Case: First Union ATM, Web, and Alternative Format Agreement

NA | No Court

Filed Date: 2001

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

In 2001, attorneys representing the blind community entered into structured negotiations with First Union Bank regarding accommodations for blind and visually impaired people. On October 19, 2001, the parties entered into a settlement agreement.

Under the terms of the agreement, First Union agreed to install the first talking ATMs in North Carolina, Maryland, and New Jersey. In January 2003, the parties entered into a second agreement. In this document, First Union agreed to install more talking ATMs. The bank also agreed to make its website accessible to blind and visually impaired people. In addition, the bank began giving blind customers information in Braille, large print, and audio formats. Several years later, Wachovia bought First Union, and as of early 2008, Wachovia has thousands of talking ATMs.

Summary Authors

Kristen Sagar (5/16/2009)

People


Attorney for Plaintiff

Dardarian, Linda M. (California)

Earle, Thomas (California)

Feingold, Lainey [Elaine] (California)

Meek, Robert W. (Pennsylvania)

Attorney for Defendant

Culp, Marylin E (North Carolina)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

Settlement Agreement

Oct. 19, 2001

Oct. 19, 2001

Settlement Agreement

Amendment to Settlement Agreement

Jan. 1, 2003

Jan. 1, 2003

Settlement Agreement

Docket

Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 1:48 p.m.

Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.

Case Details

State / Territory: North Carolina

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: 2001

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

individuals who are blind or vision-impaired and who currently have, had, or would like to have one or more bank accounts with First Union or would like to use First Union Automated Teller Machines (”ATMs”)

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

NDRN/Protection & Advocacy Organizations

Law Office of Lainey Feingold

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

First Union National Bank, Private Entity/Person

Wachovia Corporation, Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Special Case Type(s):

Out-of-court

Available Documents:

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Order Duration: 2001 - None