Full & Equal Access

For 45 years my law practice has represented physically disabled persons in civil rights cases challenging architectural barriers and other forms of disability discrimination. A major motivation has been observing the amazing courage of many of my disabled clients. Physically disabled persons face daily challenges unthinkable to able-bodied persons; yet many are still willing to use their time and energy to work in the public interest to improve conditions for others. This book is intended to give a general outline of the law regarding access to public accommodations for disabled persons under California laws first passed in 1968, and then under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Portions of the book outline important legal precedents that may be of use to disabled persons and their attorneys and supporters when they decide to take action to enforce their rights to full and equal access to public accommodations. Each action may also have a ripple effect which will benefit every disabled person who is later able to use the improved facilities, and a further ripple effect if it motivates voluntary access improvements by building owners and/or their tenants. The more access barriers that are removed, the more businesses that disabled persons (and their companions) can patronize and spend their money in. Voluntary compliance will result in less need for litigation and less need for paying attorney fees to plaintiff attorneys and defense lawyers. Most disabled rights attorneys are working for the day when our society is fully accessible to persons with disabilities, and litigation will no longer be necessary. But until that day comes, disabled access litigation should remain an essential tool in the fight to achieve an accessible society.