On December 18, 2024, the law firm of Bashian & Papantoniou, P.C.,filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Suffolk County, on behalf of Plaintiff Lucio Cassara a/k/a Lou Cassara. The complaint (Index No. 631269/2024) alleges that Centereach Fire Department, Inc., Centereach Fire District, and the Centereach Board of Fire Commissioners engaged in unlawful employment practices, including discrimination based on disability and age, as well as retaliation in violation of the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL).

The lawsuit asserts that Mr. Cassara, a longtime firefighter and fire dispatcher, faced systemic discrimination and exclusion due to his mobility disability. Despite over 40 years of dedicated service, Mr. Cassara alleges that he was denied reasonable accommodations necessary to perform his job, such as access to the dispatch room, which is located on the second floor of the Firehouse. The complaint alleges the ongoing structural barriers, including a lack of an accessible alternative to stairs, that prevented Mr. Cassara from fulfilling his duties safely and effectively.

Further, the complaint highlights Defendants’ failure to engage in an interactive process to accommodate Mr. Cassara’s needs and alleges that discriminatory remarks were made by a managerial employee regarding his disability and age. After enduring years of inaccessible working conditions and denial of reasonable accommodation, Mr. Cassara was constructively terminated in June 2024. In addition to seeking compensation for economic losses and emotional distress, the lawsuit demands declaratory and injunctive relief to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and the NYSHRL.

Specifically, the case seeks an order mandating the Firehouse's renovation to eliminate architectural barriers and provide full access to individuals with disabilities.

This case underscores the importance of upholding the rights of all employees, particularly those with disabilities, to work in environments free from discrimination and barriers. Bashian & Papantoniou, P.C. remains committed to fighting for justice and ensuring that all workplaces meet the legal standards of equality and inclusion.

Click below to read the full article:

https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/centereach-fire-department-lawsuit-ohyfyi32

Bashian & Papantoniou P.C. has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Brandon Blit, a 15-year-old with developmental disabilities, and his parent Erica Blit, against the White Plains Performing Arts Center in White Plains, New York.

While attending a musical performance, Brandon, whose disability causes him to respond differently to performances, was asked to either move to the back of the theater or leave altogether. This discriminatory action caused Brandon and his family significant emotional distress and violated their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and New York state laws.

This lawsuit seeks to compel the theater to revise its policies, train its staff, and ensure compliance with disability laws to prevent future discrimination. If you or a loved one has faced similar discriminatory actions, contact Bashian & Papantoniou P.C. for a consultation.

Bashian & Papantoniou P.C. has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Caterina Violi against the Board of Managers of 25 Park Row Condominium and Park Row 23 Owners LLC. The case addresses the lack of accessibility at the newly constructed condominium at 25 Park Row, New York, NY.

Ms. Violi, who requires accessible parking due to her disability, was misled into purchasing a unit under the belief that accessible parking was available in the building. However, after purchasing her unit, she discovered that the promised accessible parking did not exist, violating the Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) and state accessibility laws.

This lawsuit aims to remediate the building’s accessibility issues, implement compliance with federal and state laws, and secure justice for Ms. Violi. If you’re a tenant or buyer facing similar issues, reach out to our firm for legal support.

Bashian & Papantoniou P.C. has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Melissa Silver against All Sport Fitness & Racquetball Club, Inc., operating as Mike Arteaga’s Health and Fitness Centers, located in Poughkeepsie and Highlands, New York.

Our client, Ms. Silver, a gym member who relies on a service animal for her disability, was unjustly denied entry to the gym due to her service animal. Despite federal laws protecting individuals with disabilities, the gym demanded unnecessary documentation and ultimately barred her access. Ms. Silver also endured harassment from gym staff, which further violated her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and New York state laws.

This lawsuit seeks to hold the defendant accountable for their discriminatory actions, implement proper policies, and train staff to comply with the ADA. We aim to ensure equitable access for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations.

If you’ve faced similar challenges, Bashian & Papantoniou P.C. is here to protect your right

Bashian & Papantoniou P.C. recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of Emma Frank against 54 NOLL LLC, doing business as Foodtown, located at 54 Noll Street, Brooklyn, New York. The case arises from a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related state laws.

Our client, Ms. Frank, a 31-year-old individual with PTSD who relies on a service dog for daily activities, was subjected to discrimination while shopping. Despite ADA guidelines, Foodtown employees unlawfully demanded documentation for her service dog and eventually forced her to leave the store. This act not only caused her public humiliation but also deprived her of equal access to a public accommodation.

