The money for the lawyers in in section 1988, the attorney fee shifting provision for civil rights cases. Normally, win _any_ substantial relief, you get your attorney's fees. That can be a lot more than the actual damages. I have dealt with lots of cases like that. There is less incentive for a disabled person to sue, but you can still get (a) reinstatement, (b) front pay, (c) compliance, (c) reasonable accomodation orders, basically anything but back pay and probably not punitive damages any more. So it's bad, but not hopeless. Btw, the case leaves untouched the kinds of lawsuits for ramps, etc. at public buildings that are the heart of Title II of the ADA, at laest if we leave aside that nasty sentence that you quoted.
--jks _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com