Eastern CT child care company settles with Justice Dept. over ADA violation

Mar. 23—A child care company accused of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating against a child with autism has reached a settlement with the Justice Department, according to federal prosecutors.

U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery announced Friday that the Discovery Zone Learning Center has agreed to implement new policies after an investigation found the company failed to reasonably modify its programs to accommodate the child.

"No family should have to worry that their child will be excluded from group child care because the child is disabled," Avery said in a statement. "I want to commend the Discovery Zone Learning Center for doing the right thing by cooperating with our investigation and agreeing to comply with the ADA going forward."

Avery said the investigation was launched after a complaint was submitted to the Justice Department on behalf of the child. She said Discovery Zone has agreed to pay the complainant $1,500 as part of the settlement.

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Additionally, the company, which has locations in Columbia, Hebron and Marlborough, agreed to implement new procedures to ensure the organization adhered to the ADA, and will provide training to its staff about the federal law.

Avery said the terms of the settlement will be in effect for three years and that department officials will monitor Discovery Zone during that period to make sure it abides by the agreement.

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