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In the N E W S |
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In the N E W S |
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In the past few years there have been several nation-wide controversies involving disability issues. Let's look at one and learn more about it:
Casey Martin, age 25, wants to play professional golf and many think he has the talent to make it to the professional tour. The only other hurdle standing in his way is the fact that he has a disorder (Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome) that makes it very painful for him to walk and therefore needs to ride in a cart around the golf course. Martin, who used to play on the Stanford University golf team with Tiger Woods, had been playing in a minor league of golf where carts were allowed. Casey has become eligible to compete in a "major" event sponsored by the Professional Golf Association (PGA), but the PGA rules don't allow carts. When he asked for an exception, they said "no." If he played, he would have to walk.
Casey sued the PGA under the Americans With Disabilities Act, a law passed in 1990 that is supposed to help provide equal opportunities for people with disabilities. The PGA argued that Casey would have an unfair advantage since he would not be tired from walking after long, hot days on the course. In February of 1998, a Federal Judge in Oregon ruled that the PGA must allow Casey to compete using a cart. While many opinion polls suggested that most Americans support Casey's cause, many famous professional golfers and the PGA were still opposed. The PGA appealed its case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
On May 29, 2001, the Supreme Court decided in favor of Casey Martin, allowing him the right to ride a cart to play golf on the PGA Tour. The Court determined that the Americans with Disabilities Act does apply to the PGA and allowing the use of a cart does not fundamentally change the nature of the game. After years of fighting, Casey Martin will finally get the opportunity of his dreams.
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Last Updated: 08/03/01.
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