Los Angeles-Area Nursing School Agrees to Comply with Federal Law by Allowing Deaf Students to Attend Its Training Programs

         LOS ANGELES – Angeles Institute, a for-profit nursing school based in Artesia, has agreed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by allowing individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to enroll. As part of a settlement agreement with the United States, the school also agreed to provide auxiliary aids and services necessary to ensure effective communication to these students.

         The settlement, which was finalized today, resolves allegations that Angeles Institute denied a prospective student admission to its nursing assistant program because he is deaf. The ADA prohibits public accommodations, including private educational institutions like Angeles Institute, from denying access to their programs or services to individuals with disabilities.

         Under the settlement agreement, Angeles Institute must:

• modify its policies to clarify that prospective students cannot be denied admission because  of a disability;
• provide interpreters or other auxiliary aids and services free of charge when necessary to ensure effective communication with students and prospective students;
• modify its courses if necessary to ensure they are accessible to individuals with disabilities;
• appoint an ADA Coordinator to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to the school’s programs and services; and
• pay $10,000 to the complainant and a $5,000 civil penalty to the United States.

         Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Nickell of the Civil Division’s Civil Rights Section handled this matter.

         Angeles Institute fully cooperated with the government’s investigation.

         This year marks the ADA’s 30th anniversary. The Department of Justice plays a central role in advancing the nation’s goal of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.