CHARLES R. BREYER, District Judge.
Stephanie Enyart brings this action against the National Conference for Bar Examiners, Inc. ("NCBE"), alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"), 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., and the Unruh Civil Rights Act ("Unruh Act"), California Civil Code § 51 et seq. Ms. Enyart, who is legally blind, requested a set of accommodations on the
Stephanie Enyart is legally blind. Enyart Declaration in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction ("Enyart Decl.") (dkt. 36) ¶ 6. She suffers from macular degeneration and retinal dystrophy, with a likely diagnosis of Stargardt's Disease. Levine Declaration in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction ("Levine P.I. Decl.") (dkt. 33) ¶¶ 17, 32, Exs. 12, 26. According to Ms. Enyart, "[o]ver the years, based upon the individual evaluations and recommendations of assistive technology experts and training I have received in using assistive technologies, and practice, I have learned which technologies best suit my reading needs given my specific disability and changes in my vision over time." Enyart Decl. ¶ 7.
Ms. Enyart explains that one particular accommodation, namely, a computer equipped with screen reading software (JAWS) and screen magnification software (ZoomText), is required for her "to read lengthy texts, legal and academic material, [and] to perform legal work." Id. ¶ 8. Further, "it is what I used to take all of my law school examinations, with the exception of a single multiple choice portion of one law school examination, which I took using only the assistance of a human reader, with disastrous results." Id. In sum, Ms. Enyart asserts that "[t]he combination of JAWS and ZoomText is the only method through which I can effectively read and comprehend lengthy or complex material." Id. ¶ 12.
NCBE is a private nonprofit corporation that "develops and provides standard examinations for the testing of applicants for admission to the practice of law." Answer of Defendant NCBE ("Answer") (dkt. 20) ¶ 13. NCBE has developed the MBE and the MPRE and determines the formats in which they will be offered to test takers. Id. To be licensed to practice law in California, applicants must pass both the MPRE and the general bar examination, which includes the MBE. Levine P.I. Decl. Ex. 36 at N0065; Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 6060(g).
Ms. Enyart requested JAWS and ZoomText to read the MPRE on several occasions beginning with the March 2009 administration of that exam. Enyart Decl. ¶¶ 18, 20, 21. She requested this accommodation on the California Bar Exam beginning in July 2009. Id. ¶ 23. These requests were accompanied by documentation from Ms. Enyart's vocational rehabilitation counselor, treating ophthalmologist, law school assistant dean, and assistive technology specialist. Levine P.I. Decl. Exs. 1, 3, 14-16, 18-19, 22-23, 25-30, 35, 38-40, 42, 46-53.
The State Bar of California approved Ms. Enyart's request for accommodations on the sections of the California Bar not controlled by the NCBE and stated its willingness to permit her to the take the MBE with her requested accommodation, if allowed by NCBE or if ordered by this Court to do so. Levine P.I. Decl. Exs. 5-6; Stipulation re Dismissal of State Bar (dkt. 25). NCBE refused to allow Ms.
The Ninth Circuit has now affirmed this Court's grant of the Preliminary Injunctions. Enyart v. Nat'l Conference of Bar Exam'rs, Inc., 630 F.3d 1153 (9th Cir.2011). In addition to affirming the grant of the Preliminary Injunctions, the Ninth Circuit set out the appropriate standard for evaluating an accommodation under 42 U.S.C. § 12189. Section 12189, which falls within Title III of the ADA, governs professional licensing examinations. The Department of Justice issued a regulation interpreting the statute, 28 C.F.R. § 36.309, and requiring a private entity offering a licensing examination to assure that "the examination is selected and administered so as to best ensure that, when the examination is administered to an individual with a disability that impairs sensory, manual, or speaking skills, the examination results accurately reflect the individual's aptitude or achievement level or whatever other factor the examination purports to measure, rather than reflecting the individual's impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills." 28 C.F.R. § 36.309(b)(1)(i). The parties have referred to this as the "best ensure" standard. The Ninth Circuit held the regulation was entitled to Chevron deference, and that the "best ensure" standard applies. 630 F.3d at 1162.
Ms. Enyart now moves for summary judgment on her ADA and Unruh Act claims, requesting declaratory relief and a permanent injunction. NCBE opposes, stating there are still genuine disputes over material facts.
Summary judgment is proper when "the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law." Fed. R.Civ.P. 56(c). An issue is "genuine" only if there is a sufficient evidentiary basis on which a reasonable fact finder could find for the nonmoving party, and a dispute is "material" only if it could affect the outcome of the suit under governing law. See Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248-49, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986). A principal purpose of the summary judgment procedure "is to isolate and dispose of factually unsupported claims." Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323-24, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986). "Where the record taken as a whole could not lead a rational trier of fact to find for the non-moving party, there is no `genuine issue for trial.'" Matsushita Elec. Ind. Co. v. Zenith Radio, 475 U.S. 574, 587, 106 S.Ct. 1348, 89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986).
