Community Chat

[CoffeeNut]

@I am still oxox     Don't travel overseas then since you are wanting the renew your TSA-Precheck.   We just got back from England and it's rare to find anyplace that's handicapped accessible. 

[Isobel Archer]

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@CoffeeNut wrote:

@I am still oxox     Don't travel overseas then since you are wanting the renew your TSA-Precheck.   We just got back from England and it's rare to find anyplace that's handicapped accessible. 

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I'm not sure what that has to do with the ADA.  Are you saying we should be more like England and tell people to stay home?

Also I looked at the Lyndhurst site.  It's a large estate and yes, while I can understand that some of the hikes etc. would be inaccessible, I'm not sure they couldn't afford carts to help people get across the grass for a theatre performance.

[Kachina624]

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@DSD2 wrote:

The ADA stipulates that a theatre event in a park must comply with accessibility requirements. 

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@DSD2.  What you say is true, however, as with most things there are exceptions.  A venue can get an exemption under certain conditions like it being a historic site where it's character would be destroyed by modifications or making it accessible would be prohibitively expensive....there are probably others.  Each case has to be evaluated.

The EEOC used to investigate complaints but I'm not sure they still exist.

[Isobel Archer]

Again,  I hardly think using golf carts to help people across uneven ground and gravel would hurt the character of the place.  The event is outside - they don't have to renovate an historic building.

And since it is a large estate, with lots of events I can't believe golf carts would be prohibitively expensive.

[Trailrun23]

The ADA requires the venue in a park be accessible but it doesn't require every hill, gravel road, or bridge be accessible, just accessss to the event. I would contact the city or check your city's website; they should have some reference to ADA. You can report them to the city if they are violating ADA.

[Cakers3]

@Kachina624 You are correct. There are exceptions to the ADA.

Historical places, places where redesign would damage cultural issues and/ or the environment etc.

ADA compliant seating also takes into consideration that everyone besides the disabled is entitled to clear view of the show/concert, etc 

The safety of all attendees is another factor.

[spumoni99]

If I really wanted to go like someone else said I would rent one of those wheelchairs for bad terrain/beach.  I wouldn't report a non profit like that. Some things we can't do when we have limitations its just a fact.  I would rather go to an indoor place with A/C anyway but thats me.

[THEY CallMe Mr Wilkes]

The Lyndhurst Mansion itself is not totally ADA compliant for the reasons cited by others exempting some historic sites.  There are restroom and elevator limitations and not every floor is accessible to all touring the building. 

The Greenhouse is historic and protected and Lyndhurst has made as many accommodations as are possible and fiscally feasible. 

[Isobel Archer]

Interesting.  Just checked and there is a golf course on the Lyndhurst Mansion grounds.

Guess they can afford golf carts after all.

Not sure how using one to aid people across the stated uneven ground to get to the outdoor theatre event would threaten the historic, protected venue.

[pigletsmom2]

I think it's fine to be annoyed with this theater company. I was thinking it would be nice if they offered shows in different venues but clearly they're choosing only this location and even for other shows that are inside it's a problem as posted on their site.

This doesn't just exclude people with specific handicaps but a lot of just elderly people as well. They can do what they want but something doesn't sit right with me about a theater group seemingly intentionally cutting off a lot of people. Seems like the arts usually want to broaden their audience.