Caltrans Agrees to Spend $1.1 Billion to Improve Access for People with Disabilities

Skadden and Disability Rights Advocates secured an important agreement from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), which will spend $1.1 billion over 30 years to improve sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities to make them accessible to people with disabilities. The plan, submitted on December 22 to U.S. District Judge Saundra Armstrong for approval, would resolve class actions filed on behalf of disabled individuals who claimed Caltrans had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Skadden represented the plaintiffs pro bono. "This landmark settlement will ensure that persons with disabilities will have access to pedestrian facilities throughout the State of California. We are pleased that Skadden, Arps, was able to help achieve this important victory," said Skadden partner Jose Allen, who led the firm's representation.  Skadden attorneys Sheryl Wu, Jason Breeding and Nathaniel Fisher also worked on the case.