“There are millions of people with disabilities in the USA that is why their needs should be met and satisfied as well as the needs of any other persons. The hotel industry develops according to the definite laws and principles, and the management of hotels follows the concepts presented in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).” [1]
“During its 2023–2024 term, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide a case with significant implications for the future of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).” [2]
”ADA requirements are federally mandated rules created by the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. This law was created to expose cultural blindspots and prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities, and is enforced by the US Department of Justice.” [3]
“All public institutions and programs are required to comply with ADA in some way, shape, or form, even if they are privately owned —and hotels are no exception.
The law states that buildings built before 1992 are required to make reasonable efforts to accommodate people with disabilities in at least a portion of their spaces.” [3]
“Some basic ADA-required accommodations include accessible walkways, entrances, and public spaces. Other reasonable accommodations required by the ADA are accessible communication devices. In addition, property staff are required to understand these accessibility accommodations, and be able to speak to them with authority.” [3]
“Examples of New Requirements for Alteration and New Construction:
• Swimming pools require lifts or sloped entry.
• Saunas and steam rooms require accessible doors, turning space, and benches.
• Playgrounds require accessible routes and playground equipment.
• Accessible single user toilet rooms require more space for transfers.
• Exercise machines must be on an accessible route surrounded by clear floor space.
• The number of and dispersion of accessible guest rooms requiring mobility and communication features has changed.
• Assembly areas require dispersion of accessible seating with lines of sight over standing spectators.
• Washers and dryers, kitchens, and vending machines must be accessible.” [4]
• Accessible Walkways, Entrances, and Public Spaces, Hotel Rooms for Short-Term and Long-Term Stays, Restrooms and Amenities.
“It’s also important that hotels provide adequate ways for guests with disabilities to communicate with them, or to receive important safety messages. Each room should incorporate fire alarms and sprinklers, but also strobes & visual alarms for deaf or hard of hearing.” [3]
“Hospitality communication is vital and is especially important for frontline employees which include customer-facing staff as they must be able to communicate effectively with guests to meet their needs and provide services. Understanding the challenges faced by people with disabilities, some leading players in the hotel industry provide disability awareness training to their staff. An accessible hotel with well-trained staff makes guests with disabilities feel more enjoyable.” [5]
Hospitality Tips
”There are many hotel services that need to be accessed by guests. The following are examples of ways to make your guests’ stay more accessible:
• Place hangers, iron, and extra pillows and blankets on the lowered closet bar, shelf, or counter in accessible rooms.
• Shower amenities can be marked with tape or a rubber band so that guests with vision impairments have a tactile way to differentiate between the shampoo, conditioner, or lotion.
• Lower hand held shower nozzle to bottom of sliding bar so it is within reach.
• Arrange furniture so it does not block access to power outlets, temperature controls, or curtain handles.
• Offer room service menu, hotel directory and TV channel guide in accessible formats.
• Provide a tour and orientation of lobby and guest room for guests who are blind or have low vision.
• Keep the lowered check-in counter clear and available for use.
• Do not use for brochures, computer, etc.
• Train staff to know the location of ADA room kits and how to operate the devices.
• Ensure hotel policy welcomes service dogs, without charges or conditions, to all areas of the hotel.” [4]
“Before booking, look for information about the elements we’ve described above.
Most information, like the accessibility of hotel rooms and amenities, is required by the ADA to be publicly available, so it shouldn’t be hard to find.” [3]
“According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, all the people with disabilities should be provided with the equal opportunity to access the necessary services and facilities. In the case of the hotel industry, to accommodate people with disabilities successfully, it is important to have all the necessary aids and devices to meet their needs.” [1]
Resources
[1] https://ivypanda.com/essays/people-with-disabilities-and-the-hotel-industry/
[3] https://www.hotelengine.com/blog/business-travel-guide/ada-hotel-room/#1
[4] https://nwadacenter.org/factsheet/accessibility-people-disabilities-hotels-and-places-lodging
[5] https://preferredbynature.org/newsroom/accessible-hospitality-all-making-everyone-feel-welcome