Since there are undisputed material facts demonstrating as a matter of law that only Ms. Enyart's requested accommodation would meet the "best ensure"
First, NCBE argues summary judgment is premature here because it has petitioned for a writ of certiorari before the United States Supreme Court, appealing the Ninth Circuit's affirmance of the preliminary injunction. Opposition to Motion for Summary Judgment ("Opp'n") at 2. The writ has since been denied. NCBE v. Enyart, ___ U.S. ___, 132 S.Ct. 366, 181 L.Ed.2d 232 (2011). Thus, this argument is moot and this Court must apply the governing law as stated by the Ninth Circuit.
Ms. Enyart brings claims under the ADA and the Unruh Act. The Court turns to the ADA claim first.
While NCBE failed to acknowledge the "best ensure" standard in its Opposition, it conceded at the hearing the standard applies. The question before the Court is what accommodations "best ensure" that Ms. Enyart's examination results accurately reflect her aptitude rather than her disability.
Under Fed.R.Evid. 702, expert testimony may be admitted only if it will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue. To qualify, a witness must have "knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education" relevant to such evidence or fact in issue. Fed.R.Evid. 702. The rule is broadly phrased and liberally construed. Thomas v. Newton Int'l Enters., Inc., 42 F.3d 1266, 1269 (9th Cir.1994). The Ninth Circuit views "the admissibility of expert testimony as a subject peculiarly within the sound discretion of the trial judge, who alone must decide the qualifications of the expert on a given subject and the extent to which his opinions may be required." United States v. Chang, 207 F.3d 1169, 1172 (9th Cir.2000) (quotation omitted) (where key issue was authenticity of a securities certification, expert properly excluded where he had no experience in identifying counterfeit securities). A district court abuses its discretion when it bases its decision on an "erroneous view of the law or a clearly erroneous assessment of the facts." United States v. Rahm, 993 F.2d 1405, 1410 (9th Cir.1993).
The basic test for admissibility under Rule 702 is whether the expert will aid the trier of fact. See McCormick on Evid. § 13 (6th ed.). The key inquiry is whether the witness has sufficient skill or knowledge related to the pertinent field so that his inference will probably be of some assistance to the untrained layman. Id.; United States v. Hankey, 203 F.3d 1160, 1168 (9th Cir.2000). An expert's knowledge may be derived from experience alone, and there is no per se requirement that a scientific expert have any particular training or license in order to testify. Rahm, 993 F.2d at 1416. In Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579, 597, 113 S.Ct. 2786, 125 L.Ed.2d 469 (1993), the Supreme Court explained that expert testimony does need to rest on a reliable foundation and be relevant to the "task at hand."
After being qualified as an expert, there is also the question of whether the expert's testimony is admissible. The trial court must consider the probativeness of expert testimony in determining its admissibility. Rahm, 993 F.2d at 1412. The Court may exclude testimony if the Court does not believe that scientific standards support the reliability of the expert's opinion. In accordance with Daubert, a proponent must establish that the witness's underlying
Thus, generally, the Court looks to: (1) whether the expert opinion is based on scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge; (2) whether the opinion would assist the trier of fact; (3) whether the expert has appropriate qualifications; (4) whether the expert's methodology fits the conclusions; and (5) whether the probative value of the testimony outweighs prejudice, confusion, or undue consumption of time. Hankey, 203 F.3d at 1168. The key concern is whether expert testimony will assist the trier of fact in drawing a conclusion as to a "fact in issue." Rahm, 993 F.2d at 1411.
The use of different assistive technology in particular situations for particular types of disabilities presents questions suitable for expert testimony, and the expert testimony presented by both sides aids the trier of fact in deciding the issues presented. Particularly, expert testimony is helpful to the Court in understanding and applying the "best ensure" standard to Ms. Enyart's particular situation.
NCBE does not point to or present any expert testimony regarding the "best ensure" standard. In fact, NCBE's expert, Dr. David Damari, OD, stated, "it really is impossible for [him] to use the best ensure standard." Levine P.I. Decl. Ex. 58 (Damari Dep. 10:18-19) (dkt. 33-4). He also stated that he did not "have an opinion as to best ensure."
Thus, NCBE does not point to any expert testimony addressing the relevant standard that calls into question the expert testimony which does address the relevant standard. This, in conjunction with Ms. Enyart's expert testimony from Silvana Rainey and Dr. Bruce Britton, demonstrates a lack of genuine dispute over whether Ms. Enyart's requested accommodations are, in the opinion of experts, the accommodations that would "best ensure" her performance on the Bar Exam reflects her legal knowledge, rather than her disability.
