» ADA TITLE III » SETTLEMENT PRESS RELEASE » JAMES'S STORY » RESOURCES » ARCO CLASS ACTION DECREE » ARCO CLASS ACTION DECREE II » 1-800-383-7027 » EMAIL US	» AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL « An inspired phrase, it scarcely captures the grandeur of this great nation. Americans enjoy a thriving, prosperous economy, Americans enjoy nearly limitless opportunities to pick and choose among destinies, and Americans enjoy these things in a time of unheralded freedom. And yet, with all of our technology, with our international reputation as a champion of civil rights, we have acted slowly in ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of this great nation. Nonetheless, America has acted and its action was profound. In July of 1990, at the hands of a Republican president and a Democratic Congress, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed by overwhelming bipartisan support. This great legislative edict, heralded by some as the "emancipation proclamation for the disabled," took a cherished principle and made it law. Americans with disabilities no longer need to suffer the indignity and frustration of segregation. Americans with disabilities are no longer at the mercy of insensitivity and discrimination. The CENTER FOR DISABILITY ACCESS (CDA) is a law firm whose staff, attorneys, investigators, and consultants are committed to the principles contained within the ADA. The resources enjoyed by CDA are devoted solely to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities. CDA’s founder, Mark D. Potter, exemplifies this commitment. In addition to serving as the secretary of the Californians for Disability Rights, Chapter Number One and on the Board of Directors for the prestigious Southern California Rehabilitation Services, Mark has travelled the State of California giving free ADA seminars and presentations to a variety of independent living centers, team empowerment leaders, and other disabled rights groups. Under CDA’s leadership, an impressive network of experts and consultants stand ready to support the greater independent living movement. CDA’s attorneys have successfully prosecuted hundreds of ADA lawsuits. The ADA is a magnificent law. Americans with disabilities should not hesitate to take advantage of the rights that were fought so hard for by themselves and their predecessors. The most common type of discrimination encountered by persons with disabilities is when businesses fail to remove architectural barriers. Under the ADA, all businesses have the obligation to remove barriers. If a person with a disability encounters a lack of properly configured disabled parking, unramped steps or unramped paths of travel, a lack of grab bars in a restroom, or any number of other architectural barriers, they have probably been discriminated against. If so, they have a federally guaranteed right to make the business remove the barriers. If in California, they have a state right to recover their damages and a penalty assessment that can be as high as three times their damages (but "in no case less than $4,000"). With a toll-free phone call (800) 383-7027, CDA attorneys will provide a free explanation of your legal rights. If CDA takes your case, that same phone call will set into motion CDA’s network of professionals. CDA never bills its clients and prides itself on quality representation. Don’t suffer in silence. Exercise your rights in an effective and organized manner: call CDA.