The plaintiff, a 32-year-old quadriplegic St. Louis attorney by the name of James Schottel, claims that Trump and Burnett have violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by not allowing disabled people to apply for the show. 

Schottel cites wording in the show's application that states candidates "be in excellent physical and mental health" and "meet all physical and psychological requirements." 

He is not seeking monetary damages, only asking a federal judge to order the show's producers to "to apply and be considered" for the reality series. He has reportedly asked for a preliminary injunction to block the show from holding auditions scheduled for Friday in St. Louis until his case is heard. 

"I'm a fan of the show, and I'm a fan of Mr. Trump, and I don't think he would support any kind of discrimination," Schottel told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "To be a corporate executive, I don't think you need to be able to run 100 yards or run a flight of steps or anything of that nature."

Baker became paralyzed as the result of a fraternity hazing accident while attending Baker University where he was also a football player. After the accident he transferred to Southern Illinois University and obtained his bachelor degree and then attended law school St. Louis University, where he obtained his law degree in 1999. 

The Trump and Burnett camp have been silent so far about the suit but the Associated Press quoted an NBC publicist as stating that two people in wheelchairs were interviewed during auctions last week in New York City, and that Trump was present during the sessions. 

"We're treating them like everyone else," the NBC publicist said.
 
 

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