Michigan Supreme Court justice urges institutions and individuals to treat access as a legal baseline, not an accommodation

DETROIT, MI / ACCESS Newswire / January 6, 2026 / Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein is raising awareness about the ongoing need for consistent, enforceable accessibility standards in public spaces across the United States. Drawing on decades of legal work and firsthand experience, Bernstein is advocating for a renewed focus on compliance, planning, and accountability when it comes to access for people with disabilities.

"Accessibility works best when it's built into the system from the start," Bernstein said. "When access is treated as optional or secondary, people are excluded without anyone intending it."

Why Accessibility Still Matters

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 40 million Americans live with a disability. Yet a 2022 Government Accountability Office report found that many public facilities, including transportation hubs and large venues, still fail to fully meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements more than 30 years after the law was enacted.

Barriers often include inaccessible seating, restrooms, routes, and transportation access. These issues limit participation in everyday activities, from attending sporting events to accessing education and public services.

"When systems are built correctly, people don't need workarounds," Bernstein said. "They simply participate."

Lessons From the Law

Before joining the Michigan Supreme Court, Bernstein built a legal career focused on disability rights and public access. One of the most widely cited cases involved Michigan Stadium, where he represented the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America in a landmark agreement with the University of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Justice.

The consent decree led to hundreds of new wheelchair-accessible seats, improved parking, accessible routes, and upgraded restrooms and concessions. The agreement later became a national reference point for large venue accessibility.

"That case showed what happens when standards are applied consistently," Bernstein said. "It wasn't about special treatment. It was about equal participation."

Accessibility as a Systems Issue

Now serving on the state's highest court, Bernstein continues to emphasize that accessibility is not a niche concern. It is a systems issue that affects how laws, infrastructure, and institutions function.

"Law works best when it's predictable," he said. "People trust systems when the rules apply the same way to everyone."

Research supports this view. Studies show that accessible design benefits a broader population, including older adults, parents with strollers, and people with temporary injuries. The Center for Inclusive Design estimates that inclusive infrastructure can increase overall facility use by up to 20 percent.

What Individuals and Institutions Can Do

Rather than calling for new legislation, Bernstein encourages practical action at the individual and organizational level:

• Ask whether public spaces meet existing accessibility standards

• Plan accessibility early in design and renovation projects

• Treat access as a core requirement, not an add-on

• Learn the basics of ADA compliance and expectations

"Accessibility improves outcomes for everyone," Bernstein said. "It's about building systems that don't need constant correction."

A Call to Action

Bernstein urges people to look at the spaces they use every day and ask simple questions. Who can enter? Who can move freely? Who is missing?

"Equal justice depends on equal access," he said. "That responsibility belongs to all of us, not just the courts."

Media Contact:
Richard Bernstein
info@richardbernsteinmichigan.com
www.richardbernsteinmichigan.com

SOURCE: Richard Bernstein