Access For Disabled Puts Renovations Back On The Table At Maple Theater

BLOOMFIELD (WWJ) - The Maple Theater will be undergoing some more renovations after a complaint to the federal government by a wheelchair-bound customer.

U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade says all theaters that have over four seats are required to have at least one seat that is accessible for the disabled.

They must also meet other specific requirements.

"The Maple Theater did not," said McQuade. "But they were very quick once we brought the matter to their attention -to make the changes required to comply with the law because they want to encourage all Americans to enjoy movies at their theater."

The theater has agreed to move its wheelchair seating. The theater will also add a handrail to the auditoriums and a bathroom for the disabled in the lobby.

The Maple Theater underwent a renovation in 2012, investigators took measurements and found that the renovation did not meet federal standards.

"One of the reasons it's important to make people aware of a case like this is sometimes people are just ignorant of the law - they make renovations or remodel and they are not aware of the legal requirements to make sure that all places of public accommodation can accommodate all Americans," added McQuade.

McQuade says she believes the oversight was an honest mistake by the theater.

The renovations are expected to be completed in six months.