Americans With Disabilities Act Settlement Removes Architectural Barriers At A Reading YMCA Facility

PHILADELPHIA – The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has entered into a settlement agreement with the United States to resolve an allegation that a YMCA facility located at 631 Washington Street in Reading, Pennsylvania, contains architectural barriers in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  

The settlement arises out of a complaint that the United States received alleging that the YMCA’s facility on Washington Street is not accessible to individuals who have mobility impairments.  After conducting an investigation, the United States identified architectural barriers to access relating to a parking area, entrance signs, swimming pool lift, and a restroom facility.

To resolve the matter, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has agreed to modify the facility’s family-friendly restroom in a manner that complies with the applicable standards for accessible design under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has also agreed provide a van accessible parking space located on the shortest accessible route to the facility’s entrance ramp and to install a directional sign indicating the location of an accessible entrance at all inaccessible entrances at the facility.  In addition, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has agreed to install a vertical sign identifying the accessible parking spaces, and a directional sign indicating the location of the facility’s accessible toilet/bathing room at all inaccessible toilet/bathing rooms.  The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has further agreed to install a new swimming pool lift that complies with the standards for accessible design.

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County agreed to take these actions on a timetable, and the United States reserved its right to review the facility’s compliance at any time.       

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is committed to investigating alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Those interested in learning more about architectural barriers to access under the Americans with Disabilities Act may access www.ada.gov, or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD).  Information about filing a complaint, including instructions for filing a complaint online, can be found at www.ada.gov/filing_complaint.htm. 

The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul W. Kaufman and Michael S. Macko.