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Council Bluffs to provide more arena access for disabled

News

May 5th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department has reached a settlement with Council Bluffs stemming from allegations a 9,000-seat arena did not provide proper access for those with disabilities. The department announced Thursday that the city of Council Bluffs must provide at least 56 wheelchair and companion seats throughout the Mid-America Center, an arena that hosts events including concerts, basketball and hockey games.

Companion seats don’t have an arm rest, or include removable arm rests, for those who assist people in wheelchairs. Under the agreement, the city must also revise its pricing policy to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to buy tickets for those seats.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires wheelchair seating locations be an integral part of seating plans in newly constructed arenas, which includes the Mid-America Center.