FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CR

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 1998	(202) 616-2765

	TDD (202) 514-1888





JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP NEW PAMPHLET ON THE ADA




	WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Attorney General Janet Reno has pledged
to develop an ADA pamphlet on ticketing policies that would answer
questions about the rights of theater-goers and sports fans with
disabilities.

	"You have the power to open the doors of entertainment and
culture to people with disabilities," said Attorney General Janet
Reno, before the annual conference of the International Ticketing
Association on Wednesday.  "You don't just set ticketing policy,
you are the ticket to access for so many theater-goers and sports
fans with disabilities." 

	The pamphlet, which will be ready in the Spring and available
on the internet, will outline the requirements of the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA), focussing on issues that arise when
setting ticketing policies.  It will include information such as
how much can be charged for a wheelchair seating location, whether
ticketing agents can request proof of a disability, and how many
wheelchair seating locations must be available in a given sports
complex or theater.

	The ADA requires that public accommodations, such as arenas,
ballparks and theaters provide equal opportunity in ticketing
polices for people with disabilities.

	"I want to make sure that everyone has a chance to go to a
theater, listen to a concert, or cheer their favorite sporting team
-- regardless of their disability," added Reno.

	Individuals interested in learning more about the ADA can call
the Department's toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301
or (800) 514-0383 (TDD).  Last year, President Clinton participated
in a public service announcement advertising the toll-free number
on hundreds of radio stations across the country.  The Department
also sponsors an ADA Home Page on the World Wide Web.  The internet
address is:

[http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.html]


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98-018