ADA

Are Third-Party Booking Sites Required to Provide Accessible Rooms?

Are Third-Party Booking Sites Required to Provide Accessible Rooms?

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I reserved an accessible room through an online third-party booking site. All seemed OK when I reserved the room, but when I got to the hotel, there was no accessible room for me. The hotel blamed it on the booking site and the booking site blamed it on the hotel. What did I do wrong and what can I do to avoid this in the future?

Who is to Blame?

First and foremost, you didn’t do anything wrong. Unfortunately it’s a bit of a convoluted system. Basically it’s up to each property to provide third-party booking sites with the availability and description of their of accessible rooms. Unfortunately this can and does change a lot, as folks also make reservations directly at the hotels. So, the hotel is supposed to keep the booking sites updated with this information. Does this always happen? In a word, no.

When it doesn’t happen, people end up making reservations for accessible rooms that are already reserved and should have been taken out of inventory. So, when a guest who has booked one of these non-existent accessible rooms arrives, that room is not available.

And unfortunately, since you technically didn’t make a reservation through the hotel, they cannot refund your money to you. You have to go back to third-party booking site to recover it. To say it’s a flawed system is somewhat of an understatement.

What’s a Traveler to Do?

It’s a difficult situation when each entity claims that it’s the other ones fault. And quite frankly, customers just don’t have the time to figure it all out. I feel strongly that you should file an ADA complaint in this situation, but who do you complain about? If you can’t figure it out, then let the Department of Justice (DOJ) sort it out.

File an ADA complaint against the third-party booking site and the hotel, and let the chips fall where they may. The DOJ needs to hear about cases like this, not only to possibly enforce the regulations, but to see and understand why they are not working. Filing an ADA complaint is easy – here are the details (emerginghorizons.com/why-you-should-file-an-ada-complaint/)

I’d also refrain from making reservations for an accessible room through a third-party booking site in the future. I understand that the discounted priced is a big draw; however is it really worth the discount if the accessible room won’t be available when you arrive? And today many properties advertise that they will meet the discounted rates of third-party booking sites, so I’d at least give them a call and ask if that’s a possibility.

In the end, it really is better to to book directly. Sometimes having a middleman just introduces errors, and when accessibility is at stake, you really don’t want errors.

I’m sorry you had this experience, and I hope that your next trip goes better.

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Barrier-Free Travel
Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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DOJ Investigation — Rollators Banned at Florida Theme Parks

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Late last week the Department of Justice announced that they are actively investigating United Parks and Resorts for allegedly violating Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). United Parks & Resorts owns and licenses SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Aquatica Orlando. And the alleged violation? Apparently the parks in question have banned rollator walkers in their parks, and instead forced patrons to use mobility aids that are inappropriate for their individual disabilities.

Why Are Rollators Banned at Florida Theme Parks?

So, why in the world would any facility ban rollator walkers? Well according to the Busch Gardens website, there are “safety concerns”. Apparently the parks have “crowded pathways, varying terrain and potential tripping hazards”. OK, but wouldn’t these conditions be exacerbated if someone who uses a rollator had it taken away from them at the entrance?. I’m thinking the tripping hazards would increase if you were navigating unfamiliar terrain without your rollator.

Apparently in some cases there is also the offer of an alternative assistive device to folks who have been stripped of their rollators. I’m assuming this means a wheelchair of some sort. Now let’s put this into perspective. You are taking away an assistive device that someone is familiar with, and forcing them to use something new in unfamiliar terrain. This not only sounds dangerous, but it’s also an infringement of civil rights. Perhaps someone missed that day in civics class.

According to one rollator-user, “I have one of those walkers. I have been told that if you get tired and sit down to get pushed, the risk is high for flipping over on uneven walkways.” This is true. It’s dangerous to push someone in a rollator, which is why it’s noted as a prohibited and dangerous practice on the company website. As the website notes, “Using a rollator walker as a tool for pushing the elderly is a risky practice. Rollator walkers are not designed to carry and move seated people. Overloading them may cause structural damage, brake failure, and other safety hazards.” 

I think it’s reasonable to assume that people will use their assistive devices in a safe way, and refrain from dangerous practices. But apparently United Parks & Resorts doesn’t see things that way.

