Lawsuit: Chicago Homeless Shelters Lack Accessibility

CHICAGO (AP) -- A Chicago woman is suing the city, claiming that its homeless shelters violate the rights of people with disabilities by failing to provide accommodations that are required by federal law.

The Chicago Tribune reports that the federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of Laura Martin on Monday. It alleges the city has violated the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act.

The lawsuit says Martin was turned away from multiple shelters in 2017 because she has difficulty walking due to rheumatoid arthritis. The suit says it took three nights for the shelter system to find Martin a place to stay.

The lawsuit is seeking to have the shelter program and its partner organizations improve accessibility for those with disabilities.

The city's law department declined to comment, citing pending litigation.

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