Disabled Group Sues Over Plans for Stadium

The Ann Arbor News

By Megan Brown, News Staff Reporter
Wednesday, April 18, 2007

A lawsuit filed against the University of Michigan on Tuesday claims the $226 million renovation plans for Michigan Stadium discriminate against people with disabilities.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America by Richard Bernstein, a lawyer who is an adjunct professor in the U-M political science department.

The suit alleges the university's planned changes to the Big House are not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The suit wants U-M to add several hundred more handicapped seats to its plans.

The renovation must follow the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities because the stadium is being altered, not simply repaired, Bernstein said. If the court calls the renovation an alteration, the university would be obligated to meet the standards of accessibility that the veterans organization is seeking, he said.

Bernstein cited a lack of handicapped seating at various sightlines and price ranges, and said not enough seats are available for fans who use wheelchairs.

The suit also says the planned addition of wheelchair-accessible seating in the top row of the stadium is evidence of the university's denial of equal access.

The stadium's below-ground location limits the placement and accessibility of seats for people with disabilities, said U-M spokeswoman Kelly Cunningham. The renovation plan includes a new concourse with a wheelchair-accessible elevator and a ramp, she said.

Accessible seating remains a priority of the university, Cunningham said, adding that through the design process, the university is looking for more ways to provide accessible seating.

"The university is deeply concerned with providing accessible seating for our fans,'' Cunningham said. Included in the renovation plan is an increase in the number of accessible seats, from 90 to 282, plus companion seats, she said.

The Paralyzed Veterans of America are only concerned with stadium accessibility, Bernstein said. "This is seen as a basic civil rights issue, the civil rights of veterans and students,'' he said. "They shouldn't be sitting off by themselves. That's what the ADA was designed for.''

Contact Megan Brown at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 734-994-6852.