DOJ sues Maine over access for persons with disabilities

Justice Department alleges that Maine failed to provide equal access to education and other services for children with disabilities.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Bangor, alleges that the state violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide equal access to education, transportation, and other services for children with disabilities.

The complaint alleges that Maine has failed to provide accessible transportation to students with disabilities, has failed to provide assistive technology to students with disabilities, and has failed to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in schools and other settings.

The lawsuit also alleges that Maine has failed to provide equal access to extracurricular activities for students with disabilities, has failed to provide equal access to health care for students with disabilities, and has failed to provide equal access to other services for students with disabilities.

“The ADA requires that states provide equal access to education and other services for children with disabilities,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to enforcing the ADA and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their disability.“

The lawsuit is part of the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to enforce the ADA and ensure that all Americans have equal access to education, employment, and other opportunities.