Through this legal action, we aim to secure injunctive relief and ensure that businesses like Foodtown implement policies that comply with the ADA, providing equitable access to individuals with disabilities.

If you or someone you know has faced similar discrimination, reach out to Bashian & Papantoniou P.C. for guidance and representation.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter, of the Southern District of New York recently held that a defendant's online business is a public accomodation covered under the ADA.

In Loadholt v. ShirtSpace, a visually-impaired plaintiff filed an ADA lawsuit against an online store, claiming that he was not able to use the website with the help of screen reading software. The defendant, ShirtSpace, filed a motion to dismiss the case based on lack of standing and the argument that a standalone website is not a place of public accommodation.

The court denied the motion to dismiss under both 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) arguments. To establish standing in an ADA website case, the plaintiff must allege when they attempted to access the website, what they were attempting to do, the specific barriers that prevented them from accessing the website, and how they intend to use the website in the future. The court found that the plaintiff had sufficiently alleged injury in fact by stating that he wanted to purchase a T-shirt, which showed his intent to return to the website once it was made accessible.

In regards to the 12(b)(6) argument, the court found that although the Second Circuit has not expressly decided whether a website is a place of public accommodation, the majority of courts in the district have held that they are. The court found that the plaintiff had sufficiently alleged discrimination by stating that he was unable to access the full range of functions on the website.
Finally, the defendant's motion to dismiss the claim for civil penalties, fines, and punitive damages under the NYCHRL was premature, as damages are not an independent cause of action but rather a prayer for relief.

Overall, this case highlights the importance of ensuring that websites are accessible to all individuals, even when the business does not have a brick and mortar location, including those with visually impaired disabilities.

The case of Weekes v. Outdoor Gear Exch., Inc. is about a visually-impaired person who sued an online store for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The plaintiff argued that the website was not accessible to his screen-reader software and he was unable to purchase items as a result.

The defendant tried to get the case dismissed, but the court denied their motion. The court found that the plaintiff had standing to sue under the ADA because he had suffered past injury and intended to return to the website once the accessibility issues were fixed. The court also noted that the presence of alternative aids, such as customer support reps, did not affect the plaintiff's standing.

The court further held that the defendant had not indicated any intention to accommodate the plaintiff and that the plaintiff had adequately alleged instances of discrimination. The court also rejected the defendant's argument that the plaintiff should have requested an accommodation, as the plaintiff had already put the defendant on notice of his accessibility needs by filing an amended complaint.

Overall, the court ruled that the plaintiff had a valid claim under the ADA and that the case should proceed. This decision is in line with other cases where visually-impaired individuals have sued websites for violating the ADA by failing to provide adequate accessibility.

ADA and Service Dogs - Know your rights

When you enter a business or place of public accommodation with your service dog, you should know your rights when accessing a business. If you or a loved one are ever denied access to a business with your service dog, it is important to know that you can and should assert your legal right to access. Under the American with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”), businesses must allow you and your service dog the same access that is open to the public without service animals.

If you require a trained service dog to perform certain tasks for you, a business must allow your service animal to accompany you anywhere other members of the public are permitted; even if state or local health codes prohibit animals on site. Along with the right to be accompanied, a business cannot isolate you from other patrons, treat you less favorably, or charge additional fees. Even where a business charges fees for pets, the business must waive that fee for your service animal.

What is a Service Animal?

The ADA defines service animals as: “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” Tasks performed by service animals may include, but are certainly not limited to: pulling wheelchairs; guiding visually impaired individuals; alerting the hearing impaired; calming individuals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder during anxiety attacks; and reminding a person to take their prescribed medication. Unfortunately, the American with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”) does not provide the same rights for emotional support animals (including therapy dogs or comfort animals) and therefore, businesses may refuse such animals and their owners access to the establishment.

Spas, pools, and even hot tubs are leisurely activities for which the ADA sets accessibility regulations.

Spas, Pools, and Places of Recreation

The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) regulates accessibility requirements for public accommodations under Title III. Spas, pools, and even hot tubs are leisurely activities for which the ADA sets accessibility regulations. As an individual with a disability, you have the same right to enjoy these activities just as someone without a disability.

Swimming pools require accessible means of access; this can be achieved either by a pool lift, or a sloped entry (ramp). Wave pools, leisure “lazy” rivers, and sand bottom pools are also required to have at

least one pool lift, sloped entry, or transfer system. The same goes for wading pools, which require a sloped entry that can extend to the deepest part of the pool. The ADA does not distinguish between in-ground and portable spas; and both title II and III require that any type of spa, in-ground or portable, provide at least one “accessible means of entry” and can either be a lift, transfer wall, or transfer system. When there are multiple spas in a facility adjacent to one another, only one spa is required to provide an accessible means of entry.

