Showboat, Plaza added to list of ADA lawsuits

Rachael Levy

Friday, July 12, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

A group of disabled civil-rights activists sued the Showboat and Plaza hotel-casinos, singling them out of the casino industry for allegedly failing to follow the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Nevadans for Equal Access and three of its members filed federal lawsuits Thursday to force the casinos to comply with the law. The statewide organization, which will sue 28 businesses before its accessibility campaign ends July 26, is not seeking money damages.

Showboat "spent $21 million renovating this hotel-casino," plaintiff Paul Martin said. "With that amount of money spent, there was no reason for them to not consult the ADA."

The 1990 act was passed to correct discrimination against Americans with disabilities. But despite its six years of existence, members of Nevadans for Equal Access say they are frustrated by what they see as a lack of compliance with the law.

Plaintiff Earnest Fuller said he cannot enjoy the Showboat's entertainment because the casino does not supply hearing devices, and he fears for his safety because the property lacks visual fire alarms.

Michael Persi, who is suing the Plaza, described how he could not reach the restroom sink to wash his hands and how he was forced to drive his scooter through the kitchen to reach the showroom.

Representatives for the Plaza and the Showboat were surprised by the men's allegations. Other Las Vegas businesses that have been sued by Nevadans for Equal Access also have expressed shock and anger at the allegations, adding that the disabled individuals never asked for changes.

But the activists' attorney, Barbara Buckley, said her clients made complaints, they just never reached the ears of the managers and owners who could bring about change.

"A complaint by a person in a wheelchair should be enough," she said. "They should not have to hire an attorney."

The Plaza and Showboat declined to comment on the lawsuits' allegations, though the Showboat's vice president for planning, Cyndy deNuno, expressed a desire to resolve the differences.

Other businesses also have been quick to correct the perceived problems.

Owners of Starboard Tack and Port Tack restaurants have hired a contractor to determine what changes must be made to comply with the ADA. And Dagwood's Sandwich Delights and its landowner, Rainbow Oakey Limited Partnership, have hired an engineer to install a ramp, said attorneys with Clark County Legal Services, which is representing the disabled customers.

Mountain View Movie Theater, sued last week, has agreed to fully comply with federal regulations within 30 days. And Scandia Family Fun Center has clearly identified a parking space as handicapped.

"We think that's a very good result," Buckley said.