
TL;DR
Shoppers at the Christmas Village in Center City will no longer be allowed to enter vendor booths this holiday season due to accessibility compliance. Instead, vendors will assist customers from behind sales counters to ensure adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
✦ Why It Matters
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Key Takeaways
Full Summary
Vendors at the Christmas Village and Made in Philadelphia markets will implement barriers to prevent shoppers from entering booths, a decision made to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Each booth would require an 8-foot ramp for wheelchair access, which is impractical for many vendors.
As a result, sales counters will be added, forcing vendors to assist customers in selecting merchandise. This change follows extensive discussions with legal experts and disability advocates, highlighting the need for better accessibility at city events.
Vendors, who have already paid significant fees for their booths, express concern that this late decision will reduce their sales potential. Approximately 17% of Philadelphia residents have disabilities, underscoring the importance of addressing accessibility in public events.
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