News Headlines

Wal-Mart Sued By Disabled Over Payment Machines

Reporter: Associated Press

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Advocates for the disabled are suing Wal-Mart Stores Inc. over point-of-sale machines they claim are inaccessible to customers who use wheelchairs and scooters.

The class-action lawsuit was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in San Francisco by the Berkeley-based Center for Independent Living and two disabled individuals.

The plaintiffs allege that Wal-Mart knowingly placed payment machines beyond the reach of wheelchair and scooter users, making it difficult for them to independently pay for goods with a credit or debit card.

Plaintiff Janet Brown of Pittsburgh says she has to share her private PIN with cashiers because she uses a wheelchair and can't reach the payment device on her own.

Wal-Mart officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.