Filed Date: 2001
Closed Date: 2007
Clearinghouse coding complete
In 2000, attorneys representing blind and visually impaired people entered into structured negotiations with Fleet Bank on the subject of accommodations that would make it easier for the plaintiffs to use the public equipment owned by the bank. On February 28, 2001, the parties entered into a settlement agreement.
Under the terms of the agreement, the bank agreed to install Talking ATMs, give blind people braille bank statements, and make its website accessible to blind and visually impaired persons. As a result, Fleet Bank installed the first talking ATMs in Massachusetts.
In June 2003, the parties entered into a supplemental agreement. Under this document, the bank agreed to install Talking ATMs at all of its locations. The bank also agreed to give blind people headphones for the talking ATMs. Fleet was later bought by Bank of America, a bank with more than 11,000 Talking ATMs, in 2008.
The case is now closed.
Summary Authors
Kristen Sagar (5/16/2009)
Alper, Jane K. (Massachusetts)
Eichner, Stanley J. (Missouri)
Feingold, Lainey [Elaine] (California)
Klivans, Robert L. (Massachusetts)
Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 1:34 p.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory: Massachusetts
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Filing Date: 2001
Closing Date: 2007
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
individuals who are blind or vision-impaired and who currently has, had, or would like to have one or more bank accounts with Fleet or would like to use Fleet Automated Teller Machines (â€ATMsâ€) via a network system
Plaintiff Type(s):
Attorney Organizations:
NDRN/Protection & Advocacy Organizations
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Fleet National 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):
Available Documents:
Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Plaintiff
Nature of Relief:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Order Duration: 2001 - 2007