U.S. Attorney's office, Cleveland cavs and quicken loans arena reach agreement to improve access for patrons with disabilities
The Cavs will ensure accessibility for patrons in wheelchairs and their guests, add captioning for the deaf on scoreboards at Quicken Loans Arena, and make its web site accessible to the blind as part of a settlement between the Justice Department and the operators of Quicken Loans Arena, Cavaliers Operating Company LLC, to improve access for patrons with disabilities, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
“The Cavs are to be commended for taking these important steps to improve the experience for their customers who have mobility or sensory disabilities,” Dettelbach said. “This agreement will make it easier for everyone to enjoy the excitement of a game, concert or other event at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs have demonstrated a real commitment to equality and accessibility at The Q and on the web.”
“This process has helped us get better. Providing a great experience and accessible fan environment at all events and on the web has always been a core part of our operating culture and focus. Expanding our commitment to accessibility is something we are proud of and pleased to do. Thanks to Steve Dettelbach and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for working so closely with us to take the level of service and accessibility at the Q and on the web to an all-time high,” said Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena President Len Komoroski.
Some of the key aspects of the settlement agreement include:
* The Cavs’ commitment to continued wheelchair accessibility, including at least 110 wheelchair spaces at Quicken Loans Arena with the same number of companion seats, dispersed at varying locations in the arena at varying price levels.
* The Cavs will provide captioning on the scoreboards and video monitors at Quicken Loans Arena to provide deaf patrons with equal access to all of the aural information provided over the public address system within a year; safety and emergency information will be displayed visually beginning within 30 days.
* The Cavs will modify its websites (www.cavs.com and www.theqarena.com) to ensure that blind individuals using screen reader software are provided equal access to the same information and are able to perform the same transactions as sighted individuals.
* The Cavs will modify its policies to ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided accessible seating options, and will train its ticketing staff to ensure that all people with disabilities are treated in a nondiscriminatory manner and afforded the same service and courtesy afforded any customer.
Many of the provisions will take place within 30 days of the agreement.