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 The U.S. Attorney's Office in Newark has announced that they will be reviewing "a number of hotels and casinos" in Atlantic City to determine if they are complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and making their building accessible for patrons with special needs.
Advocates for the disabled have long complained that handicapped patrons only have limited access to gaming tables and slot machines in Atlantic City. Julia Bonelli, executive director of Total Living Center, an Atlantic County-based advocacy group pointed out, "Someone who uses a wheelchair can only go to certain poker and blackjack tables because most of them are too high."
U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said that casinos in the area were required to submit detailed information about their facilities yesterday and that on-site inspections are planned in the near future. Those who fail the inspection will be given time to voluntary comply with the laws and make the necessary changes. At this time there have been no allegations of noncompliance from the government but this will be just the first step of many in the review process.
Advocates for the disabled hope that the federal inspections will highlight the challenges faced by those with special needs in everyday life. While many feel that casino and hotels try to accommodate the handicapped they think that they could do a lot more to make them feel comfortable. Some of the many changes suggested include giving handicap players more access to machines, adding Braille to signs in elevators and on the Boardwalk visitors sign, and sensitivity training for staff members.
As always, stay tuned to Casinofan for more news and updates.
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