Beach-Goers Sue Coastal Town Over Access Problems
By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express (subscribe)
MYRTLE BEACH, SC--Two disability rights advocates are suing the coastal city of Myrtle Beach claiming it discriminates against them in violation of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and state accessibility laws.
The suit was filed in federal court by wheelchair users Linda Vandeusen, a member of Advocates for Disabled Americans from Columbia, South Carolina, and Edward Law, who is from Orlando, Florida.
According to the Myrtle Beach Sun News, Vandeusen and Law claimed that the city has failed to make the beaches accessible and safe for them and other visitors with disabilities. Among other problems, they cited a lack of grab bars in the beaches' portable restrooms, along with designated parking spaces that are incorrectly marked and dangerous because of drains and steep slopes.
The suit also notes that the city built steps over what had been a flat path to the beach.
The plaintiffs are asking for undisclosed damages and for an injunction to force Myrtle Beach to comply with the laws.
"I'm trying to have accessibility to things that we people with disabilities should have access to," Vandeusen told the Sun News.
Related: Two disabled visitors sue MB (The SunNews)
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January 12, 2006 - InclusionDailyNews Department | Email this story