Previous Story
GDDC sees increase in ADA suits
|
Posted on Mar 01 2001
Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council officials predicted yesterday an increase of court cases due to American Disabilities Act violations of employers.
The recent US Court ruling on Patricia Garrett’s case will open the floodgate of anti-individuals with disabilities cases stemming from employment related to non-compliance of facilities cases.
GDCC Executive Director Thomas J. Camacho said the US Supreme Court ruling does not prevent individual suits against state employer for injunctive relief nor does it bar suits initiated by the federal government for money damages.
Mr. Camacho admitted the decision was a blow to the rights of people with disabilities and continue trend of chipping away at federal civil rights protections in the name of states rights.
Further, the Court virtually ignored the extensive records of discrimination by states against people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities continue to be subjected to serious adverse, disparate treatment, Mr. Camacho explained.
The council, however, noted the continued support of the administration of President Bush to people with disabilities and their advocating agencies by protecting their rights under the said Act.
Even the National Organization on Disability expressed dismay over the SC’s decision on the case of two Alabama state employees who sued for discrimination under the ADA.
Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc. program coordinator Jim Rayphand said at least 11 cases of employment-related cases were forwarded to the agency involving individual with disabilities.
But cases like these are settled outside the court to prevent further problems on the part of the individuals concerned. But things will look different once hotel owners continue to refuse to upgrade their facilities to make it ADA compliant. (EGA)