Ms. Enyart put forth the testimony of several experts to support her claim.
Ms. Enyart offered in support of her motion the testimony of Silvana Rainey, an assistive technology consultant hired by the California Department of Rehabilitation. See Notice of Motion and Motion for Summary Judgment; Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support Thereof ("Mot.") at 12-13 (dkt. 141), citing Declaration of Silvana Rainey in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction ("Rainey Decl.") (dkt. 34).
There is not a form of accreditation for the assistive technology field. Rainey Decl. ¶ 7. Thus, Rainey states her expertise and knowledge base has been developed through work experience over the past fifteen years. Id. Rainey has provided consultation, assessment and assistive technology training for individuals with visual disabilities working in a variety of fields in the public and private sectors, including such clients as the Veterans Administration, the Social Security Administration,
NCBE has not disputed Rainey's expertise in its Opposition. It did object to her declaration at the time of the preliminary injunction. NCBE's Objections to Evidence Submitted by Plaintiff in support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction ("Objections") (dkt. 47) at 4-5. NCBE argued Rainey did not have the requisite knowledge, skill, experience, training or education to qualify as an expert on the matters on which she opined because she is not a medical doctor, and did not review Ms. Enyart's medical records to obtain an
This argument misses the point of the testimony. The most effective assistive technologies for accommodating Ms. Enyart's disability are not matters that require a medical opinion, but rather, experience, skill, and knowledge with the use, application, and evaluation of assistive technologies. There is not a form of accreditation for the assistive technology field, but Rainey has developed her expertise and knowledge base through fifteen years of work experience as a consultant for individuals and organizations, on the specific issues of what assistive technologies are most helpful to people in specific situations. Rainey Decl. ¶¶ 2, 6, 7. Since 2002, she has operated her own assistive technology company that provides one-one-one assessments dealing with this particular issue. Id. ¶ 8. Moreover, Rainey described the principles and methods supporting her opinions as required by F.R.E. 702 by explaining the process of assistive technology assessments generally, and then following that process with Ms. Enyart. Rainey Decl. ¶¶ 12, 13, 15, 18. The Court finds she has the "technical, or other specialized knowledge [that] will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or determine a fact in issue."
Rainey conducted an assessment of how Ms. Enyart used her impaired vision on different test-taking tasks, such as reading, navigating within a document, making notes, and writing. Rainey Decl. ¶ 3. Patricia Leetz, Ms. Enyart's Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the California Department of Rehabilitation, who requested the assessment, asked Rainey to provide her opinion of the most effective methods and tools Ms. Enyart should utilize in performing these test-taking tasks. Id. After conducting this evaluation, Rainey concluded that for the specific task of reading text on a standardized test, the accommodation of both JAWS and ZoomText that Ms. Enyart was already using "was clearly the most effective accommodation that would work for her." Id. ¶ 18. In addition, Ms. Enyart's adapted reading system of JAWS and ZoomText is "clearly necessary for Ms. Enyart to effectively function on a lengthy timed written exam." Id. ¶ 15. Rainey based her conclusion on the following discussion and description of her assessment of Ms. Enyart.
For people without disabilities, the reading process typically becomes an automatic physiologic and mental process. Rainey Decl. ¶ 10. A non-disabled reader can visually scan a document and automatically decipher what he or she sees, without consciously expending effort in receiving the information. Id. In a test-taking setting, a non-disabled person can focus his or her mental efforts on the content of what is being read and determine the appropriate response. Id. The reading process is not the same for many individuals with visual disabilities. Most people with visual disabilities
Rainey observed how Ms. Enyart reads on a personal computer running a combination of JAWS and ZoomText. Rainey Decl. ¶ 13. Rainey found that it was not sufficient for Ms. Enyart to just have the screen reader or the magnified formats on their own. Id. Since Ms. Enyart has retained some vision, she has learned to compensate for her vision impairment by using the limited vision that remains, through screen magnification, in conjunction with the auditory input from the screen reading program. Id. Rainey stated this is not unusual, as individuals who experience progressive vision loss often develop a reading process that combines two assistive software applications in an effort to utilize their full capabilities. Id. She stated that "combining the use of Jaws and ZoomText enables individuals like Ms. Enyart to function, as much as possible, as a sighted person functions when reading text." Id.
