President George W. Bush issued an executive order to strengthen emergency preparedness with respect to persons with disabilities on the part of the federal government. The order covers events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods and acts of terrorism. The order establishes within the Department of Homeland Security the Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities. The purpose of the order is to foster consideration in emergency planning the unique needs of persons with disabilities and encourage plan development through technical assistance. The order also serves to facilitate cooperation between state, local and tribal governments and private organizations and individuals in the implementation of emergency preparedness plans.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed an agreement signed by Walgreens Company in Cook County Circuit Court that details changes to improve accessibility to the 400 Walgreens stores in the state of Illinois. Under the agreement Walgreens must pay $150,000 to an independent monitor to inspect its stores to ensure compliance with the agreements. In addition, Walgreens must pay $350,000 to the Attorney General’s Office as well.

The agreement addresses improving access to stores by mandating new parking spaces closer to stores with appropriate signage, installing curb cuts, decreasing the slope of existing ramps and removing barriers such as concrete “security” blocks and trash cans. The settlement resolves a law suit filed by the Illinois Attorney General on March 11, 2003.

For more information call 312-814-3118 or 877-844-5461 (TTY)