 Hour Fitness clubs. The gym chain has confirmed its long-standing commitment to comply with disability rights laws by making reasonable modifications to club policies to enable people with disabilities to participate in fitness activities.

Blind Beneficiaries Sue Social Security Administration

November 16, 2005
SSA Fails to Provide Accessible Communications The American Council of the Blind and a group of individuals who are blind or have vision impairments today filed a class action lawsuit against the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), alleging that the agency fails to provide the most basic accommodations to its blind applicants and beneficiaries.

Laguna Honda Hospital Lawsuit Settles

December 18, 2003
Judge Saundra B. Armstrong of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, today preliminarily approved settlement of a class action lawsuit against San Francisco and several State agencies brought on behalf of present and potential residents of Laguna Honda Hospital (LHH) and the Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco (ILRCSF). "This settlement represents a positive first step in establishing the rights of people with disabilities, including seniors, to receive services in their homes and communities rather than in institutions," says Kim Swain, lead counsel in the case from the Oakland office of Protection & Advocacy, Inc. (PAI), a non-profit agency that works to advance the rights of people with disabilities.

Zepeda and Zepeda v. County of San Mateo (California)

December 3, 2003
Hours after Marco and Adelina Zepeda gave birth to their healthy seven-pound son, Rivaldo, San Mateo County, California Child Protective Services attempted to remove the infant from his parents and place him in foster care while they began an investigation of the family's fitness as parents.

Tennessee v. Lane

November 12, 2003
DREDF filed an amicus curiae brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Tennessee v. Lane on behalf of the of former US Attorney General Richard Thornburgh, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), and ADA Watch, which argued that Congress had the power to enact all of Title II of the ADA, enabling disabled persons to participate in critical facets of American life and helping to achieve full integration.