ADA Seating in Venues?
ACCESSIBLE SEATING IN VENUES
We
want your Bender experience to be safe and comfortable, and to that end
we provide a mix of accessible seating options based on the unique
layout of each given venue. Some concert events in the US feature an
all-inclusive "ADA Seating Area," but given the size and layout of each
venue at a given host property this approach is neither practical for us
to implement, nor would it provide the optimum relief as prescribed in
the ADA regulations. Instead, each of our venues will feature two types
of accessible seating: Wheelchair seating spaces and designated aisle
seats. (details below)
AVAILABILITY
Of
course, it is impossible for us to know how many patrons require use of
accessible seating, and the law limits our ability to collect that kind
of information¹. Furthermore, the ADA requires us to provide accessible seating based on the capacity of the venue, not based on demand².
This means that we can not guarantee that an accessible spot will be
available in any given venue at any given time. Like all seating at the
Big Blues Bender, accessible seating is first come, first served.
We
suspect that the majority of our patrons with mobility disabilities do
not require the full time use of a wheelchair. As such, the most
commonly used type of accessible seating would be "Designated Aisle
Seating." Fortunately, most of our venues will feature many seats with
the same characteristics of designated aisle seating, even if they are
not explicitly marked that way.
Like all seating at the Big Blues Bender, accessible seating is first come, first served.
ENFORCEMENT
Our
venue staff may approach any person in an accessible seat and politely
inform them that they are in a designated accessible seat, reserved for
persons suffering from a disability. If you are
approached by our staff in this manner, please understand that our staff
member is attempting to protect your rights under the ADA. Their intent
is not to challenge, doubt, or demand proof from you. We ask that you
simply politely acknowledge that you understand this policy, and go
about enjoying the show.
We hope
that any able bodied person occupying an accessible seat will be honest
and respectful and move to accommodate a person in need. Of course we
cannot demand proof of disability¹, therefore we must rely on the
honesty and good nature of our community. We endeavor to educate and
inform our guests of the necessity of ADA seating for those in need, and
foster an environment of awareness and self-policing.
In
the same spirit, you may not challenge or verbally abuse a person
sitting in accessible seating based on your assumption of their
disability or lack thereof. If you feel an able-bodied person may have
inadvertently sat in an accessible seat, we ask that you either politely
inform them that they are in an accessible seat, or ask our venue staff
to inform the person on your behalf.
Above all, treat others with the dignity and respect you would wish them to confer unto you.
We will do our best to expel persons who fraudulently use
services designated for persons with disabilities, to the the extent of
our ability and within the parameters of the law³.
WHEELCHAIR SEATING SPACES
Each
venue will feature a designated section for patrons requiring the use
of a wheelchair or similar mobility assistance device, plus one
companion⁴.
Each "space" is
comprised of an empty parking area and an adjacent companion seat. By
definition, the space is an empty area meant to park a mobility device,
therefore persons without a mobility device may not stand in or
otherwise occupy these spaces.
Only
persons who are companions to a person utilizing the wheelchair space
may occupy companion seating. A companion may not occupy companion
seating if the person they are accompanying has left the venue (with the
exception of bathroom visits, concessions, etc).
Wheelchair seating spaces cannot be saved or reserved.
Like all seating at the Big Blues Bender, wheelchair seating spaces are first come, first served.
If you utilize a powered mobility device other than a wheelchair or motorized wheelchair you may use wheelchair seating, however, you must abide by the regulations set forth in the following section: ACCESSIBILITY IN PUBLIC AREAS.
The quantity of wheelchair spaces will vary in each venue, based on capacity⁵. The dimensions of each wheelchair space and its companion seat shall be consistent with ADA guidelines⁶.
DESIGNATED AISLE SEATING
Each venue will feature an allotment of seats identified as "ADA Designated Aisle Seat(s)." These will be aisle seats located closest to accessible routes, and will feature no armrest or a removable or folding armrest⁷.
These seats may be used by persons whose disability requires use of the accessible features provided in accessible seating.
