Accommodating People With Disabilities Act

The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2002 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) found that there are 51.2 million people with disabilities in the United States. According to a 2005 study by the Open Doors Organization (ODO), more than 21 million adults with disabilities traveled at least once in the preceding two years. 50% of adults with disabilities stayed in hotels while traveling within this two-year period. This can equals $13.6 billion.

When accommodating people with disabilities the main organization that creates the laws and regulations that apply to people with disabilities is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). The Americans with disabilities act prohibits discrimination in employment, transportation, accommodation,

Remove of architectural or structural communication barriers in existing facilities where it is readily achievable to do so;

Eliminate discriminatory eligibility criteria (e.g., allow a guest to use alternative state ID to substitute for driver’s license at check-in); and

Provide auxiliary aids and services leading to effective communication if it is not an undue burden and does not fundamentally alter the nature of the goods or services provided (e.g., provide alternate format materials such as Braille, large print, and audio tape when guest cannot read standard print materials due to a disability).

When Arriving At the Hotel

Shuttle Buses. Staff should provide shuttle bus Shuttle bus drivers should be trained to offer assistance to people who are blind or who have low vision. Staff should inform guests who armmm

Wayfinding. Staff who assist guests at the front door should offer assistance to guests who are blind or who have low vision in finding the Registration Desk or other hotel facilities.

Check-In and Check-Out

Do not assume that a person who is blind or who has low vision will require or want to be placed in a room designated for people with disabilities. Just as you would with other guests, ask the person about his or her preferences. If someone is traveling with another person but they have requested separate rooms, ask whether they would prefer to be in adjoining rooms. For security reasons, most hotel receptionists inform the guest in writing of his or her room number. While guests who are blind or who have low vision should be told their room numbers orally, care should be taken so third parties do not overhear this