People use sidewalks every day to get to school, work, and visit a city. Curb cuts allow people with mobility disabilities to safely get on and off these sidewalks. They also help people navigate the city when they’re using bikes, strollers, luggage and other items that roll on wheels. However, many cities and towns have sidewalks that have bad or missing curb cuts. The lack of accessible curb cuts excludes people with mobility disabilities from accessing the services and programs of a city and violates their basic civil rights. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires cities and towns to install and repair curb cuts. Cities and towns have had 25 years to make sure sidewalks are safe and accessible place for all people – including those with mobility disabilities. It’s time we demand that deliver on this promise of equality.
In 2015, Disability Rights Washington, filed a lawsuit Reynoldson et al v. City of Seattle, No. 2:15-cv-01608, in federal court seeking the court’s help in ensuring that the City of Seattle makes its streets safe and accessible for people with mobility disabilities.
In July 2017, Disability Rights Washington, along with co-counsel filed a settlement agreement with the City of Seattle. The settlement agreement lays out a plan for Seattle to fulfill the promise of the ADA by ensuring equal access to people with disabilities who live, work, or travel to Seattle.
Case Documents
- Notice of Settlement Agreement and Fairness Hearing DOCX | PDF
- Proposed Consent Decree [PDF]
- To request a copy of the Proposed Consent Decree in Spanish / Español, Chinese / 中文, or Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt, please send an email to curbramps@creeclaw.org. Please put the language you’re requesting in the body of the email.
Video
Show us your #CrappyCurb video that explains the importance of curb cuts. All are welcome to post a photo or video of a #CrappyCurb on Twitter, Instagram and the Rooted in Rights Facebook page. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #CrappyCurb and to share your location in the photo or video!
Press
The Seattle Times: Settlement: Seattle to build thousands of sidewalk curb ramps over next 18 years
KUOW: Disability Advocates File Suit Against Seattle Over Crummy Curbs
KOMO News: Federal lawsuit claims Seattle sidewalks, streets are inadequate
Q13 FOX: Federal suit claims Seattle puts those with disabilities at risk with ‘crappy curbs’
Seattlish: Disability Rights Washington is Suing the City (and They Have a Really Great Hashtag)
New Mobility: Seattle Sued Over Broken, Missing Curb Cuts