Austin-area Businesses Sued Over Wheelchair Access Failures

By Evan Mix

Published on July 30, 2009

Four clubs and restaurants in Austin, Texas have been named in civil rights litigation alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The suits, which are the latest in a series filed against businesses throughout the state, are intended to give members of the disabled community better access to local business. The Texas Civil Rights Project, a non-profit organization, is behind the litigation.

The defendants include a franchise of the Subway sandwich chain, the Evangeline Café, the nightclub Submerged, and the concert venue La Zona Rosa. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, businesses are responsible for knowing and implementing the standards for acceptable accessibility. The law requires that handicapped patrons be afforded access to restrooms, entrances and exits, and other important amenities.

In the past, several businesses have settled lawsuits with the Texas Civil Rights Project. Those businesses agreed to address shortcomings in disabled access identified by the TCRP.

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