Wheelchair taxis are disappearing, but plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit hope to hold Lyft to the equal access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This situation comes from a weakness of the ADA, which was effectively defanged in the early years after its passage. ADA has done great service for those of us with disabilities, but it had to be enforced because all business models operate on the "do as little as possible unless forced" model. We've seen a similar situation in the recent controversy over whether Lyft and Uber drivers are employees or independent contractors. ADA is as important a piece of legislation as the Civil Rights Act. It seeks to give equal access and equal rights to an entire class of people. Sadly, however, the current political climate bodes ill for any expansion of ADA's reach and effectiveness.
This situation comes from a weakness of the ADA, which was effectively defanged in the early years after its passage. ADA has done great service for those of us with disabilities, but it had to be enforced because all business models operate on the "do as little as possible unless forced" model. We've seen a similar situation in the recent controversy over whether Lyft and Uber drivers are employees or independent contractors. ADA is as important a piece of legislation as the Civil Rights Act. It seeks to give equal access and equal rights to an entire class of people. Sadly, however, the current political climate bodes ill for any expansion of ADA's reach and effectiveness.
Wonderful article! We did a report as well!
https://wfhb.org/news-public-affairs/accessible-automobiles-the-case-of-lyft-v-westchester-disabled-on-the-move/