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From: Ron.Rothenberg@f460.n101.z1.fidonet.org (Ron Rothenberg)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Theaters and Wheelchair Users
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Date: 12 Feb 90 02:59:24 GMT
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Index Number: 6663

[This is from the Advocacy Conference]

The New York City Commission on Human Rights is looking into two cases
of discrimination against theatergoers in wheelchairs, says Kleo King
of the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association.

Gramercy Theater allegedly told one wheelchair user she couldn't go
into the theater unless she had a companion with her, and simply kept
another from entering at all in a wheelchair. 

The manager of the Murray Hill Movie Theater told a wheelchair user a
fire rule said he couldn't obstruct the aisle.  Since the man couldn't
transfer from his chair, he was denied access.

THEATER LOBBY FIGHTS ADA

"Safety" is the issue, says the National Association of Theatre Owners,
whose members own over 12,000 of the nation's movie houses.
Association lobbyists are pushing to have the Americans with
Disabilities Act restrict where theatergoers in wheelchairs can sit.
When the ADA went to the House Judiciary Committee this fall, it
stipulated that movie houses integrate wheelchair seating throughout
the theater.  

"We have a real problem with that," said Association legislative
counsel Betty Whittleton.  She said the Association was trying to get
the Judiciary Committee to adopt language that would restrict
wheelchair seating to near exits.  They were concerned about all the
theatergoers in the auditorium in case of fire.

-Disability Rag, January/February 1990

... Most Improved BBSer (1989) American Sighted BSers' Association. 

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