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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- People with disabilities will now be able to fully enjoy the entertainment and attractions at the MGM Grand Hotel, Casino and Theme Park in Las Vegas, Nevada, the world's largest hotel and casino complex, under an agreement reached today with the Justice Department.

The out-of-court agreement, resolves complaints filed with the Justice Department by three individuals alleging that the hotel violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by not providing adequate services to persons with disabilities. The agreement also resolves a compliance review of the architectural features of the facility that was initiated by the Justice Department in 1995.

"People with disabilities shouldn't be forced to play the odds every time they reserve a room or attempt to visit the attractions of Las Vegas," said Bill Lann Lee, Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. "Las Vegas is one of the premier tourist destinations in the U.S. and we're pleased that the MGM Grand has willingly worked with us to make their facility fully accessible."

Under the agreement, MGM Grand will:

increase the number of accessible guest rooms for individuals with disabilities by adding 36 rooms during the course of renovations, including rooms with roll-in showers, bringing the total number of fully accessible guest rooms to 112;

increase the number of accessible guest rooms for individuals with hearing impairments by adding 15 rooms with visual alarms during the course of renovations, bringing the total number of fully accessible rooms for individuals with hearing impairments to 46, and making available 15 additional kits containing visual notification devices, TDD's and door knockers;

make restrooms throughout the facility fully accessible to persons with disabilities, by adding stalls for people who use crutches or walkers, adding grab bars, and relocating doors;

ensure that the casinos are fully accessible to persons with disabilities, by adding more lowered gaming tables and accessible service counters, and improving access to the high roller gaming areas;

install visual alarms throughout the facility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing;

improve access in the Grand and Hollywood Theaters and in the MGM Grand Garden, which host major sporting events and concerts, by adding accessible wheelchair and companion seating locations, lowering ticket and box office counters, and providing assistive listening devices for people who are hard-of-hearing;

provide full access for people with disabilities at restaurants and retail establishments within the facility by adding handrails in entrances, lowering cashier counters and providing adequate knee space in booths and accessible dressing rooms;

make pool and spa areas fully accessible to people with disabilities; and, pay $165,000 in compensation to the three complainants.

Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination in public accommodations, including hotels and entertainment facilities. Newly constructed facilities or facilities altered after the law went into effect, must be built or altered according to specific guidelines, called ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Pre-existing facilities must meet those standards as well.

For further information, individuals can call 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. The number is 1-800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TDD). The Justice Department also has established an ADA Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

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