[CapChapOhio] Is shopping assisstant a courtesy or legal requirement

[Eric Duffy]

Given that we are in one of the busiest shopping seasons 
Of the year, and the fact that I discussed this topic with a member of the Capital Chapter this morning, I thought this might be worth posting here. Most of us have probably had trouble getting help with shopping at one time or another Jim Gashel is one of the most knowledgeable people I know regarding the ADA. Here is what he has to say on this topic:


> The grocery store is a public accommodation under the ADA. As such, the store is required to make its programs and services (like shopping) accessible to persons with disabilities unless doing so would be an undo burden or would be a fundamental alteration to the nature of the stores programs and services; neither of which should apply here.
> 
> The term reasonable accommodation only applies in the employment context, not in the case of services provided by a public accommodation. The standard for exceptions in public accommodations is undue burden or fundamental alteration. Otherwise, if these exceptions don’t apply, the services have to be made accessible. This is a much higher bar than reasonable accommodation would be in the case of employment.