Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Analysis and Com menta ry on the 201 0 A DAStandards Section 221.3 of the 2010 Standards requires equal to those of non-stadium-style theaters, wheelchair spaces and companion seats with larger theaters being required to provide to be dispersed horizontally. In addition, 28 accessible seating locations and viewing CFR 35.151(g)(2) and 36.406(f)(2) require angles equal to those offered to individuals assembly areas that have seating around without disabilities. the field of play or performance area to place wheelchair spaces and companion seating all One commenter noted that stadium-style around that field of play or performance area. movie theaters, sports arenas, music venues, theaters, and concert halls each Stadium-Style Movie Theaters pose unique conditions that require separate and specific standards to accommodate Pursuant to 28 CFR 35.151(g) and 36.406(f), patrons with disabilities, and recommended in addition to other obligations, stadium-style that the Department provide more specific movie theaters must meet horizontal and requirements for sports arenas, music vertical dispersion requirements set forth venues, theaters, and concert halls. The in sections 221.2.3.1 and 221.2.3.2 of the Department has concluded that the 2010 2010 Standards; placement of wheelchair Standards will provide sufficient flexibility to and companion seating must be on a riser adapt to the wide variety of assembly venues or cross-aisle in the stadium section of the covered. theater; and placement of such seating must satisfy at least one of the following Companion Seats. Section 4.33.3 of the criteria: (i) it is located within the rear sixty 1991 Standards required at least one fixed percent (60%) of the seats provided in the companion seat to be provided next to each auditorium; or (ii) it is located within the area wheelchair space. The 2010 Standards at of the auditorium where the vertical viewing sections 221.3 and 802.3 permit companion angles are between the 40th and 100th seats to be movable. Several commenters percentile of vertical viewing angles for all urged the Department to ensure that seats in that theater as ranked from the first companion seats are positioned in a manner row (1st percentile) to the back row (100th that places the user at the same shoulder percentile). The line-of-sight requirements height as their companions using mobility recognize the importance to the movie-going devices. The Department recognizes that experience of viewing angles, and the final some facilities have created problems by regulations ensure that movie patrons with locating the wheelchair space and companion disabilities are provided views of the movie seat on different floor elevations (often screen comparable to other theater patrons. a difference of one riser height). Section Some commenters supported regulatory 802.3.1 of the 2010 Standards addresses this language that would require stadium-style problem by requiring the wheelchair space theaters to meet standards of accessibility and the companion seat to be on the same Department of Justice Guidance on the 2010 Standards: Titles II and III - 115