Walmart to Improve Accessibility for People w/ Disabilities

In Jan, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., entered into a settlement agreement with the Dept of Justice to improve access for people with disabilities at Walmart stores nationwide, including Supercenters, Sam's Clubs, & Neighborhood Markets. The agreement resolves an investigation of complaints alleging a variety of issues including refusing to admit, or excessively questioning, customers who use service animals.

Under the agreement, Walmart will: adopt & implement a new policy on service animals; provide training on the new policy for all Walmart associates who have contact with the public; provide additional training on the policy for store management & greeters; post the new policy; provide training for managers & greeters on their obligations under the ADA to maintain accessible features & establish a grievance procedure to receive ADA complaints through a toll-free hotline, investigate the complaints, & take appropriate corrective action to resolve ADA violations.

Walmart also agreed to pay an additional $100,000 into a fund that will be used to finance a public service campaign to increase public awareness of the rights of people with disabilities who use service animals. Link to Disability Rights Online: http://www.ada.gov/newsltr0409.htm