Live Chat: Understand ADA Litigation Threats Post-Campbell v. Universal

September 14, 2023

Event Type: Education
Region: North America
Event Time: -
Venue: Online
Member Price: $0 | Nonmember Price: $0
Credit Hour(s): 1

1-2 p.m. EDT

Stay ADA compliant and alert to litigation risks! Hear from legal, safety, and disability experts on Sept. 14, 2023, from 1-2 p.m. EDT as they discuss the crucial lessons and potential ramifications of the July 7, 2023, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals opinion in Campbell v. Universal on ride and waterslide access for individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This Opinion Opens the Door to Significant Impacts On the Industry:

  • Compliance Evolution: Following state law and manufacturer guidelines may not be sufficient to demonstrate ADA compliance by operators.
  • Assessing “Necessary” Rider Eligibility Rules: Understand the Eleventh Circuit’s focus on demonstration of “actual risks” to ADA-protected individuals and the proof burdens on operators and manufacturers who adopt rider eligibility guidelines.

 This live chat is provided for educational purposes, and our panelists will not be providing legal advice to any participant.

Attendees are eligible to earn one continuing education unit (1 CEU) towards IAAPA recertification. For more information about IAAPA Certifications, please contact Alissa DeMeglio
 

Speakers

Dr. Kathryn Woodcock

Dr. Kathryn Woodcock

CCPE, ICAE, P.Eng. Professor
Toronto Metropolitan University

Dr. Kathryn Woodcock is a Professor in the School of Occupational and Public Health, teaching courses in Accident Theory, Safety Evaluation Techniques, and Systems Management (BASc in OHS program, MS in Occupational and Public Health) and Themed Entertainment Design and Technology for The Creative School (MDM program). 

She is involved in unique extracurricular training, research, and knowledge mobilization activities focused on human factors of amusement rides and attractions pertaining to guests, operators, and inspectors. She also consults to attractions industry designers, manufacturers, and owner/operators. Her work has been presented in over 75 peer-reviewed publications and over 200 industry and professional publications and presentations. 

She is a member of IAAPA, TEA, Executive Committees of ASTM Committee F24 and the Themed Experience and Attractions Academic Society, and the Board of Directors of AIMS International.
 

Erik H. Beard

Erik H. Beard

Managing Member and General Counsel
International Ride Training Biography

is a managing member and general counsel of International Ride Training LLC and the creator of “ADA FAQ:  Disability Training for the Attractions Industry,” a one-of-a-kind ADA compliance training program specifically for front-line team members in the attractions industry.  His industry experience spans more than thirty years, during which he has advised and represented amusement parks, waterparks, and family entertainment centers on accessibility and ADA matters throughout the country.  

Erik is a frequent speaker on accessibility and safety issues at attractions industry events around the world.  He is the Vice President of NEAAPA: The Northeast’s Entertainment Association, serves as Vice Chair of the ASTM F24.40 Task Group, sits on the board of directors for the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials, the advisory board for the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Services, and the government relations committees for both IAAPA and the World Waterpark Association.

Julia Judish

Julia E. Judish

Special Counsel
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Ms. Judish advises nonprofit organizations on legal compliance, employment issues, ADA accessibility, DEI, credentialing, ethics and disciplinary codes, and related areas, working with both staff leadership and Boards. She writes extensively on nonprofit and employment legal issues and is a frequent speaker on these topics. She graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School and has received multiple honors for excellence in legal services.

Ms. Judish was part of the legal team at Pillsbury that authored IAAPA’s amicus brief in the Eleventh Circuit’s consideration of the Campbell v. Universal case.
 

Keith Stephenson

Keith Stephenson

Director of Public Affairs
IAAPA

Mr. Stephenson has more than 25 years of association executive and public affairs experience representing the hotel and lodging, restaurant, attractions, retail and vacation ownership segments of the hospitality and travel and tourism industry at the local, state, federal, and international level. 

Prior to joining to joining IAAPA, he served as a Director for the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, President and CEO for the Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association, Executive Vice President for the Florida Lodging Association, Senior Director of State Government Affairs for the American Resort Development Association, and Director of State and Local Government Affairs for the National Restaurant Association. 

Mr. Stephenson holds a bachelor's degree in political science and economics from the Ohio State University.
 

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