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Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Deborah Thomas Wins Fight for Disabled Travelers

 

 


Detroit � Third Judicial Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Deborah Thomas, lead plaintiff and four other plaintiffs, represented by Detroit Attorney Richard Bernstein, win in a landmark decision by the U.S. Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division. They allege that Northwest Airlines fails to provide adequate accessibility and assistance for disabled travelers in the airport and on its airplanes. The U.S. Court agreed and ruled that disabled individuals may sue Northwest Airlines and the Wayne County Airport Authority under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

�Judge Deborah Thomas is a true crusader and an incredible woman,� said Attorney Richard Bernstein. �She stepped forward because disabled people have the right to travel and they have the right to commerce. Her willingness to take on a challenge like this is going to open international doors.�

According to the ADA, businesses are required to make reasonable accommodations to the known disability of an individual, if it would not impose an "undue hardship" on the operation of the business. Undue hardship is defined as an action requiring significant difficulty or expense when considered in light of factors such as a business' size, financial resources, and the nature and structure of its operation.

�Every day private citizens with disabilities are being robbed of their civil rights and their ability to utilize public transportation with ease,� said Judge Thomas. �The Wayne County airport is discriminating against disabled travelers. They are noncompliant in the readiness and accessibility of wheel chairs and luggage assistance, which causes disabled travelers to use damaged wheelchairs and in some cases, miss their flights.�

About Judge Deborah Thomas

Judge Deborah Thomas had polio in her childhood. She has successfully worked to overcome the muscle fatigue that is part of �Post-Polio Syndrome.� The syndrome affects many who contracted polio prior to the development of the polio vaccine. Judge Thomas often has physical challenges, requiring her to obtain special services when flying.

About Attorney Richard Bernstein

Attorney Richard Bernstein is the son of noted Detroit Attorney Sam Bernstein. Richard Bernstein is a trial lawyer. Blind since birth, he is a fighter who has been advocating for the disabled for years.
 

 

 

 

 

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