UPDATE: At the September 7th fairness hearing, Judge Robert W. Sweet signed the settlement. This is a tremendous victory for New Yorkers with disabilities throughout the shelter system! Read the statement of Coalition for the Homeless in support of the Stipulation of Settlement here.
You should read this notice if:
In 2015, disabled people in shelter sued DHS in a federal class action lawsuit called Butler v. City of New York 15-CV-3783 (RWS) (JLC). This is a Class Action case, which means that it was brought on behalf of a group of people. Both sides in the case want to settle it now, and have asked the judge to approve their settlement. In the settlement, DHS has agreed to make sure people with disabilities can get shelter. DHS has also agreed to change some of its rules to better help people with disabilities.
You are a Class Member and covered by this settlement if:
1. you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which means you have a physical or mental impairment that limits a major life activity; AND
2. • you are currently living in the DHS shelter system; OR
• you tried to access services or received any services through the DHS shelter system after May 14, 2012; OR
• you will try to access or receive services through the DHS shelter system in the future.
The settlement agreement is on the websites of The Legal Aid Society, Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York, and DHS: www.legal-aid.org, www.cidny.org, and www.nyc.gov/dhs.
To get a copy of the settlement, or if you have questions, you can call, mail, or email:
The Legal Aid Society Butler v. City of New York Settlement 199 Water Street, 3rd floor New York, NY 10038 ButlerCase@legal-aid.org
DHS agrees to make the DHS Shelter System accessible for people with disabilities.
1. Reasonable Accommodation Requests
DHS will provide reasonable accommodations (“RAs”) to Class Members. RAs are changes you need to policies, practices, or facilities that make facilities and services accessible to you. Some examples might be that you can have a service animal, or a bed that you can transfer to/from your wheelchair, or a place to refrigerate your medications. DHS will include information about RAs and how to ask for them on its forms and signage. If you apply for an RA, DHS will give you a written notice of its decision about your RA request. You can appeal if the RA request is denied.
2. Better Reasonable Accommodations
DHS will try to identify individuals who may need RAs even if they do not request an RA. DHS will also use a system so that DHS staff at any DHS facility can see information about RAs you need. DHS may provide temporary RAs while it is making a final decision.
3. Looking at Current Policies, Practices, and Facilities
DHS will look at its current policies, practices, and facilities to see if there are problems in them for people with disabilities. DHS will prepare a plan to make the Shelter System accessible to people with disabilities. DHS will use this plan to make its shelters accessible. There will be a plan to be approved by the Court to make sure the City is complying with the settlement.
4. Staff Training
DHS will train its staff about the rights of people with disabilities and the Settlement. DHS will have staff who can help people with disabilities use the Shelter System and request RAs.
No. If you agree with the Settlement, you do not need to do anything. If the Court approves the Settlement, you will see changes in the DHS Shelter System to make the shelter system more accessible for people with disabilities. You will also be bound by the Settlement.
Class Members have the right to tell the Court if they object to the Settlement. Class Members can object in person by coming to the hearing on September 7, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Judge Robert W. Sweet United States District Court for the Southern District of New York United States Courthouse 500 Pearl Street, Courtroom 18C New York, NY 10007
Class Members may also object by sending a letter marked “Butler Class Action” and postmarked by September 2, 2017, to the Court at the address listed above, with a copy sent to the following:
The Legal Aid Society Attn: Joshua Goldfein 199 Water Street New York, New York 10038
Attorneys for the certified class ButlerCase@legal-aid.org If you have any questions, you may call or email the above attorney, who represents the certified class in this action. DO NOT CALL THE COURT.
