Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed on July 1990 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Title III of the Act requires public accommodations that were built prior to January 26, 1993, such as movie theaters, to remove any physical barriers to access when it is readily achievable. Buildings constructed later must be built in compliance with certain guidelines known as the ADA’s Standards for Accessible Design. For instance, newly-constructed theaters must provide at least 1 space for a wheelchair in theaters with up to 25 seats, 2 spaces in theaters with up to 50 seats, 4 spaces in theaters with up to 300 seats, and 6 spaces in theaters with up to 600 seats.

Examples of readily achievable accommodations include:

-providing parking spaces wide enough for wheelchairs users and accessible routes from parking lots to entrances

-making entrances accessible by, for example, installing ramps at inaccessible entrances or widening doorways

-setting aside a reasonable number of spaces in auditoriums for wheelchair users, with fixed seats next to them, so that wheelchair users cans it with their families or friends

-offering a reasonable number of aisle seats with folding or removable aisle-side armrest for use by semi-ambulatory individuals or individuals wanting to transfer to fixed seats

-making modifications to restrooms or constructing unisex accessible restrooms with restrooms cannot be modified

-lowering portions of concession stands, public telephones, and water fountains for wheelchair users