Help the DOJ

The DOJ is actively investigating this issue, so if you have been denied the use of your rollator at one of these parks, the DOJ wants to hear from you. This whole investigation started because people complained to the DOJ about being denied the use of their personal assistive devices at these theme parks. So if you think that taking a few minutes to fill out a complaint is useless, then think again.

Not only should you complain any time you are denied your civil rights, you most certainly should get in touch with the DOJ immediately if you have encountered the rollator issue. It’s easy to file a complaint. Just go to https://www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/ and fill out the form. You can also give the DOJ a call on their toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301.

And although this issue is about rollators, it’s important to remember that the DOJ is complaint-driven. So if you run into any infringement of your civil rights under the ADA, be sure and file a complaint. This is especially true when a US hotel falls short in the ADA access department. Here’s a short overview of why and how you should file an ADA complaint. https://emerginghorizons.com/why-you-should-file-an-ada-complaint/

 

 

Are Cruise Ships Wheelchair-Accessible?

Are Cruise Ships Wheelchair-Accessible?

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I use a power wheelchair and I’m thinking about taking a cruise with my husband. I’ve never traveled before but a cruise really appeals to me. Are cruise ships wheelchair-accessible? And if so, will they work for my power wheelchair? I’d also appreciate any tips you have for planning a wheelchair-accessible cruise.

Access on the High Seas

The good news is that many cruise ships are wheelchair-accessible. Part of the reason is because they have responded to a growing market, and part of the reason is due to litigation. More specifically, there are two court cases that helped form the access requirements on cruise ships that call on US ports.

First and foremost is Spector v Norwegian Cruise Line. On June 6, 2005 the US Supreme Court decided in favor of the plaintiffs in this case, and ruled that the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to all foreign-flagged cruise ships that call on US ports. This ruling, however, fell short of requiring specific access guidelines for vessels.

Then in 2015 the Justice Department reached a settlement with Carnival Cruise Lines that provided the access standards for ships — even foreign flagged ships — that call on US ports. They must have fully accessible cabins, which are dispersed throughout the various classes of accommodations. These cabins must have 32-inch wide doorways, include accessible pathway access and turning radius, and have an accessible bathroom. And the reservation system must allow passengers with a disability to reserve an accessible cabin, and guarantee that accessible cabin reservation.

Cruise Planning Tips & Tricks

It’s great to have these standards, and to be honest, most cruise ships go above and beyond as far as access is concerned. That said, it does take a little more advance planning to book an accessible cruise.

First and foremost — start early. Even though cruise ships have accessible cabins, they are limited and they go quickly. Keep tabs on your cruise and try and book your cabin as soon as it’s released. It’s the best way to get the accessible cabin you need.

Also, remember to ask a lot of questions about the accessible cabin. They differ from cruise line to cruise line, and even on ships on the same cruise line. Always ask about access details that are important to you, such as bed height, toilet height and grab bar placement. And if you still have questions, ask them to e-mail you some photos. When you inquire about access, you might also want to include the pertinent measurements for your power wheelchair because just saying “wheelchair” can lead to a wide variety of interpretations. The good news is, you will find that many cruise ships can accommodate your power wheelchair.

It’s also a good idea to search for accessible shore excursions first, before you decide on a cruise. Some ports have more accessible options than others. It’s also prudent to book these accessible excursions directly with the provider as early as possible. Many cruise lines use the same providers and if you wait for them to book them, they may already be booked. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

And finally, here are some more tips to help you plan a wheelchair-accessible cruise. emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-cruise-tips/

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Barrier-Free Travel
California National Park
Road Trips
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trail-of-the-cedars

What Exactly is an “Accessible” Trail?

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Although it’s relatively easy to determine if a building is wheelchair-accessible (stairs vs. a level or ramped entry), it’s a bit more difficult to evaluate the accessibility of a trail. At first glance it might appear that if a wheelchair-user can manage a trail, then it must accessible, right? Well, not exactly, because not all wheelchair-users have the same ability. And then there are slow walkers. What if they can’t manage the trail.

