In today’s challenging economy, many Americans are shopping at stores that offer low prices, convenience and affordability. These stores such as Wal-Mart, are thus central to activities of daily living for millions of people.  Yet, Wal-Mart the leading national retailer, knowingly places its point-of-sale machines beyond the reach of patrons with disabilities who use wheelchairs and scooters at many of its stores.   

This is a widespread problem at many Wal-Mart stores, which compromises disabled patrons’ privacy and safety because they must rely on another person to enter their private financial information to purchase goods and services. 

A lawsuit filed in July of 2012 on behalf of the Center for Independent Living, Inc. (CIL) and two individuals with mobility disabilities challenges Wal-Mart’s practice of knowingly placing its check out machines at heights that disabled customers cannot reach. DRA, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), and Lewis Feinber Lee Renaker & Jackson P.C. represent the plaintiffs in this lawsuit. 

If you have encountered this or other types of access barriers at Wal-Mart’s stores and would like to share your experience or would like more information about the lawsuit, please contact Christine Chuang or Kevin Knestrick at: cchuang@dralegal.org, kknestrick@dralegal.org, or by phone at 510-665-8644.