Rainey's evaluation included an assessment of how fluent Ms. Enyart was with navigating through a document using specific keyboard combinations in the software, and how she used the available settings to best mitigate her eye strain from fatigue, light sensitivity, and font size. Rainey Decl. ¶¶ 14-16. Rainey found that "[o]ne of the greatest benefits of using ZoomText is that Ms. Enyart can use it to perform one of the most exhausting functions required of visual reading with Retinal Dystrophy; the software pans and tracks the text being read by the JAWS screen reader automatically. The result is that Ms. Enyart does not have to search for the beginning of each line of text she reads, the adapted computer consistently handles this work no matter how long Ms. Enyart needs to read. Using any other magnified reading accommodation requires the user to visually perform the tracking function. Ms. Enyart's visual disability is exacerbated by trying to perform visual tracking on her own which is why I cannot recommend any other accommodation that needs to be performed for several hours in a row." Rainey Decl. ¶ 16. Thus, the evidence demonstrates the accommodation of JAWS and ZoomText "best ensures" Ms. Enyart is focused on the content of the test and its test of her legal knowledge, rather than how well she works with a different accommodation. NCBE fails to provide any expert testimony that would contradict this conclusion.
This is supported by Rainey's examination of Ms. Enyart's use of other types of accommodations, and her observation that they were not as successful. Rainey Decl. ¶ 18, 20. When questioned more specifically at her deposition, Rainey expanded that when presented only with auditory input, Ms. Enyart was not as fluent with the material. Levine P.I. Decl. Ex. 56 (Rainey Dep. 112:13-17) (stating she could tell Ms. Enyart was less fluent because Ms. Enyart "had to listen to the same information more than once; because she had to slow down the speech. Because I had to repeat myself a few times. That when we work on the computer, it was a different experience."). Thus, Rainey determined that the alternative accommodations
The elements NCBE alleges are disputed facts, such as whether Ms. Enyart can process material from a solely auditory input, whether she has had a reader present at other examinations and for other tasks, and whether her vision really has deteriorated, are not material to any of the above conclusions that a combination of JAWS and ZoomText would "best ensure" Ms. Enyart was truly accommodated on the MBE. Those conclusions were based upon Rainey's first-hand examination of Ms. Enyart. Thus, the Court finds no dispute of material fact as to the issues provided by Rainey, and that Rainey's testimony is sufficient to grant summary judgment.
Ms. Enyart presents the declaration of Bruce Britton in support of the motion for summary judgment. Britton Decl. (dkt. 142). Dr. Britton is a Professor Emeritus of Cognitive Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Georgia. Britton Decl. ¶ 2.
Dr. Britton conducted an in-person evaluation of Ms. Enyart in April 2011 to determine the appropriate accommodations she requires to take the MBE. Britton Decl. ¶ 5. Dr. Britton stated he performed "a comprehensive, in-person evaluation of Ms. Enyart's reading needs." Id. ¶ 6. This included asking her detailed questions about her vision and the history of her visual impairment, and observing her while Ms. Enyart read using screen access software on a computer, including reading and answering sample test items. Id. ¶ 9. Dr. Britton structured these sample test items as problem solving items composed of six parts: a several-sentence description of a fact pattern, followed by a question about it, and four possible answers. Id. He stated the answer choices were not simply memory statements, which could be recalled or recognized as having been seen previously, but required careful deliberation, including analysis and synthesis with the case description and the question as stated. Id. The purpose of the questions was to require Ms. Enyart to engage in problem solving, which tests working memory, the most conspicuous of cognitive resources because it is a limited mental capacity. Id.
Thus, Dr. Britton structured a test designed to engage and observe the specific skills and qualities needed for an extended analytical test such as the MBE. He then observed Ms. Enyart's performance, and provided a detailed description of how the use of JAWS and ZoomText allowed for the optimal utilization of the needed cognitive tools and skills. See id. ¶¶ 10-15 (stating, for example, that the problem solving items he created required a large number "looking-backs" (called "regressions")
Dr. Britton also provided a detailed explanation of why the other accommodations suggested by the NCBE do not provide the advantages he observed during his test of Ms. Enyart's use of the JAWS and ZoomText software. Britton Decl. ¶¶ 17-27. He then concluded that based on his observations, "the use of screen access software on the MBE and MPRE is the only accommodation that will `best ensure' that Ms. Enyart's results on those examinations will accurately reflect her aptitude rather than her disability." Id. ¶ 29.
NCBE argues that the validity of Dr. Britton's opinion is a disputed fact. Opp'n at 12-13. It argues Dr. Britton's opinions "are based, in large part, on Mr. Britton's mere repetition of the opinions Ms. Enyart expressed to him as to the accommodations that `best ensure' the MBE measures her abilities, as well as his reliance on Ms. Enyart's representations as to her prior use of the accommodations available to her on the MBE...." Opp'n at 12. Thus, NCBE argues the record calls into question the validity of Dr. Britton's opinion. This argument is not supported by the record.