You have the right to full and equal enjoyment of leisurely activities, and should never be prevented from participating or benefiting from these activities. If a private spa, leisurely river, hot tub, or other sort of pool makes entry and enjoyment difficult or even impossible, you likely have a claim under title III of the ADA. You deserve equal and accessible access into these facilities. Our firm is here to fight for your right to these public accommodations. Contact our experienced team of attorneys specializing in ADA discrimination to discuss your rights and potential claim. Schedule a free consultation with Bashian & Papantoniou today.

ADA: Public Ground Transportation Providers

ADA: Public Ground Transportation Providers

The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) applies to both public and private ground transportation providers. The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates the ADA rules that apply to transportation.

The ADA has architectural requirements for fixed-route transportation services. A fixed route transportation system is one that operates along a prescribed route according to a fixed schedule. Typically, these are public transportation systems such as city and commuter bus systems, subways, light rail systems, and intercity rail transportation. These transportation services must provide accessible services including: stop announcements for riders with visual impairments; destination information on the front and side of transportation vehicles; appropriate boarding devices such as lifts and ramps; proper lighting and slip-resistant surfaces; fareboxes must be located so that they do not obstruct passenger flow while boarding the bus; and for individuals who use wheelchairs, there must be enough turning room and space for wheelchairs to maneuver, handrails must be accessible, and stop buttons and pull cords must be within reach of wheelchair securement locations.

As an individual with a disability, you deserve a fair and equal form of transportation. This means you are entitled to accessible vehicles, respectful operators, and appropriate time to board and exit vehicles. You should never feel rushed or mistreated when taking public transportation. Public transportation is accessible to everyone, and should never feel like a challenge. If you or a loved one believe a public transportation service has failed to accommodate your disability either through poor communicative services, architectural accessibility, or improperly trained drivers or conductors, you likely have a claim for discrimination on the basis of disability.

If public transportation is a concern or a challenge in your everyday life, we urge you to contact our team of experienced ADA attorneys. Our firm is dedicated to ensuring you have the ability to fully enjoy public transportation regardless of any disability or impairment. You should never be worried about accommodations on public transportation, and you should never be afraid to assert your rights. Contact Bashian & Papantoniou today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and potential claim.

What Are My Rights in College if I have a disability?

What Are My Rights in College if I have a disability?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”) provides protection for individuals with disabilities. Title II of the ADA makes sure that individuals with disabilities cannot be subject to discrimination by public universities or colleges, while Title III applies to private universities and colleges. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act also includes protections for students with disabilities. Under this law, any school that receives federal funding may not discriminate on the basis of disability.

Both Title II and Title III make sure that students with disabilities, including visual impairments, cannot be discriminated against by colleges and universities. This means as a student with a disability, you must receive an equal opportunity to participate in, and benefit from the goods and services offered by the school. A college or university cannot provide you different or separate goods or services unless it is necessary to ensure that access to the goods and services is equally as effective as that provided to others. All programs, including extracurricular activities must be accessible to students with disabilities. Accommodations should be individually tailored to a particular student’s needs. Such accommodations may include: architectural access to buildings; aids and services necessary for effective communication, such as sign language interpreters, Braille or electronic formats, and assistive listening devices; testing accommodations; and access to school facilities for service animals.

If you believe your rights have been violated by a public or private college or university, you may have a claim under the ADA and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. A school may not treat you differently or restrict your access to school programs because of your disability. You have a right to a full, fair, and equal education, and no school can take that right away from you. If your rights or that of a loved one, have been violated by a non-compliant school, please contact our office today. Our team of experienced discrimination attorneys is ready to assist, answer questions you may have, and fight for your right to an education.

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Am I being discriminated against based on my disability?

If your dining/shopping/lodging/entertainment experience has ever been anything less than fair and equal, and you believe it is based at least in part on your disability, you are likely a victim of disability discrimination. Architectural barriers such as steps at entrances, bathrooms that are too small for wheelchair to maneuver properly, and narrow pathway corridors for which wheelchairs are unable to safely maneuver are just a few examples of disability discrimination.

There are millions of individuals with disabilities in the United States, and that number continues to grow. If you believe that you have been subjected to disability discrimination by a business, you are not alone. You deserve fair and equal access to public places and businesses, and you should never be afraid to assert your rights. If you or someone you know has been discriminated on the basis of a disability, please contact our team of experienced ADA discrimination attorneys today. Remember you are not alone, and our team will always be ready to explain the law, fight for your rights, and ensure that you get access to public accommodations.

