RETAILING

Sears to Admit Disabled Into Modeling Classes: The Chicago-based retailer has agreed to open its youth fashion-modeling courses to disabled children and teen-agers in order to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. In a settlement with the Justice Department, Sears resolved a complaint filed under the act by an 11-year-old Florida girl who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair. The girl was told by a Sears Model’s Club instructor that she could not participate in the modeling course because the class used a runway that was one foot off the ground. “By entering into this agreement, Sears is doing its part toward eliminating the attitudinal barriers faced each day by persons with disabilities,” Assistant Atty. Gen. Deval L. Patrick said.