Lawsuit: State Required to Replace 90% of Curb Ramps along Highways
Oregonians with physical disabilities want to live as independently and fully as possible.
Oregonians with physical disabilities want to live as independently and fully as possible. Many rely on being able to safely cross the street and use sidewalks. We brought the lawsuit because of ODOT’s failure to build and maintain accessible curb ramps and pedestrian signals across the state.
Largest commitment to an accessible transportation system in state history
In March 2017, a federal judge approved a landmark settlement agreement —the largest commitment to accessible transportation in state history—between the Oregon Department of Transportation (“ODOT”), eight individuals with mobility and visual disabilities, the Association of Oregon Centers for Independent Living (“AOCIL”), and Disability Rights Oregon.
As part of the settlement agreement, ODOT has agreed to:
Bring more than 12,000 curb ramp locations across the state into compliance with the ADA over a 15-year period,
Install missing curb ramps,
Fix substandard ones, and
Upgrade crossing signals on the entire state highway system.
These improvements will connect parts of communities that have been difficult or unsafe to access for Oregonians with physical disabilities, and make paths of travel along the highway safer. We’re measuring the State’s progress in meeting the goals and upholding the rights of Oregonians with disabilities to enjoy their communities.
Case Documents
AOCIL v. ODOT, Case No. 3:16-cv-00322-HZ
February 22, 2016: Class Action Complaint
November 2, 2016: Settlement Agreement
Press Releases
February 22, 2016: Oregonians with disabilities file lawsuit for safety in the streets and equal access to the sidewalks
December 20, 2016: DRO announces class action settlement against ODOT for curb cuts and accessible crossings
March 23, 2017: FAQs: Making Street Crossings Safer
March 27, 2017: Court approves landmark agreement to make street crossings safer for all Oregonians
February 15, 2018: ODOT survey: 97 percent of curb ramps across state violate ADA standards
Media Coverage
March 28, 2017: ODOT must fix thousands of curb ramps around state
March 28, 2017: ODOT will replace 90 percent of highway curb ramps in coming years
March 29, 2017: Settlement compels ODOT to improve street crossings
March 31, 2017: Editorial: Lawsuit that forced fixing of faulty curb ramps welcome
April 19, 2017: Op-ed: Playing catch up on accessibility (Martha Mae Bryson)
May 23, 2017: Op-ed: A victory for the disabled (Ted Wenk)
How to report a problem
Use the ADA Accessibility Request Form on ODOT’s website.
Use the Ask ODOT form for complaints not covered by the agreement, but within ODOT’s control—such as railroad crossing without barriers or sidewalk obstacles that make it impossible for you to reach the curb ramp or use the signal.
Plaintiff Story
Awards
Pedestrian advocacy group Oregon Walks chose Disability Rights Oregon as a recipient of a 2016 Weston Award as a result of our advocacy for safer streets and accessible sidewalks. The Weston Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that make communities more livable and more walkable.