HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced a letter of resolution with RC Theatres Management LLLP, the owner and operator of Queensgate RC Theatres located in York, Pennsylvania. The agreement was reached under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the United States Department of Justice received a complaint that the Queensgate RC Theatre was not accessible to individuals with visual impairments, namely the movie theater did not have descriptive audio headsets. After an investigation with the owner’s cooperation, the United States Attorney’s Office determined that the Queensgate RC Theatre failed to have the required descriptive audio headset for the visually impaired complainant.
Soon after RC Theatres received notice of the complaint, it took steps to come into compliance with the ADA by purchasing audio descriptive devices and by training employees on the use of the devices at this location. RC Theatres will continue to annually train theater employees. RC Theatres will also provide notice about the availability of these devices on their webpage.
“Owners of movie theaters must ensure that viewings of films comply with all requirements of the ADA, and that they provide equal access for all people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler. “RC Theatres quickly and cooperatively worked to address the ADA violations discovered during our investigation, which will enable visually impaired patrons to enjoy movies at the Queensgate location.”
Federal law requires public accommodations, including movie theaters, to provide individuals with disabilities equal access to facilities. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to undertake investigations and periodic reviews of covered establishments. For more information on the ADA, visit www.ADA.gov. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/. Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing usapam.civil.rights@usdoj.gov.
This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler.
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