University of Montana, ADA Non-Compliance, Montana 2024

BILLINGS, Montana – A landmark settlement was reached between the University of Montana and the U.S. government over access to the Adams Center’s Dahlberg Arena for persons with disabilities. The agreement aims to increase wheelchair spaces and improve wheelchair seating for events at the arena.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office investigated the Adams Center after it received a complaint alleging the complainant was unable to use an accessible seating area during a graduation ceremony in June 2019.

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination in “the services, programs, or activities of a public entity” based on disability. The parties voluntarily agreed to the terms of the settlement agreement, under which the University of Montana will disperse additional courtside ADA-compliant accessible seating when the Dahlberg Arena is configured for basketball, beginning with the 2024/25 season.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Vestal handled the case in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich praised the University of Montana for its cooperation and commitment to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities.

“This agreement brings the seating plans for the Adams Center into compliance with the ADA by addressing issues with wheelchair spaces and seating. I appreciate the University of Montana’s cooperation with our investigation and its commitment to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities to ensure they can participate in a concert or graduation or cheer on the Grizzlies in Dahlberg Arena,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

The University of Montana cooperated with the government throughout the investigation and will continue to provide ADA-compliant accessible seating when the Dahlberg Arena is configured for other events, including concerts and graduations.

The settlement agreement is a significant step towards ensuring equal access for persons with disabilities at the Adams Center. The University of Montana welcomes tens-of-thousands of visitors annually for some of Montana’s most celebrated events.

For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. ADA complaints may be filed online at www.ada.gov/complaint.

Defendant/respondent: University of Montana. Exact criminal charges: ADA Non-Compliance. City and state: BILLINGS, Montana. EXACT DATE with month/day/year: June 2019. Sentence or outcome: Settlement agreement reached. Dollar amounts: Not applicable.

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