Case: Sovereign Bank Settlement Agreement

NA | No Court

Filed Date: 2002

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Case Summary

In 2002, attorneys representing the blind community entered into structured negotiations with Sovereign Bank regarding accommodations for blind and visually impaired customers. In November 2002, the parties entered into a settlement agreement.

Under the terms of the settlement, Sovereign Bank agreed to install talking ATMs that could be used by blind and visually impaired customers. The bank also agreed to issue bank statements in Braille for blind customers, and to make its website accessible to people with visual impairments. In addition, the bank agreed to provide large print and audio versions of the print information that it released to the public. Finally, the bank also agreed to give blind people headphones for the talking ATMs.

Summary Authors

Kristen Sagar (5/16/2009)

People


Attorney for Plaintiff

Alper, Jane K. (Massachusetts)

Eichner, Stanley J. (Missouri)

Feingold, Lainey [Elaine] (California)

Attorney for Defendant

Lewis, Paul R. (Pennsylvania)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

Settlement Agreement

Nov. 1, 2002

Nov. 1, 2002

Settlement Agreement

Sovereign Bank Press Release

Nov. 21, 2002

Nov. 21, 2002

Press Release

Docket

Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 1:48 p.m.

Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.

Case Details

State / Territory: Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: 2002

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

individuals who are blind or vision-impaired and who currently have, had, or would like to have one or more bank accounts with Sovereign or would like to use Sovereign Automated Teller Machines (”ATMs”) via a network system

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

NDRN/Protection & Advocacy Organizations

Law Office of Lainey Feingold

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Sovereign Bank (Boston), Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Special Case Type(s):

Out-of-court

Available Documents:

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Order Duration: 2002 - None