Please call us for your FREE CONSULTATION.

Please feel free to contact us and discuss all options available in effectively handling and resolving employment discrimination claims under the ADA. 516-279-1555

What are some “readily achievable” accommodations Places of Public Accommodations should be making?

What are some “readily achievable” accommodations Places of Public Accommodations should be making?

Some examples of “ready achievable” remediations include, without limitation, (i) the providing ADA compliant ramps for situations where there are steps at entrances into areas of public accommodation, (ii) modifying the layout or height of racks and shelves for mobility purposes, (iii) lowering tables and checkout counters, and (iv) installing grab bars where one might regularly need reinforcement of the wall, such as restrooms. An accommodation that might not be “readily achievable” includes additions such as an elevator, which may incur a significant financial burden on a business.

Who is responsible for making these accommodations?

Under the ADA, the legal obligation to remove barriers or provide auxiliary aids and services falls on both the landlord and the tenant, and both the landlord and tenant are legally responsible.  Neither can use their landlord/tenant status as a defense for being non-compliant under Title III of the ADA.

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ADA Reasonable Accommodations

What are “reasonable accommodations" under Title III of the ADA

Reasonable accommodations under Title III of the ADA are modifications/remediations made in places of public accommodations to accommodate or make facilities equally accessible for individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations include the removal of architectural barriers for those with mobility needs, providing for effective communication methods for people with visual, auditory, or vocal needs, and having trained staff to assist individuals with disabilities.

What are “reasonable accommodations" under Title III of the ADA

Reasonable accommodations under Title III of the ADA are modifications/remediations made in places of public accommodations to accommodate or make facilities equally accessible for individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations include the removal of architectural barriers for those with mobility needs, providing for effective communication methods for people with visual, auditory, or vocal needs, and having trained staff to assist individuals with disabilities.

Are there any limits to “reasonable accommodations” under Title III?

ADA Accessibility Restaurant

Title III: Public Accommodations Under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”), privately owned facilities and business are prohibited from discriminating against people with disabilities. The ADA requires business to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that facilities are accessible to people with disabilities.

Who is and who isn’t regulated by Title III?

Title III under the ADA extends to private entities; this includes businesses and facilities that are open to the public. Title III also covers private transportation companies. State and local government entities are public entities covered by Title II of the ADA, and not Title III. Religious entities are exempt from the requirements of Title III of the ADA. However, if it has enough employees to meet the requirements under Title I (employers), the religious entity would be subject to certain employment obligations under Title I under the ADA. The exemption on religious entities covers all activities of a religious entity, whether religious or not. For example, a religious organization may operate a day care and private elementary school for members and nonmembers alike; Even though these facilities would regularly be considered places of public accommodation, they are still exempt from Title III.

Title III of the ADA does not cover areas that are strictly residential, such as houses, condominium complexes, and apartment buildings. However, any place of public accommodation within those residential facilities are in fact covered by Title III. An apartment complex with a pool that sells “membership” tickets to the public classifies the pool as a place of public accommodation; a private residential apartment building that rents office space also classifies the rental office as a place of public accommodation. The pool and rental office would be covered by Title III and required to follow ADA rules. However, a ballroom in an apartment building whose policy it is to restrict use of the room to owners, residents, and guests, is not a place of public accommodation because this room is generally not held open to the public.

What about my local country club? Is that covered by Title III?

Can Public Accommodations Set Criteria That Screen Out Individuals with Disabilities?

Can Public Accommodations Set Criteria That Screen Out Individuals with Disabilities?

Generally, no, public accommodations may not set eligibility criteria that screens out, or tends to screen out individuals with disabilities. For example, a fitness club cannot require that its members be able to run a mile in order to join; this would unfairly screen out individuals who use wheelchairs or may not be able to run due to a disability. Similarly, a library may not require that members be able to read printed books in order to join; as this unfairly screens out individuals with visual impairments.

Can Public Accommodations Set Criteria That Screen Out Individuals with Disabilities?

Generally, no, public accommodations may not set eligibility criteria that screens out, or tends to screen out individuals with disabilities. For example, a fitness club cannot require that its members be able to run a mile in order to join; this would unfairly screen out individuals who use wheelchairs or may not be able to run due to a disability. Similarly, a library may not require that members be able to read printed books in order to join; as this unfairly screens out individuals with visual impairments.

