It will soon be a little easier to go the movies at Civic's 19th Street Theatre and its affiliated movie theater across the street, Theatre 514. If you are in a wheelchair, then bathroom, seating and access points are going to be adapted for you.

You will also have a specially designed spot in the theaters' areas to accommodate a wheelchair and easy access for a companion.

"When we renovate Civic, the capacity will shrink slightly," said Civic Theatre's Managing Director Michael Traupman in accepting an award May 9 from The Partnership for a Disability Friendly Community in the Lehigh Valley for Civic Theatre of Allentown in making the facility ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliant.

"We are here to recognize their efforts," said Bob Wittman, Resource Development Coordinator, Housing Association and Development Corp.

Dr. Nelvin Vos, Convener of The Partnership for a Disability Friendly Community in the Lehigh Valley, was joined in making the presentation to Traupman by Wittman, as well as Karen Grady, Executive Director, Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties, and Amy Beck, Executive Director, Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living.

Vos said the award is a reflection of Civic's "welcoming attitude toward people with disabilities."

The Partnership for a Disability Friendly Community in the Lehigh Valley is committed to "a common vision for building on the rich array of resources already present to improve the disability-friendliness of the Lehigh Valley," according to its web site.

Wittman said the Partnership has done similar recognition ceremonies for other area businesses. He said the Partnership has identified a half-dozen institutions to be nominated for the award.

Timothy Boyer, Administrator, Lehigh County Mental Health, Intellectual Disabilities, Early Intervention Services, Drug & Alcohol, said the award reflects the City of Allentown's efforts to welcome and accommodate patrons.