LAS VEGAS GOLF ASSOCIATION AGREES TO MODIFY RULES TO ALLOW GOLFERS WITH DISABILITIES TO USE CARTS THROUGHOUT THE COURSE

WASHINGTON, D.C. - - The Department of Justice today announced an agreement with Sun City Summerlin Community Association, Inc., an owner and operator of three golf courses, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to make its three golf courses accessible to golfers with disabilities. The association has agreed to adopt a new policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability to permit power carts on paths, walkways, and greens formerly restricted to pedestrians whenever the cart is necessary to permit a qualified individual with a disability to play the course.

Today's settlement agreement resolves a complaint filed by a golfer who requested a modification of the rules that restrict golf car use in areas of the three courses where carts are prohibited, including access to the greens and other locations on the courses. The complaint filed with the Department of Justice sought a modification of the policy of prohibiting carts in certain areas, which resulted in limiting access to persons who are able to walk some distance.

Before the Justice Department investigation, the Sun City Summerlin Association had allegedly refused a request for modification of the policy. In recent years, however, development of innovative, lighter carts, and improvements in horticultural practices at most golf courses in the United States, have made it possible to provide access to greens and other areas by allowing persons with disabilities to use carts without damaging the course.

"This agreement demonstrates our commitment to working with private businesses and associations to open up opportunities for people with disabilities, and to further integrate those people into activities enjoyed by the public at large," said Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Ralph F. Boyd, Jr.

Under the agreement, the Association has established, and will continue to maintain, a written policy that modifies certain golf cart restrictions to allow access by cart for golfers with disabilities. The policy covers all three Sun City Summerlin Golf Courses, including Eagle Crest, Highland Falls, and Palm Valley. The policy also retains golf cart restrictions to areas only upon a showing that safety is a concern or that the physical integrity of the turf of the golf course is threatened.

Additional information about the ADA can be found by calling the Department's toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301, (800) 514-0383 (TDD) or the Department of Justice website at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/drs/drshome.htm.

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