Disability Discrimination
Disability Discrimination News
Contact a Disability Discrimination Lawyer
September 29th, 2005
"Military Contractor Settles in Housing Lawsuit"
Equity/Fort Lewis Communities LLC, a private housing provider for the US military has agreed to demands in a discrimination lawsuit. The suit was filed by seven families and the equal rights group Parents Against Disability Discrimination. The lawsuit sought equal rights for its disabled population at Fort Lewis, in Washington State.
In the suit, the group alleged that Equity was deliberately denying requests for things like handicap ramps, furnace filters, and air duct cleaning. The lawsuit alleged that Equity was in violation of the Federal Fair Housing Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act, and other federal and state regulations.
As part of the settlement Equity will insure that 10 percent of its military housing is accessible to people with disabilities. All related parks and common areas would also eventually be accessible. The settlement is seen as a victory against discrimination. Many families with disabled children or family members also have military ties and military housing rights and now will be accommodated accordingly.