The quantity of wheelchair spaces will vary in each venue, based on capacity⁵. The dimensions of each wheelchair space and its companion seat shall be consistent with ADA guidelines⁶.
DESIGNATED AISLE SEATING
Each venue will feature an allotment of seats identified as "ADA Designated Aisle Seat(s)." These will be aisle seats located closest to accessible routes, and will feature no armrest or a removable or folding armrest⁷.
These seats may be used by persons whose disability requires use of the accessible features provided in accessible seating.
Like all seating at the Big Blues Bender, designated aisle seats are first come, first served.
The quantity of designated aisle seats shall be at minimum 5% of all available aisle seating⁸.
ACCESSIBLE SEATING | FIND IT IN THE REGULATIONS:
³ ADA III § 36.302(f)(8)(i) Prevention of fraud in purchase of tickets for accessible seating, Investigation of Fraud
ACCESSIBILITY IN PUBLIC AREAS
The
Big Blues Bender makes no claims, warranties, or representations
regarding the general compliance of our host venue in regards to the
Americans With Disabilities Act. If you have questions or concerns
regarding the ADA compliance of any area within our host property
outside those areas designated for use by the Big Blues Bender, please
contact the host property directly with your concerns.
Persons utilizing wheelchairs and manually powered mobility aids shall have access to any areas open to pedestrian use¹.
USE OF POWER-DRIVEN MOBILITY DEVICES
Use
of power-driven mobility devices such as (but not limited to) Rascals,
Scouts, and other powered scooters are generally permitted in any area
open to pedestrian use, however, Big Blues Bender & the host
property may restrict use in certain areas wherein their operation
presents a safety hazard².
We may ask
persons using a power-driven mobility device to provide credible
assurance that the mobility device is required because of the person's
disability. We will accept a valid State-issued disability parking
placard or card, or State-issued proof of disability issued in your name
as a credible assurance that the power-driven mobility device is
required for your mobility disability.
In
lieu of a valid State-issued disability parking placard or card, or
State-issued proof of disability, we will accept a credible verbal
assurance, not contradicted by observable fact³.
Anyone operating a power-driven mobility device while intoxicated, or otherwise impaired will be subject to penalty, including, but not limited to forfeiture of admission cost and ejection from the event⁴.
Anyone operating a power-driven mobility device in a deliberately aggressive, violent, reckless, or otherwise harmful manner will be subject to penalty, including, but not limited to forfeiture of admission cost and ejection from the event⁴.
ACCESSIBILITY IN PUBLIC AREAS | FIND IT IN THE REGULATIONS:
AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES
An
assessment of our program offerings, the physical dimensions of our
performance venues, and the power generated by our PA systems have led
us to the determination that assisted listening devices would not
significantly improve the auditory experience beyond what can be
experienced in the average seat in a given venue. If you have concerns
on this topic and would like to inquire regarding implementation of a
specific assistive technology, please submit a support ticket and we
will gladly assess the viability of your request.
AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES | FIND IT IN THE REGULATIONS:
SERVICE ANIMALS
Service
animals are allowed in Big Blues Bender venues and areas. The allowance
and parameters regarding your animal's presence in your guest room is
entirely dictated by the service animal policy and/or pet policy of the
host property. Nothing printed here shall supersede the service animal
policy of the host property.
Dogs and miniature horses are the only species of animal defined as service animals¹.
No other species of animal is legally considered a service animal and therefore no other species will be allowed to enter Big Blues Bender areas. Any animal that does not meet the definition of service animal is considered a pet, and is subject to the pet policy of the host property. Pets are NOT ALLOWED in any Big Blues Bender area.
Emotional support animals are NOT service animals as defined by the ADA¹.
Big Blues Bender staff may ask if the animal is required because of a disability and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform².
You and your service animal will be removed from any Big Blues Bender area, if your animal is out of control and you do not take effective action to control it, or if the animal is not housebroken³.
Big Blues Bender is in no way responsible for the care or supervision of your service animal⁴.
SERVICE ANIMALS | FIND IT IN THE REGULATIONS: