Wal-Mart sued for bias against disabled clients

7/26/2012
BLADE STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES

SAN FRANCISCO -- Disability rights advocates filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against Wal-Mart Stores Inc., claiming the retail giant refuses to make payment machines accessible to customers who use wheelchairs and scooters.

The plaintiffs allege Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart knowingly placed point-of-sale terminals beyond the reach of disabled customers at many of its more than 200 stores in California.

The lack of accessible payment devices makes it tough for disabled customers to independently pay for goods with a credit or debit card, according to the suit, which attorneys say is the first of its kind.