Filed Date: 2002
Clearinghouse coding complete
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)
Alper, Jane K. (Massachusetts)
Eichner, Stanley J. (Missouri)
Feingold, Lainey [Elaine] (California)
Lewis, Paul R. (Pennsylvania)
Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 1:48 p.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory: Massachusetts
Case Type(s):
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 (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
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):
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: 2002 - None