Villager files complaint with DOJ over new recreation centers

A Villager has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice contending that the four newest recreation facilities in The Villages are in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“As The Villages continues to expand, new recreation centers are being constructed. Since the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design were established, four recreations centers have been constructed and occupied. Unfortunately, these centers have been constructed in violation of Section 219 of the ADA Standards. The hearing impaired community in The Villages is being deprived of equal access to the programs, services and events at these facilities,” Villager Andrew Finlayson wrote in his letter to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The new recreation centers that he claims are not in compliance are Captiva, Bradenton, Big Cypress and Eisenhower.

It is estimated that there are more than 16,000 people in The Villages with some level of hearing loss, wrote Finlayson who is active in the The Hearing Loss Association of America-Central Florida.

“Section 219 of the 2010 ADA Standards requires that in each assembly area where audible communication is integral to the use of the space and audio amplification is used, an assistive listening system must be provided. Assistive listening systems are to be included in the new construction permitting process as a scoping item, just the same as accessible toilets and handicapped parking spaces, etc. These assistive listening systems must be readily accessible,” Finlayson wrote in his letter to the Department of Justice.

“I am aware of Mr. Finlayson’s position as he has expressed it to the District,” District Manager Janet Tutt said. Tutt said the facilities  have assistive listening devices available.

“There is an FM Transmitter System available at Captiva, Big Cypress, Bradenton, and Eisenhower.  There is one system available at each center that can be used in any of the rooms with a sound system.  The District also owns a portable induction loop system that can be used in any of the Recreation Centers throughout The Villages,” said Carrie Duckett, manager of Customer and Support Services for The Villages.

The Villages strives to accommodate residents with disabilities in compliance with ADA, Tutt added.