Franklin Institute Charged In Disability Discrimination Case
by Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The disabilities community is celebrating a court victory that could have a wide-ranging impact, by improving access to movies, sports, arenas, and museums.
The federal court ruling charges the Franklin Institute with discriminating against the disabled.
35-year-old Michael Anderson suffers from cerebral palsy and needs a personal care attendant to take him everywhere. When he visited the Franklin, the museum charged for his attendant, even though-- Judge Gerald McHugh found-- the attendant was only there to allow Anderson access, much as a wheelchair or seeing eye dog would.
Anderson's attorney, Steve Gold, says the ruling could impact any facility, in the same way that earlier rulings about ramps and curb cuts have improved access.
"This is the first case that clearly addresses accessibility beyond the normal kind of thinking in terms of accessibility and it really does take the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), in terms of equality for people with disabilities, to the next level," said Gold.
The Franklin Institute issued a statement saying it strongly disagrees with the ruling and is considering its options.