However, there are exceptions for when the criteria can be shown to be necessary. An example of this might be a public golf course that does not allow individuals with visual impairments to drive golf carts, or an amusement park attraction that is unable to accommodate individuals with wheelchairs for safety reasons.

Service animals play an essential role in the lives of people with disabilities, providing assistance, comfort, and companionship. These highly trained animals are more than just pets; they are working animals that help people with disabilities live more independent and fulfilling lives.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with disabilities are entitled to bring their service animals into most public places, including restaurants, stores, hotels, and other businesses. The ADA defines a service animal as a dog (or in some cases, a miniature horse) that is trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability.

Service animals can perform a wide range of tasks, including guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, retrieving dropped items, providing stability for people with mobility impairments, and even alerting people with seizure disorders to an impending seizure.

Despite the protections afforded to service animals under the ADA, people with disabilities often face discrimination and harassment when trying to access public accommodations with their service animals. Some businesses may refuse to allow a service animal on their premises or may require additional documentation or fees, which is illegal under the ADA.

If you are a person with a disability who uses a service animal, it is important to know your rights and to advocate for yourself if you encounter discrimination. Here are some steps you can take:

As a person with a disability, access to public accommodations such as stores, restaurants, and other businesses is essential to living a full and independent life. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities to access these public accommodations. However, many businesses still fall short when it comes to providing adequate accessibility, which can limit your ability to participate in everyday activities. Here are some important reasons why accessibility in stores is so important, and why you should fight for your rights if someone infringes on them.

1. Access to goods and services: Everyone has the right to access the goods and services that businesses offer. Without accessibility features such as ramps, wide aisles, and accessible restrooms, people with disabilities may not be able to shop, eat, or use the restroom at these establishments.
2. Safety: Lack of accessibility can also be a safety issue for people with disabilities. Uneven surfaces, narrow doorways, and inaccessible emergency exits can pose serious risks to those with mobility impairments, hearing or visual impairments.
3. Dignity and Independence: The right to participate in society with dignity and independence is a fundamental right. Inaccessible stores can limit the ability of people with disabilities to engage in everyday activities on their own terms.

If you encounter accessibility barriers in a store or other public accommodation, there are steps you can take to advocate for your rights. Here are some tips:

1. Educate yourself on your rights under the ADA. Familiarize yourself with the requirements for accessibility in public accommodations, and know what businesses are required to provide.
2. Be prepared to advocate for yourself. If you encounter a barrier to access, politely inform the business owner or manager of the issue, and explain how it is impacting your ability to access the goods or services offered.
3. Document any accessibility issues you encounter. Take pictures or videos of the issue, note the time and date, and record any conversations you have with the business owner or manager.

In conclusion, accessibility in retail stores and other public accommodations is a fundamental right for people with disabilities. If you encounter accessibility barriers, remember that you have the right to advocate for yourself and that your efforts can make a difference. By working together, we can create a more accessible and inclusive society for everyone.

As someone with a disability, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle can be challenging, but it's crucial for overall health and wellbeing. Access to fitness facilities like gyms can play a significant role in promoting physical health, but unfortunately, these spaces often fall short in terms of accessibility. This is why it's important for individuals with disabilities to advocate for their rights to accessible gyms and fitness facilities.

Access to equipment and facilities is essential for people with disabilities to be able to engage in physical activity. Many individuals with disabilities require specialized equipment or modifications to be able to use exercise equipment effectively. However, without accessibility accommodations, people with disabilities may not be able to access the benefits of exercise. This can have a significant impact on physical health, including an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.

In addition to the physical benefits, accessible gyms and fitness facilities can also promote inclusion and a sense of community. People with disabilities should have the same opportunities as anyone else to participate in fitness activities and exercise alongside others. However, inaccessible facilities can create barriers to full participation, leading to social isolation and a lack of opportunities for socialization.

Moreover, lack of accessibility can also pose serious safety risks to individuals with disabilities. Uneven surfaces, lack of handrails, and inaccessible emergency exits can all pose risks to those with mobility impairments. These safety issues can be compounded if staff members are not trained to assist individuals with disabilities in an emergency.

If you encounter accessibility barriers in a gym or fitness facility, it's important to advocate for your rights. Here are some tips for doing so:

1. Educate yourself on the requirements for accessibility in public accommodations, including gyms and fitness facilities.
2. Speak with the gym management and politely inform them of any accessibility barriers you encounter. Explain how these barriers impact your ability to access the gym and fitness equipment.
3. Document any accessibility issues you encounter. Take pictures or videos of the issue, note the time and date, and record any conversations you have with the gym management.