[nfbmi-talk] On the Barruicades: The Fight for ADA Rights

[Terry D. Eagle]

Obama administration takes sides in disability suit against Uber

 

By Bob Egelko

 

Updated 2:43 pm, Tuesday, December 23, 2014

 

The Obama administration weighed in Tuesday on the side of advocates for the
blind in a San Francisco federal court suit accusing ride-on-demand company

Uber of discriminating against passengers with guide dogs.

 

In its court filing, the

Justice Department

did not endorse the specific allegations of discrimination but said
companies like Uber are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act,
which requires

equal treatment and reasonable accommodations for disabled customers.

 

Uber has denied discriminating but has also argued that it is not a
public-service provider - a "public accommodation" - covered by the
disability law.

 

"The ADA applies to private entities that are primarily engaged in providing
transportation services," even if a company is not a public accommodation,

said the filing by Justice Department lawyers and U.S. Attorney

Melinda Haag

's office.

 

Uber also argued that it does not directly provide transportation services
but merely signs contracts with independent drivers. The Justice Department
countered

that a transportation company "may not contract away its ADA
responsibilities" and is covered by the law if it operates a
"demand-responsive system."

 

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Source:

 

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Obama-administration-takes-sides-in-di
sability-5976148.php