A Constructive Response to Serial ADA Litigation

See this story from San Francisco.  It begins:

Some small business owners in the Sunset and Richmond districts have a new tool to stave off predatory lawsuits and bring their shops into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. 

A $200,000 pilot program Mayor Ed Lee launched with Supervisor Carmen Chu on Tuesday allows small business owners in select areas to get a free inspection and a plan for compliance. It also gives them access to grant money and a $1 million loan fund to make needed improvements. 

The idea is twofold: to stave off what Lee called “drive-by lawsuits” where the cost of litigation and fines can drive shop owners out of business, while also getting owners on track to have their shop accessible to those in wheelchairs or with other disabilities as required by federal law.