Parent sues ISD over disability access

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A West lake Hill man filed a federal lawsuit against Eanes ISD on Thursday morning which accused the school district of failing to meet the needs of those students with physical disabilities.

The lawsuit was brought forward by the parents of an Eanes Elementary School student who is mobility impaired.

Eanes ISD is known for academics and sports excellence, but one father says there is one thing were the district is not making the grade.

“For five years we have worked collaboratively, done everything we could to work with the school district to bring them into compliance with some of there ADA problems on the campuses," said Patrick Fries, who filed the lawsuit.

Fries said it is clear the district is not working quickly to make schools like Eanes Elementary, where his daughter attends, accessible to those with handicaps.

"We're not asking for money, we don't want anything except compliant ramps, safe campuses," said Fries.

He wants no money, but in a 22-page lawsuit filed in federal court, he is asking the district to move forward with updating not only his daughter's school, but all nine schools in the district.

"People aren't going to do things unless somebody makes them do it,” said Martin Cirkiel, the attorney for Fries. “So, we're at the position right now that it's our desire to help Eanes do the right thing. They've been slow to respond. You judge by behavior.”

The lawsuit ask the district to update, add railings at schools, make sure ramps are at proper-safe levels, grading on play grounds are appropriate and usable for everyone and the list goes on.

The district has not been served with the lawsuit, but says in a written statement that: “Eanes ISD has an aggressive plan in place to achieve universal accessibility in our facilities. This includes approximately $5 million of projects in the initial bond program, as well as an additional $2 million in interest earnings that has been designated for further improvements. In the past year, more than 1,100 projects have been completed and we continue to make progress.”

The lawsuit is not asking for money, but for all schools and facilities to be brought up to American with Disabilities Act's standards.