FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CR

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1998                                                                                                                          (202) 616-2777

                                                                                                                                                                                TDD (202) 514-1888




DELAWARE SPEEDWAY AGREES WITH THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT


TO BECOME FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES





	WASHINGTON, D.C. -- People with disabilities will now have
full access to the facilities at Dover Downs International
Speedway, under an agreement reached today with the Justice
Department. 

	The agreement, filed in U.S. District Court in Wilmington,
Delaware, resolves allegations that Dover Downs, located in
Dover, Delaware, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act
("ADA"). The owners of the track, which features NASCAR racing
and harness racing, have agreed to take steps to ensure that its
facilities are accessible to people with disabilities. 

	"Auto and horse racing fans with disabilities should be able
to enjoy all the excitement that Dover Downs has to offer," said
Bill Lann Lee, Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil
Rights.  "We're pleased that after learning about the problems at
the facility, Dover Downs has gone the distance and agreed to
make its facility accessible."  

	In June 1994, the Justice Department received a complaint
from an individual with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (commonly
referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease"), who had attended a NASCAR
race along with his family at Dover Downs in May 1994. He alleged
the ramps to the seating areas were unusable, he was unable to
obtain adequate accessible parking, and he could not use the
restrooms or concession areas. 

	"The Agreement with Dover Down is part of a continuing
effort by the U.S. Attorneys Office and the Civil Rights Division
of the Department of Justice to assure that citizens with

disabilities have the full enjoyment all public facilities--
including restaurants, amusement parks, doctors offices and many
more," said Gregory M. Sleet, U.S. Attorney in Delaware.

	 Since the complaint was filed, Dover Downs expanded its
facility to include Dover Downs Slots, a video lottery facility. 
The Justice Department's investigation included both the racing
facility and the slot facility.	

	Under the agreement, which still must be approved by the
federal court, Dover Downs will, among other things:

	 	make the outdoor grandstands accessible by adding
wheelchair seating locations with companion seating,
accessible routes and ramps to these seating areas;




	 	provide designated accessible parking areas adjacent to
grandstand entrances, and will develop a new policy for
transportation of people with disabilities to and from
the gates;




	 	make the restrooms serving the outdoor grandstands 
accessible to persons with disabilities, and ensure
that the routes to designated accessible restrooms are
also accessible;




	 	ensure that the Dover Downs Slots facility is fully
accessible to persons with disabilities, including
lowering service counters and betting windows; 




	 	train all employees regarding non-discriminatory
service of individuals with disabilities; and




	 	pay $20,000 in compensatory damages to the complainant.




	The ADA prohibits discrimination against persons with
disabilities.  Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination in 
public accommodations, including entertainment facilities. 

	Copies of the agreement may be obtained by calling the
Justice Department's toll-free ADA Information Line.  The hotline
was established by Attorney General Janet Reno as part of a
nationwide campaign to educate the public about the law.  Last
year, President Clinton participated in a radio public service
announcement to highlight the hotline.  The number is 800-514-0301 and 800-514-0383 (TDD). 

	The agreement will also be made available on the Justice
Department webpage at: 
[http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.html].


 
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