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CNN Access: Disability activist on Martin decision

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that disabled golfer Casey Martin has the right to use a golf cart between holes in PGA Tour events.

In a 7-2 decision, the court ruled that the American's With Disabilities Act does apply to Martin and requires the pro golf tour to make an exception to its rule requiring players to walk the course during tournaments.

Disability activist Andrew Imparato of the American Association of People With Disabilities discussed the ruling Tuesday with CNN's Daryn Kagan.

VIDEO CNN's Charles Bierbauer reports on the impact the U.S. Supreme Court ruling will have on the ADA (May 31) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

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CNN: First could you tell us your reaction to this victory for Casey Martin?

Imparato: We're very excited, from our perspective, today's decision is a victory for civil rights.

CNN: What about the contention by the PGA Tour that Casey Martin would have an unfair advantage if he did not have to walk the course like other golfers?

Imparato: We saw this case as not being about an unfair advantage or special treatment, as they asserted, but about all athletes having an opportunity to compete. From our perspective, Casey Martin is an elite athlete who deserves a chance to show what he can do on the golf course.

CNN: Are you particularly encouraged by the strength of this decision, 7-2 in favor of Casey Martin?

Imparato: The fact that seven justices saw the wisdom of ruling in his favor from our perspective is a sign that the U.S. Supreme Court today has reaffirmed its commitment to equal justice for all.

CNN: The two dissenting judges, Justices Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia, wrote in their dissenting opinion that while there is a benevolent compassion in Casey Martin's situation, they did not believe the court had the power to grant that. What do you say to that?

Imparato: I'm glad that seven justices disagreed with them. This case was not about benevolent compassion, and as a disability rights group we are not asking for compassion -- we are asking for equal opportunity and that is what the seven justices granted today.

CNN: How does this case directly affect the millions of Americans with disabilities?

Imparato: This case is the first case where the Supreme Court ruled on what would be a reasonable modification to a rule that would include disabilities. The fact that they thought Casey Martin's request to ride a golf cart between holes was reasonable under these circumstances is a good sign that when future courts look at whether a reasonable adjustments are required they will look at all of the circumstances instead of giving a knee-jerk reaction in support of a rule.