Y.E.A.!
Young Endependent Advocates
6300 E. Virginia Beach Blvd.
Norfolk, Virginia 23502
4/11/07
CC:
WWDE 2WD, WROX 96X, WPTE the point,
WOWI 103Jams, WNVZ Z104, WNOR FM99,
WJCD 107JAZZ, WHRO public radio, WGH eagle97,
WCPK 1600AM
Dear Hampton Roads radio station,
The
Y.E.A.! disability advocacy group would like to know if your radio station
would be interested in having us on to speak on air about the Virginia Beach
Amphitheater.
We’ve been having problems with
them since 2002. The amphitheater is not fully accessible to people with
disabilities. We have written letters, met with amphitheater heads and
participated in a peaceful protest in hopes thing’s will change. The
amphitheater does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA).
Firstly, each section of seating is not accessible. What we’re focused on is
access to lawn seats. Currently there is no way for people who use walkers and
wheelchairs to enjoy lawn seating. The amphitheater has not done anything to
make the lawn accessible. Secondly, the design of the amphitheater doesn’t
allow people who use wheelchairs in disabled seating to see the stage. When
people stand, people in wheelchairs cannot see over their heads. These are
examples why the Amphitheater is not in compliance with the ADA. The ADA took
affect 5 years before the amphitheater was constructed, so it just doesn’t make
any sense why there’re so many accessibility problems.
We have posted or progress on our
website. As you can see we have worked very hard. We feel if we could tell a
wide range of listeners about our problems with the amphitheaters while on air,
it would help a great deal. (power of the press) By the amphitheater not
changing it hurts all of us, not just people with disabilities. We hope your
radio station can help us in the fight for equal rights.
Thank you,
The
Y.E.A.! Group