sobore

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...105723238.html

The National Federation of the Blind, the nation's oldest and largest organization of blind people and the leading advocate for accessible technology, and three blind individuals—Michael Hingson, Mike May, and Tina Thomas—who reside in California and frequently fly United, filed a class-action lawsuit today in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against United Airlines. United uses airport kiosks that employ touchscreen technology in a manner such that they cannot be used by blind passengers. Passengers who are able to use the kiosks can access information about flights, check in for flights, print tickets and boarding passes, select seats, upgrade to United's business or first class cabins, check baggage, and perform other transactions relevant to their air travel plans. The suit alleges that United is violating the California Disabled Persons Act and the Unruh Civil Rights Act because the services it provides through these kiosks are not available to blind passengers.

alanR

But are the services available to blind passengers by other means?

rggale

That's BS...this will never fly (no pun intended) because there are alternatives to this system to accomodate passengers with disAbilities, i.e. agents often at/near the kiosks, and the traditional check-in counter. Blind folk have no damages to claim (except maybe having to wait in line a few extra minutes). All of the services that the kiosk offers are also offered at the check in counter.


...Only in America...

dl767captain

So dumb. There are agents around, ask for help I'm sure they would be happy to help. Thats like me suing a store because I can't reach something on the top shelf. So what do they want? They would have previously had to walk up to an agent anyways so why is this any different

ScottC

What I'd like to know is whether other airlines offer technology to accomodate blind passengers at their kiosks. Why did they single out UA here? Is the technology to help blind people operate these kiosks really that cheap?

alanR

Let's extend the "logic" seemingly being displayed.

Will we get people suing because they can't climb stairs - even if there is an elevator nearby?

sobore

Good point. I wonder why UA was singled out for what seems like a universal issue. (If this is even an issue.)

cordelli

Also being discussed here

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...assengers.html

The suit says the three people who filed it were United Customers, though it probably would not have been that hard for them to find people on any airline.

I don't know about other airlines, but Amtrak has installed something like 350 or 400 kiosks with voice, tactile keys, etc. The technology is available.

Without going into everything I said in the other thread, I don't see them having a chance in this suit, kiosks are not yet covered under the ADA.

N830MH

Yes, if they have a elevators available at the gates or concourse. If they needs assistance with blinds passengers who needs their help. UA is not liability to taking own responsible for blinds passengers who cannot help without GA, FA or wheelchair assistance. They will have to be escorted with blinds passengers.

alanR

You've missed the point - they are suing because they can't use a specific piece of equipment, not that they can't get the service some other way.

Thus this is like suing because you can't use the stairs even when there are other ways to get from floor to floor.

DeafFlyer

So... Are you saying United, or any airline, should not even bother to make their services more accessible? Why do people with disabilities have to fight so darn hard to get them to do a simple thing, with which the technology is readily available? Why all the resistance?

United737522

I am trying to figure out why you are so persistent that UA should spend millions of dollars making such a silly accommodation? Blind passengers can use an agent to check in. I like the stair example because it puts this in perspective. Would you really spend millions getting disabled passengers up the stairs with a special lift when there is an elevator next door?

LAX

If your point of inaccessible service means there are so few check-in agents around to help, then you may have a valid point. Why are you insisting that they be able to use self-serve kiosks??

LAX

Keyser

a couple of good questions....it would help to know why ua was singled out....

Toolmaker96

Just a bunch of hacks looking for a easy buck.