Class Action Settlement Requires Accessible Public Benefits Information for Persons Who Are Visually Impaired

As a result of a federal class action settlement in Rafferty v. Doar, New York City and State agencies will begin providing information about food stamps and Medicaid in a variety of alternate formats that are accessible to low-income persons who are blind or visually impaired. The case was brought by NCLEJ and Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and related civil rights laws. The settlement will ensure that all low-income New York City residents who are blind or visually impaired will have independent and meaningful access to critically important information about these vital public benefits. The parties have submitted the proposed settlement to the court and will seek its approval. Support to NCLEJ for this class action was provided by New York Community Trust.