U.S. Atorney’s Office Reaches ADA Settlement with Owner of Historic Paramount Theater to Ensure Physical Access for People with Disabilities

NEWARK, N.J. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) settlement with Madison Asbury Convention Hall LLC, the owner of the historic Paramount Theater in Asbury Park, New Jersey, to ensure physical accessibility for people with disabilities, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

“This agreement begins a new era for the historic Paramount Theater, which will enable all audiences, with or without disabilities, to enjoy the venue and its performances,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “We commend the Paramount Theater for making the changes necessary to come into compliance with the ADA.”

The agreement requires, among other things, the installation of wheelchair spaces and companion seats, tactile signs with raised characters and Braille identifying all exits and restrooms, accessible ticket and concession stands, and at least 47 assistive listening receivers.

This agreement was reached under Title III of the ADA, which prohibits places of public accommodation from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will actively monitor compliance with the agreement, which will remain in effect for three years.

Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may file a complaint with the U.S Attorney’s Office at http://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement/complaint. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TDD).

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Michael Campion, Chief of the of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Rights Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Pascal, Deputy Chief, Civil Division.