" Highlights of the checklist include:
minimum of one percent of seating must constitute wheelchair seating locations.
Individuals in wheelchairs cannot be isolated from other people. Seating accessible for wheelchairs has to be integrated into business' seating plan.
Every wheelchair seating location must have a companion seat located next to it.
Specialty areas, including sky boxes, must also provide wheelchair seating locations.
To help insure facility does not lose revenue, folding or removable seats can be utilized by individuals not confined to wheelchairs.
More than one wheelchair accessible seating location must be provided when more than 300 seats are provided in a facility.
Admission prices for wheelchair seating (also views) must be comparable general public's admission prices and views.
Locations allocated for wheelchair seating must be on an accessible route providing access and connecting from public parking and transportation areas.
Lines of sight and view for wheelchair seating locations must be comparable to those of other spectators. Seating must present a line of sight over standing spectators in areas where spectators can be expected to stand. (Accessibility)
Capacity of Seating in Assembly Area
Number of Required Wheelchair Locations to 25
26 to 50
51 to 300
301 to 500 over 500 plus 1 additional space for each total seating capacity increase of 100
ADA Accessibility Guidelines...)
Web links which address Stadium Seating and Wheelchair Access include: Accessible Stadium Guidelines, U.S. Dept Of Justice, Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Key Features of Accessible Stadium Seating, summarized by Illinois Park Dept. Cinemark Settlement Regarding Stadium Seating, November 2004 http://www.sedbtac.org/ada/whats_new/articles.cfm?id=3783" Oregon Cinema Chain Ruled in Violation of ADA for Front Row Wheelchair Seating, August...
United Artists Settlement with Dept of Justice, regarding stadium seating. Minnesota Law Regarding Wheelchair Seating, shown as an example of what one state is doing. ("Stadium Seating... ")
III. Power Points to Ponder
What if...
What if you or someone you love were in a wheelchair and are required to sit only in selected spots where the theater owner has provided space for your wheelchair? Shapiro notes that a primary goal of today's disability movement is integration, something that is "necessary to alter attitudes, programs, and laws to meet the demands of people with disabilities who seek independence." (Openden) What if... this writer proposes, those who are not disabled really listened to what they have to say?
Works Cited
Accessibility. (2006). "KEY FEATURES OF ACCESSIBLE STADIUM SEATING." Legal Issues.
A www.ilparks.org/legaldigest_accessibility.htm.[12 December 2006].
ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG). (2002).
A www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm.[12 December 2006].
District Court Rules AMC's Stadium-Style Theaters." (2002). Department of Justice.
A www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2002/November/02_crt_690.htm.[11 http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2002/November/02_crt_690.htm.[11 December 2006].
A www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002072117
Openden, Daniel. (1989). "No Pity: People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement." Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions 6.1 (2004): 51+.
Shamir, Yitzhak. (1989). The Columbia World of Quotations. New York: Columbia University Press, 1996.
A www.bartleby.com/66/54/53354.html.[12 December 2006].
Stadium Seating and Wheelchair Access." (2006). Movie Theater Accessibility. http://www.artsaccessinc.org/theateracc.html#stadium.[12 December 2006].
AMC Theaters' Wheel Chair Accessibility
