Quadriplegic Turned Away at Mitchellville Golf Course; Files Complaint

After being reportedly denied access on the green at Enterprise Golf Course in Mitchellville, an area resident and quadriplegic has filed a complaint with the Department of Justice arguing that his treatment breached the Americans with Disabilities Act.

When attempting to accompany his wife, Cricket, on the course, Dean Ordakowski was ultimately turned away on the basis that he would be a spectator, not a player---something prohibited in club rules.

While the management remained firm on that aspect of their risk policy, it was stated only after naming two other rules that prevented the handicapped man from joining his wife and their two friends: the club does not permit five-somes, and Ordakowski would have to use a golf cart in place of his motorized wheelchair.

“It was just humiliating and embarrassing to sit in the pro shop while [Enterprise management] came up with excuse after excuse,” Ordakowski said in an interview with ABC 7 News.

President of the American Association of People with Disabilities Mark Perriello told ABC that the couple may not have grounds for further action if the policy at Enterprise is consistent for all players, however.

»See the full ABC 7 News story here.

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