A blind resident of Chicago is taking legal action against a major housing authority, claiming her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act have been violated. Linae M. Nesbitt filed a complaint on February 26, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). She alleges that CHA wrongfully revoked her Housing Choice Voucher without proper notice or an opportunity to appeal.
Nesbitt's case centers around an incident in September 2024 when she claims CHA terminated her housing voucher without sufficient communication. "I did not receive a telephone call, virtually a guaranteed means of contact for me," Nesbitt states in her complaint, emphasizing that despite informing CHA staff multiple times that phone calls are the best way to reach her due to her blindness, they failed to notify her adequately about the expiration and necessary recertification of her voucher. Instead, she was informed via telephone only after it was too late to appeal the decision.
Nesbitt argues that this oversight violates several laws designed to protect individuals with disabilities, including the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Illinois Human Rights Act, Illinois Fair Housing Act, and Cook County Human Rights Ordinance. These laws mandate reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Nesbitt asserts that notifying her by phone would not have imposed any undue financial or administrative burden on CHA.
The plaintiff highlights that while internet communication may be preferred by many organizations today, it poses significant challenges for her as a blind individual. "As a blind person I am not very adept at this growing and ever-changing computer science," she explains in her filing. Nesbitt believes she should have been treated differently in light of these circumstances to ensure fairness and equality as outlined by ADA guidelines.
Nesbitt is seeking reinstatement of her Housing Choice Voucher along with any equitable relief deemed just by the court, which may include monetary compensation. Additionally, she requests an in-person hearing if necessary to further clarify her position and emphasize why maintaining independent living through this program is crucial for her until she can secure employment.
The case is presided over by Judge Elaine E. Bucklo and Magistrate Judge Jeannice W. Appenteng under Case ID 1:25-cv-02018. Nesbitt represents herself in this matter.