Justice Department settles ADA compliance lawsuit with Kerrville, Texas, theater

The DOJ press release:

WASHINGTON - The Justice Department Oct. 26 announced a settlement agreement with the city of Kerrville, Texas, and Playhouse 2000 to bring the Cailloux Theater into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The settlement agreement resolves an investigation following a complaint filed by a person with a disability against the theater. The theater underwent significant alterations in 2003. The ADA requires that alterations to the theater should have been done so that that it is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. Under the agreement, the city of Kerrville, which owns the theater, and Playhouse 2000, which manages and operates the theater, will take the following steps to improve access to the theater, including:


-- Provide a choice of accessible wheelchair seating locations with a choice of ticket prices;

-- Provide fixed companion seats for all wheelchair seating locations;

-- Provide accessible routes throughout the theater;

-- Provide ADA-compliant signage;

-- Implement an ADA-compliant reservations policy; and

-- Pay $2,500 in damages to the complainant.

“Everyone should be able to enjoy the cultural experience of attending live theater, including persons with disabilities. We are pleased that the city of Kerrville and Playhouse 2000 are taking steps to ensure that individuals with disabilities are guaranteed full access to the Cailloux theater,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.

The ADA protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in all activities of state and local government entities, and from being denied an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from the goods and services of public accommodations. For more information about the ADA call the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or access the ADA website at www.ada.gov.