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greyhound terminal

DOJ Investigating Greyhound and FlixBus

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Have you ever had an access-related problem while traveling on Greyhound or FlixBus? If so, the Department of Justice (DOJ) wants to hear from you. After receiving a number of complaints on these carriers, the DOJ is in full investigation mode. But they can’t proceed without your help. They want to hear from you if you’ve ever had your Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rights violated. This includes:

  • Failure to maintain bus lifts.
  • Refusal to assist disabled passengers.
  • Refusal to allow service animals aboard.
  • Abandoned disabled passengers in the middle of their journey.
  • Failure to assist disabled passengers off the bus at rest stops.
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Can Hotels Charge More for Accessible Rooms?

Can Hotels Charge More for Accessible Rooms?

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I just booked an accessible hotel room in a Los Angeles hotel and it was $25 more than the non-accessible room that a friend booked. Can hotels charge more for accessible rooms? I thought that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibited discrimination like this. Is this legal, and if not, what can I do about it?

The Law

Although discrimination on the basis of disability is prohibited in the US, there isn’t enough information to determine if the hotel in question violated the ADA. Under the ADA, hotels are required to have a certain number of accessible rooms based on their size. That number ranges from one accessible room for a property with 25 rooms, to nine accessible rooms in a property with 500 rooms. And properties that have more than 500 rooms are required to have 2% of their rooms flagged as accessible rooms.

But no matter how many rooms a property has, the accessible rooms are supposed to be distributed evenly among the various room types. What does that mean exactly? Well if they have multiple accessible rooms, they have to be equally distributed between the economy rooms and the high-end rooms. It also means that they should offer a choice in bed types, or other amenities such as ocean views.

The problem comes in when the property only has one or two accessible rooms, but a large variety of room types. Then some choices have to be made on how to allocate the rooms so that guests who need these rooms will have a reasonable choice.

Can hotels charge more for accessible rooms? Yes and no. They can’t charge more for an accessible room in the same rate category; however if all the accessible rooms in the lower rate category are booked, and the only accessible room left is one in a higher rate category, then yes you will have to pay that higher rate for that accessible room. 

The Solution

The solution to your problem begins with contacting the hotel. Address your access concerns with the property manager. Ask about the property size, and the allocation of the accessible rooms in different rate categories. And be sure to write down those figures for future reference.

If the accessible rooms seem evenly split in all the rate categories, then you really don’t have any recourse. It could be that they had lower rate standard rooms available, but if all of the lower rate accessible rooms were already booked, then the only thing left for you was an accessible room in a higher rate category. So if that’s the case, you’re out of luck. That’s one reason it pays to book early, because the lower rate rooms usually fill up first. Of course it doesn’t hurt to ask for a credit, or a discount on a future stay for your troubles, but the hotel is not required to give you anything.

On the other hand ,if the property has a disproportionate number of accessible rooms in the higher rate category, you should definitely ask for the difference between the lower rate room and the higher rate room. And remember to remind the manager what the ADA requires.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to file an ADA complaint. Even if you are compensated, the property should still be up to ADA standards. After all, you don’t want this to happen again — to you or anyone else. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking compensation from a property and also filing an ADA complaint. The ADA complaint won’t get you any compensation, but it could help effect change.

Filing an ADA complaint is easy. You can do it online or by mail. Just follow the instructions at www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/.

More Resources

Of course, this issue is just the tip of the iceberg as far as accessible travel problems are concerned. With that in mind here are a few resources to help you adequately address other access shortfalls.

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The Hotel Gave Away Your Accessible Room? Practice Self-Advocacy

The Hotel Gave Away Your Accessible Room? Practice Self-Advocacy

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Have you ever arrived at a hotel, reservation in hand, only to discover that the hotel gave away your accessible room? Or worse yet, been told by a reservation agent that they cannot reserve a specific accessible room for you? It’s not only frustrating, but it’s also illegal in the US under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). But unfortunately it does happen. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about the law, so you can be a more effective-self advocate.

Block That Room!

As of March 15, 2012, US hotels are required to block accessible guest rooms upon reservation. Blocking means that the property reserves a particular room for a particular guest on a particular date. It’s important to note that a block is not the same thing as a guarantee. A block takes a particular room out of inventory, while a guarantee only refers to the room rate. These regulations are contained in 28 CFR 36.302 (e) (1) in Title III of the ADA (ada.gov/law-and-regs/regulations/title-iii-regulations/#-36302-modifications-in-policies-practices-or-procedures).

