The city of Chicago has been labeled liable for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A federal judge cited the city failed to provide accessible pedestrian signals for those who have low vision or are blind. Thus Chicago has made it impossible for them to safely cross intersections across the city.
City of Chicago Accused of Discrimination
The Department of Justice moved to intervene in a disability discrimination lawsuit that individuals with visual impairments brought against the city of Chicago under the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act. The complaint filed by the federal government accused the City of providing adequate accessible pedestrian signals (APSs) at intersections.
Meaning they didn’t provide individuals who are deaf-blind, have low vision, or are blind with the equivalent of “walk/don’t walk” visual signals that indicate when it is safe for pedestrians to cross the street.
For example, they would need to include devices that use audible tones, vibrotactile surfaces, and speech messages to communicate it is safe to cross.
Since 2006, Chicago has recognized a need to install adequate accessible pedestrian signals for pedestrians with visual disabilities. However, since the federal government has intervened the City has only provided nearly 2,800 (fewer than 1%) APSs.
Judge’s Decision
United States District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo sided with the private plaintiffs and the federal government on March 31. Bucklo decided to hold Chicago in violation of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
The judge cited the City had only provided a “minuscule portion” of the needed accessible pedestrian signals. Furthermore, Chicago failed “to provide ‘meaningful access’ to its network of existing facilities.” Additionally, they faltered in ensuring they built new signals “designed and constructed in such a manner as to be ‘readily accessible’ by blind individuals.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated that “Federal law offers [individuals] with visual [impairments] the promise of full participation in community life.” Adding that “safely navigating city streets is a critical part of that.”
By Sheena Robertson
WGN9: Federal judge finds City of Chicago liable, violated Americans with Disabilities Act
The United States Department of Justice: City Of Chicago Held in Violation of Americans with Disabilities Act
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Alan Bloom‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Erica Fischer‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
