FAYETTEVILLE -- The University of Arkansas is making some changes at the Clinton House Museum to settle an Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuit filed last year, Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission members were told Monday.
The federal lawsuit contends the property isn't in compliance with act requirements, and there are architectural barriers to access and contends structural changes to the facility are needed under the act.
The lawsuit alleges the Clinton House Museum has no van accessible parking; there's no firm, slip-resistant route from the parking area; the main entrance is obstructed by steps; the rear entrance has a gate that's often locked and lacks accessible hardware; there's a level change at the back door; the back door is too narrow; and, the rear entrance can be made wheelchair accessible without destroying the historical significance of the museum.
The lawsuit asked a judge to order the defendants to make their facilities handicapped accessible and for attorney fees. But the two sides have been working on an agreeable solution.
The university, which owns the property, contends because the Clinton House is on the national Register of Historic Places, they aren't obligated to comply strictly with ADA guidelines but rather apply best practices.
University officials reviewed the rear entrance and parking area and as a result the rear door will be replaced, the rear brick walkway will be reset and raised about four inches to provide a more level surface. The parking lot will be redesigned and paved to include designated handicapped parking.
Kate Johnson, director of the museum, said parking has been noted as a weakness at the museum for at least the last five years and adding more and better parking is needed regardless of the lawsuit.
"So, this is a win-win situation for everyone," Johnson said.
The lawsuit was filed in November in U.S. District Court in Fayetteville on behalf of Annette Koonce by Edward Zwilling, a Birmingham, Ala., lawyer who has filed similar lawsuits around the country for several years. Koonce has cerebral palsy, is confined to a wheelchair and has limited use of her arms, according to the lawsuit.
U.S. District Judge Tim Brooks put the case on hold earlier this month so the sides could continue working toward a settlement.
NW News on 03/18/2015