Access issues prompt reasonable accommodation case

Employers and organizations are required to make reasonable accommodations for disabled and pregnant individuals. Unfortunately, pregnancy and disability discrimination persists today, and the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act should protect individuals that have experienced any violation of the laws. Wisconsin men and women can take notice of the action that one individual took to end pregnancy and disability discrimination and advocate for reasonable accommodation.

Recently, one U.S. Attorney filed a lawsuit against two major Manhattan location restaurants in violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act. The restaurants in question are cited for having accessibility issues. The attorney filed the suit after finding the restaurants in the “most popular” restaurant guide in the 2011 Zagat Guide. The resource is utilized in the system of accountability enacted to administer the Manhattan Restaurants ADA Compliance Initiative.

Both restaurants had heavy entrance doors that made accessibility challenging. In addition, table placement presented a problem due to cramped nature and lack of space in between that discouraged movement. The venues also did not have bathrooms that allowed for reasonable accommodation for all. The various citations accumulated to provide enough evidence to settle in court. They will now be held accountable to make both large and small changes over the course of the following year.

Pregnancy and disability discrimination comes in multiple forms in society today. Efforts can be made to keep companies from unfairly targeting pregnant or disabled employees. A better balance can be achieved and action can be taken when the workplace or specific organizations are lacking reasonable accommodation. Discriminatory treatment does not need to be tolerated; pregnant and/or disabled individuals in Wisconsin can protect their rights and receive fair treatment.

Source: observer.com, Carmine’s Americans With Disabilities Act Non-Compliance Lawsuit, Natalie Shure, Nov. 12, 2013

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