Most properties have modern reservation systems that can identify the accessible rooms, and note their features — such as a roll-in shower — so it’s relatively easy to book a specific accessible room online. U.S. properties must also make sure that guests can reserve accessible rooms in the same manner that they can reserve non-accessible rooms. In other words, if you can reserve a non-accessible room on a particular website at midnight, you should also be able to reserve an accessible room in the same manner.

Unfortunately not all properties have their accessible room inventory online or have the ability to block accessible rooms. If you try to reserve a specific accessible room, and the reservation agent says they can’t guarantee that you will get that specific room, then ask to speak to the manager. Then explain your problem and remind the manager that the ADA requires properties to block accessible rooms upon reservation. This will usually get the desired results.

If, on the other hand, the manager doesn’t back down, it’s time to try another property. Frankly if management doesn’t care about access, then it’s highly unlikely that you will even get any type of an accessible room when you arrive. Find another hotel, and then follow through with an ADA Complaint on the first property.

File an ADA Complaint

So when should you file an ADA complaint? Well most definitely file one if a property ever tells you that they can’t block a specific accessible room for you. It’s easy to file an ADA complaint — the form is online at civilrights.justice.gov/report. Make sure and take notes when the event is fresh in your mind, and jot down the names of the people that you dealt with.

It’s also appropriate to file an ADA complaint if you can reserve a standard room on the property website, but are unable to reserve an accessible room there. It’s important to note that you won’t get any compensation as a result of these complaints; however the Depart of Justice may fine the property or require them to update their website or reservation system. In the long run, it will help make things more accessible.

Finally, if you arrive at a property only to find that the hotel gave away your accessible room, you should absolutely file an ADA complaint. The property is also required to find you a comparable room at another property at the same rate. The hotel must pay the difference if the rate at the other property is higher. That doesn’t let them off as far as the Department of Justice is concerned though — take notes and file that ADA complaint when you get home.

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Barrier-Free Travel
Glacier, Yellowstone
and Grand Teton National Parks
for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers

Buy the Book
 

 

 

 

 

 

ev charging station

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations Open for Public Comment

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With the increased popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), more and more charging stations are popping up across the US. The problem is, because it’s a rather new development, these charging stations aren’t specifically addressed in the Americans with Disabilities Act Access Guidelines (ADAAG). In fact they aren’t even covered under any general design standards. But that’s all set to change as the US Access Board recently released their proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations; and they are seeking public comments, from end-users, designers and builders on these preliminary regulations. So it’s time to let your voice be heard.

Proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations

Even if you don’t use a EV, you still might want to have a look at the proposed regulations, and have your say, because once the regulations are finalized it will be too late. The public comment period is open until November 4, 2024.

And you can be darn sure that the folks that build and design these EV charging stations will certainly have their say; in fact a few of the major players have already voiced their concerns to the US Access Board. One of their concerns is about the “accessible route” to the charging stations. Their claim is that since they lease the space from parking lots and shopping centers, they don’t feel they should have to provide an accessible path of travel to them.

Another issue is size. Space is at a premium, as it’s usually leased and they of course would prefer to have a smaller space The proposed guidelines call for a minimum width of 132 inches and a minimum length of 240 inches with an access aisle. These are larger than standard parking spaces, to allow for access to the charging equipment. Of course the designers want them to be smaller. There would also be no distinction between van accessible spaces and car accessible spaces. Additionally the proposed number of accessible charging spaces will depend on the total number of charging stations.

“Use Last” Model for Accessible Spaces

The US Access Board is also seeking comments about an alternative designation of the accessible charging spaces, in their proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations. Specifically they are asking if the “use last model” for accessible charging stations is acceptable. In this model they would require more accessible charging stations, but they would allow everyone to use the accessible spaces if all the other spaces are occupied. The accessible spaces would be labeled with the blue wheelchair pictogram, but it would also include the words “use last”. Under this model, the number of accessible charging spaces would also be increased.

So it would be like accessible bathrooms. They have all the required modifications, and usually have a blue wheelchair on the door, but they can be used by anyone if someone isn’t using it.

That model could lead to a lot of problems. First, there would have to be some sort of education to the public to help them understand the whole “use last” concept; and even then some folks would probably just use the accessible spaces because they were convenient. And to be honest, there’s no real way to enforce it.

