Army veteran and Aurora resident Charlotte Vaile has recently raised concerns about Denver’s La Merise French Bistro’s lack of wheelchair accessibility. Vaile, who uses a wheelchair, points to the absence of crucial features such as ramps or elevators, which she claims go against and are in conflict with the provisions of the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
The ADA mandates that businesses modify their premises reasonably to accommodate people with disabilities. In light of this, Vaile stresses the importance of these adjustments, not just for legal compliance but for fostering an all-inclusive environment that caters to the needs of all customers. She believes that businesses have a shared responsibility to maintain accessibility, with continuous assessments and updates being crucial to meet changing needs.
Following a complaint she lodged, Vaile found that La Merise, a historical landmark, may be exempt from ADA stipulations. While awaiting official confirmation from the state, she’s contemplating legal action to encourage the restaurant to improve its accessibility standards.
Veteran confronts Denver bistro’s accessibility issues
However, she also expressed her willingness to negotiate a solution amicably with La Merise’s management.
Kelly McCullough, an attorney with disability law experience in Colorado, elucidates on the ADA’s accessibility standards. Set in 1991 and updated in 2010, these primarily apply to buildings constructed post these dates. However, McCullough highlighted that pre-1991 buildings might also have accessibility obligations.
McCullough explains that removing any significant architectural barriers is a business’s responsibility if it is financially feasible. However, whether the business can afford these modifications might be subject to legal review.
Vaile ultimately plans to complain La Merise to address this accessibility issue. She hopes this measure will motivate the restaurant to improve its facilities for everyone’s benefit.
