NEW BRIGHTON, MN — The Minnesota Department of Human Rights Monday announced a settlement agreement that will require LA Fitness to ensure all its fitness centers in Minnesota are accessible to people with disabilities.
“Ensuring that public places are accessible to people with disabilities is critical to building an inclusive and thriving Minnesota,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero in a news release.
“This case is a reminder to all businesses that when spaces are accessible, when they are universally designed, they not only benefit people with disabilities, but in many situations, everyone using those spaces benefits.”
According to the Human Rights department, LA Fitness in New Brighton provided non-slip rubber mats in its lockers rooms for years to help keep its members safe on wet surfaces.
Greg Reid, a member with a mobility-related disability, relied on the mats to prevent him from slipping.
However, without notice, LA Fitness removed the non-slip mats and ignored Reid’s request to have them reinstalled or to have handrails installed, according to authorities.
By denying Reid equal access, Human Rights officials said LA Fitness violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act for disability discrimination.
“I’m happy I could make things safer and better for myself and for all people with disabilities who use LA Fitness in Minnesota,” Reid said.
