Encino Firm Is 1st Target of Disabilities Complaint : Courts: The Justice Department says Becker CPA Review discriminated against deaf students.

The Justice Department on Monday filed its first court action to enforce the Americans With Disabilities Act, charging the California operators of an accounting review course with discrimination against students with hearing impairments.

The civil complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against Becker CPA Review of Encino. The company offers review courses for accountants preparing to take the national certified public accountant exam.

The department’s action charged that the company violated the act by refusing to provide sign language interpreters or other appropriate aids necessary for hearing-impaired students.

John R. Dunne, assistant attorney general for civil rights, said the Justice Department’s action demonstrates its commitment to enforcement of the law prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities.

“Our enforcement policy has been first to educate and negotiate with entities to bring about compliance with accessibility requirements, and to litigate only--as in this case--where there is a refusal to be in compliance,” Dunne said in a written statement.

A spokesman for the firm said it would “have no comment at this time.” Newton Becker, president of the company, was not in his office and was unavailable for comment, according to a woman answering the telephone at the company’s headquarters.

The government is seeking an order requiring Becker CPA Review to provide appropriate auxiliary aids to people with disabilities. It also seeks penalties of up to $50,000 and damages, the department said.