Consent Decree:

EEOC and Wal-Mart Stores

USDC ED Ca., Dec. 17, 2001

http://www.eeocvwalmart.com/FinalConsentDecree.pdf

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) will be one of the beneficiaries of an agreement between Wal-Mart Stores and the EEOC.  Wal-Mart Stores, the retail giant with more than 1600 stores throughout the United States, has entered into an agreement with the EEOC to implement a new ADA policy resolving complaints that it violated the ADA in its employment practices.  Specifically as it relates to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, a settlement was reached with complainant Steve Sanders of California, an individual who was hired as a loader/scanner.  Due to a hearing loss, Sanders  requested an accommodation to perform loading duties only.  Wal-Mart denied his request and terminated his employment.  Under a settlement, Sanders will receive compensatory damages, back pay and interest on back pay ($203,000).  In addition, any excess funds will be distributed to several disability rights organizations, including NAD.