Patrons of LA Fitness who have disabilities will no longer need to pay a guest fee for aides required to accompany them while they workout, New York state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced Wednesday. Fitness International, LLC, which owns LA Fitness, agreed to make the change at its 29 gyms in the state after the AG’s office received a discrimination complaint in May 2015 regarding a gym in Lindenhurst, Long Island. Claudia Ciatto’s son, who has a disability, had to cancel his membership when the gym refused to waive the guest fee for his licensed practical nurse.
“We were frustrated by the unequal treatment he was receiving at LA Fitness,” Ciatto said in a statement. “Charging a person with a disability extra fees to participate in an activity is the definition of discrimination. We couldn’t be happier that we have become part of changing its policy.” Additionally, LA Fitness will provide Ciatto a free 18-month membership and $5,000 settlement and will be monitored by the Attorney General’s office for three years.
LA Fitness adjusts access policy for clients with disabilities: NY AG
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