DRM and Partners Reach Agreement with Baltimore City to Improve Sidewalks and Ramps for People with Mobility Disabilities

 

Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) and their legal partners Disability Rights Advocates, Fox & Robertson, and Goldstein, Borgen, Dardarian & Ho, on behalf of pedestrians with mobility disabilities, have reached a partial agreement with the City of Baltimore to make sidewalks and curb ramps more accessible for people with mobility disabilities. This is part of the class-action lawsuit Goodlaxson, et al. v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore (Case No. 1:21-cv-01454-JKB).    In 2021, DRM and their legal partners filed the lawsuit on behalf of several individuals and organizations, including Susan Goodlaxson, Janice Jackson, Keyonna Mayo, and the IMAGE Center of Maryland. They argued that Baltimore City failed to follow federal disability laws because many of its sidewalks and curb ramps were not built or maintained to be accessible, making it harder for people with disabilities to safely travel around the city and take part in community life.    Baltimore City’s own data shows the issue is widespread. A 2019 review found that only about 1.3% of surveyed curb ramps met ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. Many sidewalks were also damaged or too narrow for wheelchairs and other mobility devices, forcing people with disabilities to use the street alongside traffic, which is dangerous.    This lawsuit aimed to help everyone with mobility disabilities who has had difficulty using Baltimore’s sidewalks, curb ramps, and pedestrian pathways because they were too steep, narrow, or damaged. The agreement, a partial consent decree, is a step toward fixing these problems. Beginning in the third year of the agreement, the parties will work on a long-term plan to make all sidewalks and ramps accessible.

What Baltimore City Agreed to Do:   Spend $44–50 Million Over Four Years  The City will repair or build thousands of curb ramps and fix tens of thousands of square feet of sidewalks. Focus on Key Areas First Improvements will start in important places like government offices, transportation hubs, hospitals, and business areas -  especially in high-need neighborhoods. Improve the 3-1-1 System People with mobility disabilities can use the City’s 3-1-1 system to report broken sidewalks or ramps. Baltimore City will: Investigate issues within 60 days.  Provide a timeline for fixing the issue within 10 days after the investigation. Aim to fix the problem within nine months.  Quickly respond to complaints about puddles forming on ramps.  Hire ADA Coordinators  Baltimore will appoint coordinators to ensure the repairs meet ADA standards. Raise Awareness The City will educate the public about keeping sidewalks and ramps clear of snow and debris, especially near bus stops and public transportation. Create a Public Database  Baltimore City will maintain an online system to track the conditions of sidewalks and curb ramps.

Source: Disability Rights Maryland email, December 19, 2024

Disability Rights Maryland's Breaking Barriers Awards Gala is September 26th

 

BREAKING BARRIERS AWARDS GALA September 26 at 6:00 PM American Visionary Art Museum Baltimore, MD Purchase Tickets SALES END FRIDAY 9/20   HERE'S HOW WE'RE CELEBRATING: Honoring Extraordinary Leaders Meet and congratulate individuals who have broken down barriers through legislation, pro bono service, litigation, self-advocacy, and more.  Enjoying Delicious Food and Drinks From crab dip to donuts and signature drinks, come enjoy food and drinks from the leading caterer, Zeffert & Gold.  Listening to Live Music Flute performance by DRM's very own attorney, Leslie Seid Margolis and her duet partner, Gayle Eline. Capturing Moments in the Photo Booth Leave with a keepsake of a fun time spent with new and old friends celebrating our collective work to create a more inclusive society.  Raising our Spirits Purchase a mystery bottle at the Spirit Sweep and you might go home with a bottle of fine wine or an everyday selection that's still delicious.  All in an Accessible, Premier Location Enjoy a night out at the American Visionary Art Musuem, a place representative of uplifting social justice and people that are marginalized.  COME CELEBRATE WITH US! DRM's annual fundraising event is all about celebrating people who are working to create a more inclusive and just society.  Purchase Tickets Sales end Friday 9/20 If the ticket price is a barrier to your attendance, please email ShannonM@DisabilityRightsMD.org or call 443-692-2491. We have a limited number of discounted or complimentary tickets available.

Disability Rights Maryland Breaking Barriers Awards Gala is September 26th

 

Breaking Barriers Awards Gala Honoree Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) is honored to announce that U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth will receive the Judith Heumann Champion of Justice Award at DRM's Breaking Barriers Awards Gala on September 26, 2024.   The Judith Heumann Champion of Justice Award recognizes individuals who are dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for people with disabilities, in honor of Judy Heumann, one of the most influential disability rights activists in history. Previous recipients include Wade Henderson, Congressman Jamie Raskin, and Rebecca Cokley.   Senator Duckworth has been a steadfast advocate for disability rights. During the 115th Congress, she played a critical role in preserving the Americans with Disabilities Act, protecting the hard-won rights that leaders like Judy Heumann helped secure. Her legislative accomplishments also include expanding Medicare coverage for durable medical equipment, making public transit stations accessible, advocating for students with disabilities, ensuring fair rates for communication between incarcerated individuals and their families, addressing maternal mortality among veterans, and securing resources for State Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services.   Her work aligns with DRM's mission to advance the legal rights of people with disabilities. Recently, DRM represented a woman whose wheelchair was lost for days by an airline, highlighting systemic issues that Senator Duckworth has addressed through her efforts to increase transparency and accountability in the airline industry.   "Senator Duckworth's advocacy for disability rights and her commitment to social justice have made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals across the country. She carries forward the values and spirit that Judy Heumann infused into the disability rights and disability justice movement," said Meghan Marsh, Executive Director of DRM.   Senator Duckworth is not able to attend the gala in-person and will accept the award via recorded remarks. Come celebrate with us! September 26 at 6:00 PM American Visionary Art Museum Baltimore, MD Get Your Tickets Today   The Breaking Barriers Awards Gala is DRM's signature celebration where we honor visionary leaders who further the rights of people with disabilities. Funds raised go towards ensuring that Marylanders with disabilities, regardless of income, age, or race, have access to critical legal services.   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Purchase Gala Tickets Become a Sponsor Make a Contribution   DisabilityRightsMD.org