NCBE argues Dr. Britton's opinion is unreliable because NCBE says it is based "in large part" on repetition of Ms. Enyart's own opinions and statements about her prior use of accommodations, the validity of which NCBE argues is a disputed fact. Opp'n at 12. To support this statement, NCBE cites to a portion of Dr. Britton's deposition. Yet, the actual text of the deposition demonstrates that when Dr. Britton was asked to what extent the opinion he has formed in the case relies upon the accuracy of the information provided to him by Ms. Enyart, he replied, "To some extent." Terlouw Decl. Ex. G (dkt. 155-7) (Britton Dep. at 61:8-11). "To some extent" is simply not the same as "in large part." That Dr. Britton's opinion is based to some extent on the accuracy of Ms. Enyart's representations is not surprising. As discussed below, the Court does not agree that the alleged issues regarding Ms. Enyart's prior use of accommodations are relevant disputed issues of material fact. Moreover, and most importantly, NCBE's argument ignores that Dr. Britton examined Ms. Enyart first-hand, and explained how his recommendations related to the elements of this examination. Britton Decl. ¶¶ 17-27. Finally, NCBE points to no citation or evidence to support challenging a doctor's testimony on the basis that it relies in part on a patient's self report. Thus, the Court finds there is no dispute of fact as to the validity of Dr. Britton's opinion, and that Dr. Britton's opinion supports granting summary judgment.
Ms. Enyart presents the declaration of Frederic K. Schroeder in support of her motion for summary judgment. Schroeder Decl. (dkt. 143). Dr. Schroeder is a Research Professor at San Diego State University, where he is responsible for developing curricula in the area of rehabilitation administration leadership and policy development.
Defendant does not challenge Dr. Schroeder's qualifications per se, but challenges his credibility. Opp'n at 13-14. Dr. Schroeder has been affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind ("NFB") for many years. He served as a member of the NFB's Board of Directors from 1984 to 1994, was reelected in 2001, and was elected vice-president in 2005, a position he still holds. Terlouw Decl. Ex. H (Schroeder Dep. at 30:4-14, 40:5-41:17).
Dr. Schroeder testified at his deposition that the NFB's mission is "to serve as a means of collective action" for blind individuals, including the support of litigation. Id. at 62:9-63:5. Dr. Schroeder also answered in the affirmative when asked if the NFB supported all of the lawsuits that have been brought against the NCBE by visually impaired examinees. Id. at 68:9-15. NCBE argues summary judgment is inappropriate because the record shows Dr. Schroeder has a vested personal interest in Ms. Enyart's case that is strongly suggestive of bias, which calls into question his credibility. Opp'n at 14.
Ms. Enyart does not provide a substantive response: "NCBE's further suggestion that Dr. Schroeder would perjure himself because of an affiliation with the National Federation for the Blind (NFB), an entity that is not even a party to this case, is speculation not worth dignifying with a substantive response." Reply at 8. Although it is likely true Dr. Schroeder would not commit perjury simply due to his position in the NFB, that does not necessarily demonstrate that there would not be some even unconscious bias given the organization's stated and active support for exactly this type of litigation.
As a general rule, bias is not a permissible reason for the exclusion of expert testimony. United States v. Abonce-Barrera, 257 F.3d 959, 965 (9th Cir.2001) (stating "evidence of bias goes toward credibility of a witness, not his competency to testify and credibility is an issue for the jury" and finding that since defendant had opportunity to cross-examine witness fully about bias, there was no error in allowing the testimony). Thus, it is not in error for this Court to allow the testimony and take credibility issues into account. Yet, given the paucity of information offered by both sides on this issue, the Court chooses not to do so at this time. The testimony of Rainey and Dr. Britton is sufficient to support granting summary judgment without consideration of Dr. Schroeder's testimony.
Dr. Sarraf is a physician and Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Rentinal Disorders and Ophthalmic Genetics. Levine First P.I. Decl. Ex. 26 at N0033. NCBE challenges the validity of Dr. Sarraf's opinions as to Ms. Enyart's need for certain accommodations as a disputed fact. In her Motion for Summary Judgment, Ms. Enyart stated: "In each instance [of
NCBE does not challenge Dr. Sarraf's credentials as an ophthalmologist. Rather, it argues that Dr. Sarraf confirmed at his deposition that Ms. Enyart wrote the responses to the questions on the Testing Accommodations Form and he signed the form without revisions, and thus, the validity of his opinion is a disputed fact. Opp'n at 11-12, citing Terlouw Decl. Ex. I (Sarraf Dep. at 52:11-24, 54:17-55:3).
Ms. Enyart replies that in her motion she relies upon Dr. Sarraf only with respect to (i) whether she suffers from macular degeneration and retinal dystrophy, with a likely diagnosis of Stargardt's Disease; and (ii) that she is legally blind. Reply at 8-9, citing to Mot. at 2-3, 15 (citing Levine First P.I. Decl. Exs. 12, 26). Ms. Enyart states she relies on other evidence, such as the Rainey and Britton declarations, to support her need for particular accommodations. Reply at 9. While this is true, Ms. Enyart does ignore the citation from NCBE's Opposition. Still, that citation included the report signed by Dr. Sarraf as only one of over 25 cited exhibits.
