Seattle's historic 5th Avenue Theatre will be modified to improve access for those with disabilities following a lawsuit.
In December 2018, the Washington Civil & Disability Advocates (WACDA) filed a suit in federal court against the 5th Avenue Theatre Association for not having adequate accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Washington resident Rhonda Brown filed the initial suit. Brown requires a scooter for mobility and claimed in her suit that the facility was not ADA compliant.
WACDA filed suit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington after attempts to avoid litigation failed.
In response to the suit, the 5th Avenue Theatre Association agreed to make the following changes to the facility:
- Increasing the number of wheelchair accessible seats and companion seats to 17 per the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
- Installing ADA compliant wall-mounted handrails near the front and on each side of the theatre to improve access.
- Implement and/or update its Accessibility Services manual to keep the area around the water fountains clear of any obstructions.
- Complimentary tickets for a "Personal Care Attendant"
"The 5th Avenue Theatre strives to be accessible to all members of our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to address these important issues and look forward to welcoming everyone into the theater in the future," a theater spokesperson said in a statement to KING 5.