Locals sue Austin to make city more accessible to those with disabilities

Recently a local group of people with disabilities has filed a lawsuit against the city of Austin TX claiming that the city is still inaccessible to people with disabilities. This timing could be a coincidence due to the upcoming 22^nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, an act that prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities. These locals are claiming that the city of Austin is still majorly not accessible in popular places such as South Congress Ave, Sixth Street, and more.

Author of the article “Groupsues City of Austin, businesses for allegedly discriminating against peoplewith disabilities”, Juan Castillo address the issue, “The lawsuits in Austin are directed at signature facilities that are ingrained in the city's unique culture and that people with disabilities can't fully enjoy . . . and that they seek compliance with the law and aim to build a city culture of inclusiveness for all”.

The effect of this hopefully will result in the states action to make the city of Austin completely accessible to everyone. Local Jennifer McPhail states “we've been patient long enough. I want access to the trail just like anyone else” addressing the difficulty of her being able to access trails leading to local spot Deep Eddy Pool. Like anyone else these locals want to enjoy the great city of Austin. Even though this will cost the city of Austin a lot of funding, these locals will not rest until this issue is resolved.

Joe Berra, an attorney for the Texas Civil Rights Project, wants to see the city of Austin as an inclusive community whatever it takes. A total of 32 lawsuits have been filed over Texas to ensure that this problem be solved as quickly as possible.

Although the city of Austin does not appear to be “discriminative” against people with disabilities, changes must be made to make this city, as well as others in Texas, completely accessible to anyone and everyone.