Californians for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR), et al. v. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Landmark $1.1 Billion Settlement Will Result in Public Sidewalk Safety for People with DisabilitiesIn 2010, DRA; Jose Allen, partner at Skadden, Arps, Meagher & Flom LLP; and AARP Foundation Litigation (AFL) achieved a landmark $1.1 billion dollar settlement with Caltrans, the largest architectural access settlement to date for people with disabilities. Under the settlement, Caltrans agreed to improve the surface conditions of thousands of miles of sidewalks and crosswalks, which will result in safer paths of travel for people with mobility and vision disabilities.
Caltrans has spent approximately $15 million in access improvements for the Fiscal Year 2010-2011. In addition, Caltrans has improved its access request system. Now persons with disabilities may submit access requests through an online form on the Caltrans website (as well as through fax, mail or telephone). This centralized system will ensure that all requests are responded to in a timely manner.