NCJ Number
208948
Date Published
2004
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This report on the U.S. Justice Department's enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers the ADA activities of the Justice Department during the second quarter (April-June) of 2004.
Abstract
A report on court decisions that interpreted provisions of the ADA indicates that the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Title II court access suits against States and decided to let stand two courts of appeals decisions that stadium-style movie theaters must ensure that accessible seating for disabled theater-goers have sight-lines (viewing angles) to the screen "comparable" to those for members of the general public. Since some litigation is resolved through a negotiated consent decree, this report provides information on two consent decrees that pertain to effective communication with a private hospital's deaf patients and the necessity of a bus shuttle company's providing wheelchair-accessible transportation. This report also summarizes four formal settlement agreements under Title II of the ADA and six settlement agreements under Title III. Among these agreements was one in which the city of New Hope, AL, agreed to "book" and house inmates or detainees with mobility impairments in accessible facilities in a neighboring county jail. The city will also provide accessible door hardware throughout the facility, a van-accessible parking space and access aisle, a text telephone, proper bathroom signs, and an accessible drinking fountain. Nine cases decided through mediation are also reported, and information is provided on the certification of State and local accessibility requirements. Sources for technical assistance are listed and described, and information is provided on how to file complaints under the provisions of the ADA.