Judge certifies class of three million beneficiaries who are blind in Social Security Administration lawsuit
On September 11, 2008, the US District Court for the Northern District of California granted class certification in a lawsuit against the Social Security Administration (SSA). The class, which represents approximately three million people who are blind or who have low vision, alleges that they do not have equal access to SSA communications because the SSA fails to provide its communications in alternative formats. Plaintiffs argue that this prevents individuals from having equal access to SSA programs as required by federal law and the US Constitution. The lawsuit, which is scheduled for trial in April 2009, was originally filed in 2005 by the American Council of the Blind and ten individuals who are blind or who have low vision. Attorneys from several organizations represent the plaintiffs, including Oregon's Protection and Advocacy system, Disability Rights Oregon.
Read the class certification order: American Council of the Blind v. Social Security Administration Class Certification Order (PDF file)
Article posted September 15, 2008
Related Topics:
