Disabled Woman Sues Rodeo Group

By STAFF REPORT

Posted: November 5, 2009 at 5:56 a.m.

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FAYETTEVILLE — A disabled Fayetteville woman has sued the people behind the Rodeo of the Ozarks in Springdale claiming the facility is not accessible to people with disabilities.

Jonna Bloodworth claims the rodeo grounds don’t have accessible parking, there’s no accessible route to the ticket windows, the ticket windows are too high for wheelchair use and there’s no accessible route to seating or the concession stands.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Fayetteville, also contends the concession counters are too high, there aren’t enough accessible seats with seating for companions, the sight lines from the seats that are available are easily blocked, the toilets don’t have ramps to make them accessible and the toilets don’t have accessible features.

The suit contends theSpringdale Benevolent Amusement Association, the organization that puts on the annual rodeo, was required by federal law to make the grounds and stadium handicapped accessible by Jan. 28, 1992.

Bloodworth wants a judge to order the owners of the facility to make changes that will make the stadium and grounds accessible as required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. It also seeks payment of her attorney fees.

An unidentified woman who answered the phone at the Rodeo Office said she was unaware the suit had been filed. Other officials were unavailable for comment Wednesday, she said.

Bloodworth and her attorney, Edward Zwilling of Birmingham, Ala., have fi led a series of lawsuits against area businesses over accessibility. Some have settled while others are still pending in federal court.

News, Pages 6 on 11/05/2009

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