USDOT March 24th Public Meeting on Air Travel by Wheelchair Users

March 22, 2022
The Department of Transportation (DOT) says it wants to improve air travel for wheelchair users and is hosting a virtual public meeting on Thurs, Mar. 24 from 10:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. EDT to talk about the problem. During this meeting, there will be an opportunity to hear directly from DOT representatives, as well as disability rights organizations and their members about the difficulties encountered during air travel. It will also be a chance for airlines to discuss the challenges they face in providing accessible air transportation and the actions they are taking (or plan to take) to improve air travel. [...]

It’s What We Hoped Would Happen: HEALTHCARE STORIES

January 12, 2014
It's absolutely satisfying to see DREDF's HEALTHCARE STORIES videos make their way into the hands of our primary target audiences: providers of healthcare services and medical educators. On January 24, 2014, Mary Lou Breslin will screen a selection of our HEALTHCARE STORIES at the University of California, San Francisco, one of the leading medical centers and schools in the US.

Wal-Mart Press Release

July 25, 2012
San Francisco, California — A class action lawsuit filed today against leading national retailer Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Wal-Mart) in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California challenges Wal-Mart's continuing practice of knowingly placing point-of-sale machines beyond the reach and accessibility of people with disabilities who use wheelchairs and scooters. The lawsuit is the first of its kind in the country and is filed nearly 22 years to the day after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the country's landmark law guaranteeing people with disabilities the equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of our nation's society and economy, including shopping with dignity and respect.

Center for Independent Living, et al., v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

July 25, 2012
DREDF and co-counsel filed a lawsuit against Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. on behalf of the Center for Independent Living and two individuals to address a widespread problem that impacts core concerns for wheelchair and scooter users: independence and privacy at point-of-sale terminals (POS). POS machines that are not at accessible heights make it difficult or impossible for wheelchair and scooter users to independently and privately check out using a credit or debit card. When POS machines are out of reach, people must disclose their confidential PIN to cashiers or rely on others to verify and authorize payments.

Kmart Notice

July 23, 2012
If You Use A Wheelchair Or Scooter And Shopped At Kmart, You Could Get A Payment From A Class Action Settlement

Posted in Uncategorized

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.

Settlement of San Francisco Lawsuit to Create New Community Services for Seniors and Adults With Disabilities

November 27, 2007
San Francisco, California — Mitch Katz, San Francisco's director of public health, announced today that a preliminary settlement has been reached in the civil rights class action regarding expanded community-based living options for seniors and people with disabilities in San Francisco (Chambers et al. v. the City and County of San Francisco). The results will be improved coordination of care and greatly increased housing options and other services. The new program, called "Success at Home" will provide people with "a single door to independent living," said Katz. "We are very pleased to be taking this innovative next step."

Good News Ahead for Amtrak Thruway Bus Passengers in California

September 8, 2000
Berkeley, California — Beginning in Fall 2000, Amtrak guests with mobility disabilities using wheelchairs who ride Thruway Buses will enjoy consistent access advantages in California travel. The planned benefits were are announced today by America's national passenger railroad, and by bus companies Serendipity Land Yachts and Antelope Valley Bus Company who operate Thruway bus service for Amtrak in California.