Even if NCBE's claim is valid, Ms. Enyart is correct when she states: "The only issue requiring ophthalmological evidence are the facts regarding Ms. Enyart's current diagnosis and visual acuity. These are relevant to support her wholly undisputed status as a person with a disability." Reply at 9. This is the material fact regarding evidence provided by Dr. Sarraf. Ms. Enyart's current primary reading method due to her visual disability rests on other evidence, which, as discussed above, is not subject to genuine dispute. Thus, the Court finds no dispute over material facts with regard to Dr. Sarraf.
NCBE claims there are several other disputes over material facts: (1) whether the accommodations offered to Ms. Enyart "best ensure" the MBE measures her abilities; (2) the extent of Ms. Enyart's prior use of accommodations offered to her for the MBE; (3) whether Ms. Enyart's vision has deteriorated and thus, whether accommodations used in the past are still effective; (4) whether Ms. Enyart needs simultaneous auditory and visual input; and (5) whether accommodations sought by Ms. Enyart are actually effective for her. These claims all essentially boil down to whether or not the fact that Ms. Enyart has previously used other types of accommodations with varying levels of success creates a genuine issue of material fact as to whether ZoomText and JAWS would "best ensure" her performance on the MBE reflects her legal knowledge rather than her disability. NCBE frames this argument in different ways, but all these arguments center on whether the fact that Ms. Enyart may have used other accommodations in the past with some measure of success creates a disputed issue as to the material facts regarding what accommodations "best ensure" her performance on the MBE reflects her legal knowledge.
NCBE's first argument—that there is a dispute about whether her requested accommodations "best ensure" that Ms. Enyart's impairment does not affect her performance on the MBE—is based entirely on Ms. Enyart's use of other
Ms. Enyart's prior use of accommodations more generally also does not create a genuine issue of material fact as to what accommodations would "best ensure" her performance on the MBE.
First, the evidence NCBE points to does not actually imply everything NCBE states it does. NCBE makes much of the evidence in the record demonstrating Ms. Enyart had readers present at many of her law school exams. Yet, Ms. Enyart herself states she used readers in prior exams—to help with ancillary tasks. For example, in her deposition Ms. Enyart stated that in law school "most of the time [she] had a reader on hand during examinations, and that reader was bubbling answers and ... reading the time that [they] started, how many minutes were left." Terlouw Decl. Ex. A (Enyart Dep. 35:14-17). Ms. Enyart also testified she used readers a few times on essay questions: "They would read an initial pass, or the first look at a passage. In all of those instances it was followed up by my careful review of that question or test material, with the software combination of JAWS and ZoomText, and my own notation system." Id. (Enyart Dep. 35:22-36:4). Moreover, Ms. Enyart does not deny that during initial bar preparation she used readers authorized by the Department of Rehabilitation. She used them "to help her organize the ... material provided by the test preparation company and to complete the relevant paperwork for getting accommodations for different exams...." Id. (Enyart Dep. 47:7-48:11). This is not the same as the proposed accommodation of a reader as the primary method of receiving test information on a timed, closed book, multiple choice exam. Thus, even if the prior use of accommodations generally was in dispute, it is not material.
This is also apparent with the discussion of Ms. Enyart's use of a CCTV. NCBE argues Ms. Enyart's statements regarding her inability to use a CCTV to read for extended periods of time are undermined by her request that the Department of Rehabilitation purchase a CCTV for her use. Opp'n at 9. Ms. Enyart's statements demonstrate she uses the CCTV for tasks which are very different from the prolonged reading of an examination. For example, she uses the CCTV for small tasks such as reading a price tag, distinguishing between different denominations of paper money, seeing a label on clothes, looking at the side of a medicine bottle, writing a check, or reading short instructions. See Rainey Decl. ¶ 20; Enyart P.I. Decl. ¶ 7. The ability to quickly read small pieces of text is important to Ms. Enyart's ease of functioning in the everyday environment, including in her studies. This is demonstrated by its stated importance to her in the Department of Rehabilitation authorization for its purchase cited by NCBE, but that does not make it a disputed fact that it is an appropriate accommodation for an extended test such as the MBE.
Second, the information is simply not material under the "best ensure" standard. That Ms. Enyart can use certain technology does not mean it is the most appropriate technology for a given situation. Ms. Enyart's use of readers for periphery tasks during test preparation and during examinations does not mean they are appropriate as her primary method of receiving auditory information to "best ensure" she is tested on her legal knowledge. The expert testimony regarding the "best ensure" standard demonstrates her requested accommodations are what would "best ensure" her performance. Her prior use of readers is not material to that determination.
