The operator of 30 assisted living communities in California will modify its policies, train staff members and pay $110,000 as part of a mediated settlement with the state’s Civil Rights Department for allegedly failing to accommodate deaf residents.
The settlement is the result of testing by the Fair Housing Federation of Southern California that allegedly identified “numerous” instances of staff members at different Oakmont Management Group communities unlawfully rejecting requests to accommodate needs for American Sign Language interpretation. In addition to monetary compensation, the settlement will result in improved access to ASL interpretation for people with disabilities at Oakmont properties, the state said.
No party signing the agreement admitted liability or wrongdoing.
Earlier this year, the California Civil Rights Department received civil rights complaints from FHFSC against the 30 assisted living communities operated by the Irvine, CA-based operating company. Complaints detailed how staff members at the communities allegedly denied housing access to testers requesting ongoing ASL interpretation assistance for a fictional deaf relative. Under state and federal law, nonprofit fair housing organizations can carry out testing to proactively identify and eliminate discriminatory housing practices.
The CRD said it provided the opportunity for Oakmont to voluntarily resolve the matter through free, trauma-informed mediation services. As part of the settlement, OMG agreed to modify its policies to ensure that the housing rights of deaf applicants and residents are protected; ensure that staff members are trained about the updated policy, and pay $110,000 to the FHFSC.
Earlier this year, the state announced another $110,000 mediated settlement with several Southern California senior living entities — Sunrise Senior Living Management, Welltower Opco Group LLC, SZR Westlake Village Oropco, AL Us/San Gabriel Senior housing LP, Sunrise Torrance Senior PropCo LLC and AL US/Playa Vista Senior Housing LP — over alleged failures to accommodate ASL interpretation.
Oakmont had not responded to a request for comment from McKnight’s Senior Living by the production deadline.
