In 1997, on behalf of a group of individuals with mobility, hearing and vision impairments, DREDF and co-counsel filed a class-action lawsuit against the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. The complaint alleged that the Coliseum failed to provide equitable access for people with disabilities. The parties settled in 1999.
The October 20, 1999 Settlement Agreement provided for extensive improvements at the giant indoor/outdoor entertainment complex, including installation of a new elevator in the older part of the stadium; elevated platform seating for persons with mobility impairments; audible fire alarms and assistive listening systems for persons with hearing impairments; removal of protruding objects; and availability of print materials in alternative formats for persons with vision impairments. Individual class members who experienced access problems also received compensation from a $425,000 settlement fund, and Bill Graham Presents provided class members with 800 free tickets to events.
Co-Counsel:
Law Offices of Elaine B. Feingold
Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld