Historical Peninsula and Modern Skyline of Istanbul
Based in Istanbul, Accessible Turkey (accessibleturkey.org) offers a wide range of tourism services for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. They have a large selection of four-to-seven day guided tours to Antalya and Istanbul, which include lodging at wheelchair-accessible hotels, transportation in adapted vans and attraction admissions. Accessible day tours are also available in Antalya, Istanbul and Alana. Additionally, Accessible Turkey can custom tailor tours to fit specific interests and abilities, and arrange for independent stays in accessible hotels in Istanbul and Antalya. And if you’d like to do something more active, the agency can arrange for accessible dolphin swims, paragliding, rafting and SCUBA experiences. Accessible Turkey can also arrange for attendant care, accessible airport transfers, and medical equipment rental. For more information, visit their website or e-mail info@accessibleturkey.org.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
If a trip to Barcelona is in your future, then check out this excellent wheelchair-accessible Barcelona resource (www.barcelona-access.com). A project of Barcelona Turisme, this informative website includes detailed information about accessible sights, transportation, accommodations and resources in Barcelona.
The website features a search engine to find wheelchair-accessible sights throughout the city, including museums, World Heritage sties, monuments and even beaches. You can search the database by disability type, attraction or location. There’s also a helpful section about accessible transportation, with tips on how to get to and from the airport as well as details on accessible bus and train transportation. And if you’d like to spend a few nights, there’s also a link to the TUR4all database of accessible properties in Barcelona. Add in some helpful resources on adaptive sports, accessible taxis and travel agents who can plan an accessible itinerary and you have an excellent wheelchair-accessible Barcelona resource.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If a visit to the City of Brotherly Love is in your future, then surf on by visitphilly.com/accessibility, and check out this Philadelphia access guide. This joint project between Visit Philadelphia and Art-Reach – a local disability advocacy organization — offers wheelchair-users and slow walkers hard-to-find access information about the capital city. It contains details about accessible public transportation, taxis, and favorite attractions; and features a helpful section filled with local resources. There’s also a short section which lists some favorite accessible hotels, along with contact information for more specific access details. Information about local wheelchair and medical equipment rentals and accessible parking is also included. Best of all, this Philadelphia access guide has an excellent FAQ section, which offers helpful tips, such as details on the Access Philly Card, which offers discounts to cultural attractions to people with a disability. An excellent resource filled with information to help disabled visitors get around and enjoy all the Philadelphia has to offer.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
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.
If a trip to Japan is in your future, then surf on by this website with tons of accessibility information (www.accessible-japan.com). It’s a consumer-created resource with details about wheelchair-accessible attractions, transportation and lodging throughout Japan. Additionally, the website includes information about wheelchair-accessible day tours, and companies that offer wheelchair-accessible options. Essential information about getting around, accessible transfers, disability discounts, equipment rentals, voltage and suggested guide books and resources are also included. And if you’d like to know about something that isn’t listed on the website, there’s a link to a forum where you can ask additional questions.
All in all, it’s a very comprehensive resource for accessible travel in Japan.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
With the evolution of the internet, information is just a few keystrokes away. On the other hand, some of that information is a far cry from accurate. This is especially true where accessible travel is concerned. Unfortunately with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) the credibility of online information has greatly decreased, and a glut of accessible travel misinformation has surfaced. With that in mind, here are some accessible travel misinformation tidbits recently found online; followed by the true facts, and topped off with a handful of accessible travel resources.
Accessible Travel Misinformation — Air Travel
Misinformation: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the law that covers air travel for disabled passengers.
Truth: The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which actually predates the ADA, covers airline and aircraft accessibility on US airlines and on foreign airlines on flights to and from the US. The ADA does not cover airline access.
Misinformation: You will get upgraded to first class when you fly if you have a disability.
Truth: Although coach seats may not have enough room for many wheelchair-users, upgrades are few and far between these days. It never hurts to ask for an upgrade, but don’t expect one unless you are a top tier frequent flyer. Occasionally wheelchair-users get upgraded, but it’s far from the norm.
Misinformation: Wheelchair-users are guaranteed bulkhead seating on airplanes.
Truth: Under the ACAA, people with a fused leg and those who travel with a service animal are the only passengers guaranteed bulkhead seating. On the other hand, some air carriers voluntarily block bulkhead seats for wheelchair-users; so check around and then deal with the air carriers that can best meet your seating needs.
Misinformation: You don’t need to make advance arrangements for accessible rooms.
Truth: Well you don’t need to make reservations for any hotel room; however that doesn’t mean there will be a room available when you arrive. The same holds true for accessible rooms. The only way to ensure your room will have the access features you need, is to make an advance reservation. In practice, only a small portion of hotel rooms have access features.
Misinformation: Making a reservation at a property assures you that the accessible room will be there when you arrive, because you have guaranteed it with your credit card.
Truth: Guaranteeing a room with your credit card only locks in a specific rate. Blocking a room sets aside a specific room for a specific guest on a specific date. All accessible rooms in the US are required to be blocked under the ADA.
Misinformation: All accessible guest rooms have roll-in showers.
Truth: In the US, only hotels with over 50 rooms are required to have accessible guest rooms with roll-in showers. Those with under 50 rooms are merely required to have tub/shower combinations with grab bars.
Misinformation: All hotels have to have shuttles that are wheelchair-accessible.
Truth: If a hotel provides free airport transfers, they must also provide accessible transfers at no charge. They don’t have to own their own accessible vehicles though. They can contract out the service or pay for an accessible cab or Uber, but they cannot charge disabled customers for a service that they provide free to other guests.
Misinformation: The ship-sponsored shore excursions on most cruises are usually accessible.
