The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a proposed consent decree with Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Centers (BDP) and American Vision Partners (AVP), to resolve its lawsuit alleging that the eye care practices violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The lawsuit alleged that BDP and AVP refused to operate on certain patients who needed assistance transferring from their wheelchairs for surgery and required other such patient(s) to pay for third-party medical transport and transfer assistance. BDP and AVP have agreed to pay $1 million and end discriminatory policies towards people with disabilities. The $1 Million will include $950,000 to patients and prospective patients who were harmed by its policies and a civil penalty of $50,000. These eye care providers will also train staff on the new policy requirements and on safe transfer techniques. The press release can be read here.

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If you have a business and wish to take action to ensure the facilities are compliant with the ADA Standards, or need help developing a policy/program for ADA compliance, or know of a building that is not ADA compliance, please contact Richard Acree at 615-752-0060 or inspections4ada@gmail.com.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.

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