It appears that there is a dispute of fact over whether Ms. Enyart's vision has deteriorated. Compare Enyart Decl. ¶ 15 (stating her "vision has deteriorated over the years") with Terlouw Decl. Ex. F (Dr. Sarraf Dep. 33:22-24) ("Overall we would argue relatively stable vision over the last seven years."). The Court finds this dispute is not over a material fact. That Ms. Enyart's vision may or may not have declined is not material to the accepted evaluation of Rainey, and her testimony that Ms. Enyart's preferred accommodations "best ensure" that Ms. Enyart will be tested on her legal ability rather than her ability to adapt to certain accommodations.
In addition, NCBE makes this argument in support of its contention that accommodations Ms. Enyart has used previously are still viable today because her vision has not deteriorated. Yet, this ignores completely the advances in assistive technology over time. These changes also affect which type of accommodation meets the "best ensure" standard.
NCBE argues there is a dispute of material fact over whether Ms. Enyart needs simultaneous visual and auditory input to "best ensure" her performance on the MBE. Opp'n at 16-17. To support this contention, NCBE point to a draft version of Ms. Enyart's law school application personal statement and a single email in which she indicates she is able to understand text when only given auditory input. Terlouw Decl. Ex. B at P 002079 (which states Ms. Enyart still benefits "from magnification software on my computer"); Id. at P 000649 (stating she has solid skills in auditory-only processing). First, as the texts show, these documents do not demonstrate Ms. Enyart does not need both auditory and visual input to best comprehend material. In fact, they demonstrate she benefits from magnification software. Thus, they do not create a dispute of material fact.
Second, NCBE's own expert, along with Ms. Enyart's experts, stated Ms. Enyart requires both auditory and visual input to process the examination successfully. Levine P.I. Decl. Ex. 58 (Damari Dep. 9:5-15 (stating agreement that it would be appropriate
Finally, NCBE attempts to create a disputed fact based on Ms. Enyart's failure to pass the MBE to this point. NCBE argues it is a disputed fact whether Ms. Enyart's requested accommodations are really effective for her given her past success with other accommodations and her failure on the MBE to date. Opp'n at 14-16. First, this ignores the fact that Ms. Enyart has passed the MPRE with her requested accommodations. Second, this is a restatement of the previous arguments regarding use of prior accommodations, and the stated arguments above apply equally here. Third, that Ms. Enyart has not passed the MBE at this point with JAWS and ZoomText does not provide a dispute that the accommodation "best ensures" she is tested on her legal knowledge. It is simply speculation. It could also mean Ms. Enyart simply was not prepared to pass the exam. The expert testimony supports finding JAWS and ZoomText "best ensure" she is tested on her knowledge. Her failures so far do not change this calculation. Thus, the Court finds there is not a genuine dispute over material facts.
A private entity shall provide the appropriate auxiliary aid "unless that private entity can demonstrate that offering a particular auxiliary aid ... would result in an undue burden." 28 C.F.R. § 36.309(b)(3). The regulations define undue burden as follows:
28 C.F.R. § 36.104. NCBE argues providing Ms. Enyart with JAWS and ZoomText would impose an undue burden under the above factors. While it is true that accommodating Ms. Enyart will not be effortless, it does not rise to the level of an undue burden.
NCBE argues first that accommodating Ms. Enyart would impose an undue financial burden. Opp'n at 18-19. NCBE estimates the cost of accommodating JAWS and ZoomText at $5,000 on average per examinee per exam, largely because its
NCBE also fails to demonstrate an undue administrative burden. NCBE argues that it takes approximately 78 hours of NCBE staff time to complete the multistep process of setting up an accessible laptop for a single administration of the MBE to a single examinee, and that the process took additional time for Ms. Enyart. Terlouw Decl. Ex. I (NCBE Interrogatory Responses at 5, 11). NCBE also argues that the administrative burden is increased because Ms. Enyart's demands keep changing: she has asked for the ability to change the font and text size of the exam, different software versions, extra set up time, and technical assistance. Opp'n at 20. It states that in the ordinary course of business, NCBE is not involved in administering the MBE to examinees. Terlouw Decl. Ex. J (Moeser Decl. ¶ 4(c)). Rather, the state boards of bar examiners purchase the MBE from NCBE and administer the MBE. Id. Thus, NCBE states it "is simply not equipped to devote the staff time and financial resources necessary to make the MBE available on an NCBE-provided computer in a manner that satisfies the idiosyncratic software preferences and other specifications of each examinee, and then devote extensive staff time to assisting in the administration of the exam." Opp'n at 22.
