Metropolitan Opera in NY city adds ADA access

From Courthouse News Service:

The Metropolitan Opera added accessibility modifications to its iconic opera house at Lincoln Center in Manhattan to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced Jan. 13 that the measures settle a lawsuit it filed that same day.

Federal authorities announced that the performing arts venue underwent improvements to ensure disabled access to the building, following the U.S. Attorney's Office investigation into complaints that the opera house was not fully accessible.

The Met said it has adopted several changes including the addition of wheelchair seats and braille signs, renovations its bathrooms and drinking fountains, and removal of elevator accessibility barriers.

Without the makeover, operagoers with disabilities faced a limited number of seating possibilities, according to the government's complaint.

"The comprehensive corrective measures agreed to by the Met ensure that people with disabilities will have an equal opportunity to enjoy the performances offered by one of New York City's finest cultural institutions," U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement. "We are pleased that the Met has worked cooperatively with our office to resolve this matter."

The settlement now goes to U.S. District Judge George Daniels for approval.