Fowler, et al. v PSI Services LLC and California Department of Insurance, Case No. 21CV000126, was filed on October 12, 2021 in Alameda County Superior Court by Disability Rights Advocates and TRE Legal Practice.
Angela Fowler, Miguel Mendez, Hy Cohen, and the National Federation of the Blind joined the case as plaintiffs seeking to make the California Department of Insurance (CDI)’s licensing exams accessible to blind applications who use screen reading software.
The parties reached a settlement agreement in August of 2024. The settlement resolves claims that both CDI and PSI Services LLC (PSI) failed to ensure the accessibility of CDI’s insurance agent licensing examinations for blind applicants who use screen reading software to non-visually access text.
Under the settlement agreement, among other things, CDI agreed to no longer require blind or low-vision test-takers who use screen access software to first provide medical documentation. Individuals will be able to self-certify their need for the technology based on blindness or low vision, without the burdensome accommodations process or delay in examination scheduling.
PSI will additionally ensure its online testing technology is independently usable by blind and low-vision users in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility and communication regulations. It will develop online testing technology that permits the use of screen reader software and related policies and training for test proctors.
Blind and low-vision test-takers who use screen readers will have access to the same examination scheduling options as those offered to others without disabilities.