Yet, as Ms. Enyart points out, NCBE provides no evidence of how these staff hours would be unduly burdensome compared to NCBE's total staff and any ability to contract out some of the work to assistive technology vendors. NCBE does not point to evidence of its staff size, or work allocation that demonstrates this amount of time constitutes an undue burden. Further, NCBE should not double-count its staff time, which it presumably includes in the $5,000 average charge to the state boards of examiners for the MBE. It is clear that accommodating Ms. Enyart causes some administrative burden. Yet, NCBE's statements, unsupported by specific evidence, that this creates an undue administrative burden are unconvincing.
Even the case law cited by NCBE appears to demonstrate that it has not shown an undue administrative burden here. For example, in Barth v. Gelb, 2 F.3d 1180 (D.C.Cir.1993), the Court determined that Voice of America (VOA) was not required to accommodate a potential applicant for an overseas radio engineering specialist position because of the undue hardship on the organization. The plaintiff was a severe diabetic, and could only safely be
Other cases finding undue burden demonstrate it is a high bar. For example, in Roberts v. KinderCare Learning Centers, Inc., 896 F.Supp. 921 (D.Minn.1995), the Court found accommodating a child's disability at a daycare center would cause an undue burden. Looking at the evidence, the Court found KinderCare would need to hire a full-time employee to accommodate the child's disability, at a cost of approximately $200 per week, plus benefits, while receiving $105 per week in tuition for the child's care. Id. at 927. It was undisputed that KinderCare operated "on a shoestring budget," and plaintiff offered no evidence contrary to trial testimony indicating that the $95 per week loss would constitute a substantial financial detriment to the site, which had recently emerged from bankruptcy. Id. Moreover, the Court rejected the argument that KinderCare could simply transfer the center's director or some other staff member to provide the one-on-one care without any cost based on specific testimony from the director as to her overwhelming workload and lack of extra staff members. Id. Thus, the Court found that requiring KinderCare to accommodate the child's disability would impose an undue financial or administra tive burden on KinderCare. Id. NCBE has not pointed to the evidence that the monetary funds required here would constitute "substantial financial detriment," nor provided specific evidence as to why the extra needed staff hours would be an undue administrative burden. Thus, NCBE has failed to demonstrate an undue burden in this case.
Ms. Enyart has satisfied the other elements of a claim under the ADA. It is undisputed that Ms. Enyart, who is legally blind, is a qualified individual with disabilities within the meaning of 42 U.S.C. § 12102(2) and 28 C.F.R. § 36.104, as she has a physical impairment that substantially limits one or more of her major life activities. Enyart Decl. ¶ 6 (legal blindness). It is also not disputed that NCBE is a private testing entity covered by Section 12189. The DOJ has advised that the regulation implementing Section 12189 "applies to any private entity that offers the specified types of examinations or courses." Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability by Public Accommodations and in Commercial Facilities, 56 Fed. Reg. 35,544 (July 26, 1991). Thus, the other elements of the claim are met.
The Unruh Civil Rights Act ("Unruh Act"), Cal. Civ.Code §§ 51 et seq., guarantees that all persons within California, "no matter what their sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, or medical condition are entitled to the
Both the ADA and the Unruh Act authorize injunctive relief as a remedy for their violation. 42 U.S.C. § 12188(ADA); Cal. Civ.Code § 52(c)(3) (Unruh Act). The Ninth Circuit has stated that "[t]he standard requirements for equitable relief need not be satisfied when an injunction is sought to prevent the violation of a federal statute [such as the ADA] which specifically provides for injunctive relief." Silver Sage Partners, Ltd. v. City of Desert Hot Springs, 251 F.3d 814, 827 (9th Cir.2001) (internal quotations and citations omitted). Here, since Ms. Enyart has proven her ADA Title III claim, and because Title III specifically authorizes injunctive relief as a remedy for its violation and does not provide for monetary damages, the Court grants permanent injunctive relief. See also Antoninetti v. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., 643 F.3d 1165, 1175 (9th Cir. 2010) ("Considering all the circumstances, including particularly the statutory violations we have found and the fact that an injunction is the only relief available to a private party under the [Americans with Disabilities] Act, it would be an abuse of discretion for the district court now to deny injunctive relief.").
For the foregoing reasons, the Court GRANTS the Motion for Summary Judgment. The Court finds as a matter of law that NCBE has violated the ADA and the Unruh Act by refusing to provide Ms. Enyart with her requested accommodations of screen access software on the MBE and the MPRE, and that with respect to the MBE, these violations are ongoing. Therefore, the Court ORDERS as follows:
1. NCBE is required to provide the accommodation of screen reading and screen magnification software to Ms. Enyart on any future administration of the MBE that Ms. Enyart may have to take, consistent with the terms of the preliminary injunctions previously granted by the Court in this action.
2. Upon entry of judgment for Ms. Enyart, the two bonds previously entered with this Court shall be dissolved, and Ms. Enyart's cash collateral returned to her.
Rainey Decl. ¶¶ 6-9.
