2021 Highlight

Dollar General ADA Nationwide Class Action Settlement Agreement

In the summer of 2020, along with Carlson Lynch, we filed a nationwide class action lawsuit against the Dollar General Corporation, the retailer with the greatest physical store presence in the U.S., alleging its stores were not accessible to people with mobility disabilities. Starting May 20, 2021, Dollar General agreed to ensure that its access routes in the over 17,000 stores across 46 different states are accessible for people with disabilities. The company agreed to keep its store aisles clear of merchandise, keep the route to the public water fountains and bathrooms accessible, and not block the pathway from the accessible parking to its store entrance and to emergency exits.

On May 26, 2021, Judge Stickman of the Western District of Pennsylvania issued final approval of a comprehensive settlement agreement that requires Dollar General Stores across the United States to comply with the ADA.

We are pleased to share that Hon. Stickman approved the settlement agreement, and today, Dollar General will take steps to make their stores accessible to its customers who have mobility disabilities.

-Timothy A. Clune, Esq. DRNY Executive Director.

Since September 2021, DRNY and Carlson Brown (formerly “Carlson Lynch”) have been surveying Dollar General stores across the country as part of its duty to monitor for compliance with the settlement agreement.

If you experience any accessibility barriers at Dollar Generals where you shop, you can speak with a Dollar General associate at the store or call 1-877-463-1553 to report the problem. For more information about this settlement agreement, visit https:// dollargeneraladasettlement.com/ or contact Christina Asbee, Esq. of Disability Rights New York, Christina.asbee@drny.org.