Personally, I think it’s a bad idea, as it’s a slippery slope. Look at accessible parking for example. Even with fines, and threatened tows, there’s still an enormous problem with accessible parking abuse. Can you imagine how much worse that would be if you labeled the accessible parking spaces as “use last”?

In any case, I urge you to send your comments in to the access board, to let your voice be heard.

How to Comment

It’s pretty easy to make a public comment on the proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations.

First off, I encourage you to read a copy of the proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/03/2024-18820/americans-with-disabilities-act-and-architectural-barriers-act-accessibility-guidelines-ev-charging.

You can make a public comment online at https://www.regulations.gov/document/ATBCB-2024-0001-0001. Click on “comment” to make your comment or “all comments on docket” to read comments that have already been submitted. Sometimes reading other comments can give you an idea of what to say.

Alternatively, you can submit a comment by e-mail at docket@access-board.gov. If you go this route, be sure and include include the docket number –ATBCB-2024-0001– in the subject line of the message.

And finally, you can also submit a comment by postal mail: Office of General Counsel, U.S. Access Board, 1331 F Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004-1111. And again, be sure and include Include the docket number — ATBCB-2024-0001– in your correspondence.

But don’t tarry, as the public comment period closes on November 4, 2024. After that they will review the comments and make decisions on the final regulations.

 

How to Resolve a Wheelchair-Access Travel Complaint

How to Resolve a Wheelchair-Access Travel Complaint

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Ever wonder why some people end up with upgrades and refunds whenever they make a wheelchair-access travel complaint, while others walk away with zero compensation? Truth be told, it’s all in the details. Knowing when to complain, how to complain and who to complain to are the keys to not only resolving the issue at hand, but also to receiving adequate compensation for your inconvenience. So the next time you encounter an access-related problem on the road, follow this roadmap for prompt resolution and adequate compensation.

Save Your Trip

The first and foremost rule about making a wheelchair-access travel complaint is to address the problem at hand. If your wheelchair arrives damaged, request a suitable loaner from the airline. If that supposedly accessible bus arrives but has two steps, request an appropriate replacement. If you arrive at a hotel to find that they gave your accessible room away, have them find you one at another property. Try and remedy the access shortfall, so you can salvage your vacation and enjoy the rest of your trip.

Additionally, you should try to prevent further damage. In other words, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. For example, if you miss a connection because the airline didn’t have a wheelchair waiting at the gate for you, don’t just throw in the towel. Work with the airline to get on the next available flight, so you can at least enjoy part of your vacation.

Don’t be afraid to address your loss while you are trying to mitigate damages, but don’t put a dollar price tag on it. For example, in the case of the missed connection, if the next available flight isn’t until late at night, don’t be afraid to point out that you are missing a whole day of vacation because of their error. And then ask if perhaps an upgrade is available. Keep in mind, this doesn’t wipe the slate clean, but it will make your travels more comfortable.

It’s also a good idea to jot down a few notes about the incident while it’s fresh in your mind. Write down times, dates and names if you have them. Then, put the notebook away, and don’t dwell on the incident. Enjoy what’s left of your vacation, then address the matter when you return home.

When You Return Home

The time to file an official wheelchair-access travel complaint with a service provider is after you return from your trip. And although every situation is different, here are some tips to help you approach the official complaint process.

  • Although it’s easy to pick up the phone, your complaint will receive more attention if you put it in writing.
  • Address the appropriate person. Don’t start with the President or CEO, but instead begin at the bottom and work your way up. You want to be able to show that you followed the company’s complaint procedure in an effort to resolve your accessibility issue.
  • Keep your complaint letter short and to the point. It should be no longer than one page. Avoid superfluous details and get to the point quickly.
  • Keep it polite, professional and G-rated. Abstain from vulgarities and name-calling.
  • Have someone who isn’t emotionally invested in the incident proofread your letter for clarity.
  • Never threaten to sue or to file an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaint in your initial complaint. This just creates an adversarial situation and makes the matter harder to resolve.
  • If you are going to quote the law, make sure you know the law.
  • Make sure and enclose all documentation, including receipts and photos.
  • Most important, ask for some type of resolution. Don’t be afraid to ask for specific compensation, but be realistic. If you’re reasonable with your request, most companies will be generous in their response.

