U.S. Department of Justice Announces Dillard University’s Completion of ADA Compliance Measures

NEW ORLEANS - The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Dillard University jointly announce the successful conclusion of a multi-year process to implement a number of improvements that create an accessible environment in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In 2018, the United States Attorney's Office and Dillard cooperatively entered into a renewal and extension of an original ADA settlement agreement signed in 2002. A thorough ADA survey of the entire campus noted several non-accessible campus features, ranging from the lack of handicap parking and wheelchair ramps to the need for signage for low vision/blind persons outside of classrooms and more. Dillard completed its ADA-compliance measures earlier this year with modifications to its website.

Dr. Rochelle L. Ford, Dillard University's eighth president, identified inclusion and accessibility on campus as vital components of the University's commitment to healthy, safe, and innovative communities. She commented:

"In the coming months, the University will open the doors of a new living, learning, and serving community building. In this space, accessibility is a top priority for the team leading design and construction. As the University continues to grow, it will double down on its commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive place for students and the wider community."

Duane A. Evans, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, remarked:

"We appreciate Dillard's cooperation and commitment to bring its campus into full compliance with the ADA, a hallmark of our nation's federal civil-rights legislation. Ensuring accessible educational settings for the disabled now, creates greater professional and economic opportunities for them in the future. This joint endeavor is an across-the-board win for Dillard, its current and prospective students, and our region."

AUSA Glenn Schreiber of the Civil Division handled the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

For more information on the ADA, please call the department's toll-free Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. ADA complaints may be filed online at www.ada.gov/complaint.