WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Convenience store chain Kum & Go LC will spend millions of dollars to make changes at its more than 425 stores in 11 states to settle a lawsuit that claimed its gas stations failed to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), reported the Associated Press.
A Clinton, Iowa, man who uses a wheelchair filed the class-action lawsuit in April 2013 on behalf of all Kum & Go customers who use wheelchairs or scooters, said the report.
A federal court judge on October 30 approved the settlement negotiated by attorneys for the company and the man, Gary McDermott. It specifies the company will bring 100 stores into compliance within two years and 75 additional stores each year until modifications are made at all stores.
Modifications include fuel assistance calling devices at the gasoline dispensers and relocated fuel pump controls.
"The agreement reached in this case reflects Kum & Go's ongoing efforts to increase the convenience and accessibility of our goods and services to all of our customers," company spokesperson Traci Rodemeyer said in a statement provided to CSP Daily News. "We have invested, and will continue to invest, substantial sums to improve accessibility at our stores, and in some instances have agreed to offer accessibility options that exceed those required by law. In this regard, this settlement reflects a collaborative effort between the plaintiff, as representative of the disabled community, and Kum & Go to make great strides towards ensuring that those with disabilities not only have access to our goods and services, but that they clearly recognize our intention of serving them as our guest."
West Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go has approximately 425 convenience stores in 11 states (Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming). In addition to a wide selection of merchandise, Kum & Go provides customers a proprietary mix of products under the Hiland brand. Other proprietary product offerings include Java Ridge Premium Coffee, Napa Creek and Sea Ridge wines, Go Fresh Market sandwiches and Nuclear energy drinks.
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