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.