Make it Official

You should also file an official ADA or Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) complaint when you return home. This can be done in addition to your complaint with the provider, and even if you received compensation from them. This type of a complaint won’t get you anything personally, but it may help effect change.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) look for patterns, and the number of complaints against individual companies. If they see a lot of a certain type of complaint, they can issue fines and directives to help avoid future access-related failures. And that in turn may lead to better compliance in the future.

Plus it’s pretty easy to file an official wheelchair-access travel complaint.

If your issue involves travel on a US airline anywhere in the world, or on a foreign airline on a flight to or from the US, then you can file an ACAA complaint. Details about the complaint process can be found at www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaints-alleging-discriminatory-treatment-against-disabled-travelers. And the complaint form is located at secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint. It’s also a good idea to check out this primer (emerginghorizons.com/the-disabled-air-travelers-bill-of-rights) on your basic rights under the ACAA before you file a complaint.

If your issue involves physical access at a hotel, attraction, restaurant, outdoor area or venue in the United States, then you can file an ADA complaint. Information about an ADA complaint can be found at www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint.  And the online form is located at civilrights.justice.gov/report.

Filing an official complaint is the final step in the process. And again, although it won’t benefit you personally, it can help to make the world a more accessible place.

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Barrier-Free Travel
22 Accessible Road Trips
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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Are Hotels Required to Provide Wheelchair Accessible Airport Shuttles?

Are Hotels Required to Provide Wheelchair Accessible Airport Shuttles?

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Shuttle Bus

Recently I flew to Los Angeles, and although the hotel I stayed at had a free airport shuttle, it was not wheelchair-accessible. I asked the driver and he said that they didn’t have any wheelchair-accessible airport shuttles, and that I should take a taxi or an Uber. It seemed a bit unfair for me to have to pay for transfers, while others got them for free. Are airport shuttles required to be wheelchair-accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? If so, what can I do if I encounter one that lacks wheelchair access?

The ADA and Wheelchair-Accessible Airport Shuttles

In a word, yes. If a hotel provides free shuttle service it’s also required to provide an equivalent accessible service under Title III of the ADA (ada.gov/topics/title-iii/). Equivalent is the key word here, so for example if passengers routinely wait 20 minutes for an airport shuttle, then wheelchair-accessible airport shuttles must arrive in the same time frame.

That doesn’t mean that hotels  have to own their own shuttles though. They just have to provide the equivalent service. For example, a small hotel can share an accessible shuttle with other properties, but they must offer equivalent service as detailed above. Properties can also opt to send accessible taxis to pick up passengers, instead of purchasing and maintaining wheelchair-accessible airport shuttles. And finally they can alternately opt to reimburse guests for their accessible taxi or Uber fares.

When Things Go Wrong

Although equivalent service means that disabled guests will get the same service as non-disabled guests, a little advance planning can go a long way to making this a reality. First and foremost, don’t wait until you arrive at the airport to inquire about the availability of wheelchair-accessible hotel shuttles. Call the hotel in advance of your trip to confirm that they have the appropriate vehicles — and that they are actually operational.

If the hotel employee you are talking with says that they don’t have any wheelchair-accessible airport shuttles, then ask to speak to the manager. Usually managers know the law, and after you point out that wheelchair-accessible shuttle service is required under the ADA, then they will start to work to find a solution. Of course this solution may be that the hotels provides an accessible taxi or pays for your Uber, but that’s an acceptable solution under the law.

On the other hand if the manager balks at your request, it’s best to find another property. You can’t strong arm someone into adhering to the law, and you don’t want to arrive at the airport only to find out that there’s no way to get to your hotel. Give your money to a property that does follow the law and will be able to accommodate you.

Of course, don’t forget the property that didn’t accommodate you. They broke the law and they deserve to be reported to the Department of Justice (DOJ). It’s easy to do too — just complete this simple online form (civilrights.justice.gov/report) to file an ADA complaint. You won’t receive any compensation as the result of filing an ADA complaint, but it will help effect change. And that helps make everything more accessible in the long run.

Barrier-Free TravelCalifornia National ParkRoad Tripsfor Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

Barrier-Free Travel
California National Park
Road Trips
for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers

Buy the Book
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