In a compelling legal move, a resident of Roselle, Illinois has taken action against a prominent financial institution, highlighting significant accessibility issues. On December 15, 2024, Mitchell Winklemann filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Parkway Bancorp, Inc. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at properties owned by the defendant.
The case revolves around Winklemann's visit to "India Foodie," a restaurant located on property owned by Parkway Bancorp. During his visit on October 26, 2024, Winklemann encountered numerous barriers that impeded his access as a wheelchair user. These barriers include inadequate accessible parking spaces and improper signage, which are not compliant with ADA standards. Winklemann's complaint details these obstacles and accuses Parkway Bancorp of failing to remove physical barriers to access and violating Title III of the ADA.
Winklemann is not only seeking justice for himself but also acts as an advocate for others facing similar challenges. As a self-proclaimed "tester" for ADA compliance, he aims to ensure public accommodations adhere to accessibility laws. His motivation stems from both personal necessity and advocacy purposes—to make communities more accessible for individuals with disabilities.
The plaintiff seeks several forms of relief from the court: an injunction requiring Parkway Bancorp to rectify all identified ADA violations at their property; compensation for attorney fees and litigation costs; and any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court. Winklemann argues that removing these barriers is readily achievable without significant difficulty or expense given the property's valuation and available tax incentives for accessibility modifications.
Representing Winklemann is Douglas S. Schapiro from The Schapiro Law Group based in Boca Raton, Florida. The case has been assigned Case No. 1:24-CV-12849 in front of judges yet to be named.