Filed Date: 2002
Closed Date: 2003
Clearinghouse coding complete
In January 2002, the Utah Council of the Blind and the Iowa Council of the Blind (the Claimants) entered a settlement agreement with Wells Fargo & Company, concerning the accessibility of ATMs to blind users. The Claimants alleged that Wells Fargo's network of ATMs were largely inaccessible to blind and visually impaired users, in violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (42 U.S.C. §§ 12181, et seq.) The parties reached the settlement through a process of structured negotiations, rather than litigating the issue in court.
Although it denied any wrongdoing and that it violated the ADA, Wells Fargo agreed in the settlement that it would have at least ten "talking" ATMs in Utah and ten in Iowa by the effective date of the settlement, and at least 75 in Iowa and 196 in Utah by the end of 2002. These ATMs support the use of an audio headset, making them accessible to blind and visually impaired patrons. By March 31, Wells Fargo agreed that the Talking ATMs would offer substantially the same services available as non-talking ATMs installed at the same locations, including support for Spanish audio output. Wells Fargo also agreed to train its employees on the use of the Talking ATMs.
The parties agreed to have further negotiations regarding further accommodations and the installation of additional Talking ATMs at some point between January 1 and March 31 of 2003.
Wells Fargo also agreed to begin waiving fees for the use of its 24-hour telephone banking services system for its customers with visual impairments.
Summary Authors
Alex Colbert-Taylor (6/14/2013)
Wells Fargo California Talking ATM and Alternative Format Agreement, No Court (1999)
Dardarian, Linda M. (California)
Feingold, Lainey [Elaine] (California)
Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 2:27 p.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory: Iowa
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Filing Date: 2002
Closing Date: 2003
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
The Utah Council of the Blind and the Iowa Council of the Blind.
Plaintiff Type(s):
Attorney Organizations:
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Wells Fargo, Private Entity/Person
Defendant Type(s):
Facility Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.
Special Case Type(s):
Available Documents:
Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Unknown
Nature of Relief:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Content of Injunction:
Goals (e.g., for hiring, admissions)
Order Duration: 2002 - 2003
Issues
General/Misc.:
Access to public accommodations - privately owned
Disability and Disability Rights:
Screen readers and similar accessibility devices
Discrimination Area:
Discrimination Basis: