ERC Fights Housing Discrimination Against Individuals Using Guide Dogs
The ERC has filed two lawsuits for violations of the federal Fair Housing Act and local laws that ensure individuals with disabilities who use service animals have equal access to housing. In each case, trained ERC testers who are blind and use a guide dog were either told by rental agents that their guide dog would not be permitted at the property, or that they would be subject to additional costs or requirements because of their guide dog.
“Tens of thousands of individuals who are blind or visually impaired use guide dogs, and thousands more people with disabilities use other types of assistance animals,” said Don Kahl, Executive Director of the Equal Rights Center. “Refusing to allow guide dogs, or imposing additional costs or other requirements on people because of their guide dogs, denies people who are blind or visually impaired their right to secure housing of their choice.”
Click here to read more about the cases .
 Investigation Finds Adverse Treatment of Latinos in 55% of Rental Housing Inquiries
The Equal Rights Center and Drinker Biddler & Reath LLP have released a testing-based report revealing that Latinos seeking rental housing across the Commonwealth of Virginia experienced at least one form of adverse treatment as compared to their white counterparts in 55 percent of inquiries. The report, Precaución: Obstacles for Latinos in the Virginia Rental Housing Market, is based on a series of 106 tests.
Click here to download a copy of the report.
Click here to download an accessible version of the report.
April 25, 2013 is "Equal Rights Center Day"!
As a part of our 30th Anniversary celebration, District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray has proclaimed April 25, 2013 as "Equal Rights Center Day" in the District.
Click here to read the Proclamation.
Equal Rights Center Announces National Initiative with TJX to Promote Accessibility
The Equal Rights Center announced an initiative with The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX) to promote accessibility at TJX’s stores throughout the United States. TJX and the ERC will work collaboratively to review accessibility at TJX’s U.S. locations, including TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods stores. The ERC will also work closely with TJX on the training of its associates on accessibility standards and customer service for people with disabilities.
Read more about our partnership with TJX here.
For Civil Minds, the ERC's blog
Read the ERC's blog, For Civil Minds, to learn more about a variety of civil rights issues. The blog is updated frequently so remember to keep checking back for new stories and topics.
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