Truth: In order to take most ship-sponsored shore excursions you have to be able to walk a few steps and climb up into a bus. Most of the ship-sponsored tours do not include accessible transportation. The exception is in Alaska, but you have to specifically request an adapted vehicle there, even on tours that are designated as “accessible”.
Misinformation: Wheelchair-users can easily roll off cruise ships at all ports, so even if you don’t book a shore excursion you can still explore the area around the port.
Truth: If you can get off the ship you may be able to roll around and explore the port, but cruise ships don’t always dock at all the ports. In many cases cruise ships drop anchor offshore and shuttle passengers to and from the port in tenders. And in many cases these tenders are not wheelchair-accessible. Check with the cruise line to see what ports are tender ports, and then ask about their policy of tendering wheelchair-users. And remember that any port could become a tender port due to high traffic or other operational issues.
Misinformation: Cruise lines provide manual wheelchairs for passengers who cannot walk very far.
Truth: Most cruise lines provide manual wheelchairs and boarding assistance to slow walkers, during embarkation and disembarkation only. These manual wheelchairs are not for the exclusive use of passengers, and cannot be taken to a cabin. If you need a wheelchair during the cruise or for shore excursions, you need to rent one and have it delivered to the ship, or bring your own from home.
Misinformation: Theme parks let wheelchair-users go to the front of the line so they don’t have to wait.
Truth: In some cases, wheelchair-users are allowed to access certain attractions through the exits, because the main entrances are not accessible. The newer rides and attractions are being built with accessible entrances, so this alternative access (which results in skipping the line) is no longer needed for wheelchair-users. And under the new new Disability Access System, only “developmentally disabled guests who cannot wait in line” are eligible to get a return time for popular rides and skip the queues.
Misinformation: Under the ADA, car rental companies must also rent lift-equipped vans.
Truth: Car rental companies are not required to provide ramped or lift-equipped vans. They are however required to install hand controls on vehicles, given 48-hours notice. If you require a lift-equipped van, you need to deal with a specialty rental firm.
Finally, take a look at how the article is written, when you are ferreting out misinformation. Does it seem completely unbelievable? Does it include photos? Is it written by someone who has actually traveled to the destination? If not, then you may be reading misinformation generated by AI. Here are a few more tips to help you weed out the misinformation when you research your next trip. emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-travel-sorting-through-the-misinformation-on-the-internet/.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If you’re a member of any online group that focuses on access or disability, chances are you’ve read about more than a few “Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access shortfalls”. Granted, in this day and age this shouldn’t happen, but it does. Why? Well the short answer is because there’s no “ADA Police Force” that goes around and looks for access violations. For the most part, the Department of Justice (DOJ) relies on user-input to decide when and where to issue fines or take remedial action. And where does that user-input come from? In a few words, from you and the rest of the general public.
And the good news is, it’s easy to file and ADA complaint. Unfortunately most people just brush off the access shortfalls they encounter, and skip reporting them to the DOJ. It’s true that the DOJ does not move forward and take action on every single complaint; however if they don’t receive any complaints, it virtually guarantees that access shortfalls will remain unchanged. And that’s why we still encounter ADAAG code violations, over 30 years after the ADA was signed by President George Bush.
The ADA Complaint Process
It’s easy to file an ADA complaint. Just go to https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/ and complete the form. Keep it short and sweet and get right to the violation. And try to leave your emotions out of it. A well written concise complaint will get more attention than a wordy unorganized one.
After the DOT receives a complaint, they review it. If there are any questions they will contact you. At the very least they will confirm that they received your complaint.
Next they check to see if the item addressed is covered under the ADA. For example, if someone complains about the height of a hotel bed, no action is taken because bed height is not regulated by the ADA (https://emerginghorizons.com/why-the-ada-doesnt-address-bed-height/). They also make sure that the complaint is in the right department. So if they get a complaint about an air travel issue, they will not address it because air travel is covered under the Air Carrier Access Act, not the ADA.
If the DOJ does decide to move forward with an ADA complaint, there are a few ways things can go. The most popular choice is mediation. This is when they assign an impartial mediator and have the parties sit down in a neutral location and hammer out a workable solution. It’s a little time intensive, but the results are usually worth it.
Of course, the best outcome is when fines are issued or a lawsuit is initiated and remedial action is required. This tends to make companies stand up and take notice. On the other hand, some cases are not pursued. This could be because the DOJ is targeting certain violations, geographic areas or even providers. And the DOJ does look for patterns — like an increase in specific violations — so reporting ADA issues is always good.
Mediation Works!
Just for the record, I do practice what I preach, as I have filed several ADA complaints. All of them were addressed in one way or another, but one of my most successful efforts actually went to mediation.
About 15 years ago I was summoned to jury duty in a small town; and I was totally gob smacked when I discovered that there was not a single accessible restroom in the entire courthouse. I brought this to the attention of a few supervisors and the prevailing attitude seemed to be that anyone with a disability could get excused so they didn’t really need those accessible facilities. But what if they wanted to do their civic duty and serve on a jury? That option was pretty much taken away from them due to the lack of accessible restrooms.
So I filed an ADA complaint. Shortly thereafter I got a phone call saying my complaint was referred to mediation, and that I would be getting a call from the mediator. The mediator called and explained the process and set up a meeting time that worked for all parties. I was expecting something adversarial, but it was all very businesslike. I explained the problem, and of course the city folks claimed “budget issues” but in the end they realized they were obligated to provide accessible facilities at the courthouse.
And it all had a happy ending. Although it didn’t happen overnight, they redid the restrooms in the courthouse and put in a large accessible unit. In my opinion it was a win-win for everyone, and it really took very little effort on my part.
Sometimes Fines are Imposed
The DOJ can also start legal proceedings as the result of an ADA complaint. Such was the result of an ADA complaint filed by one couple against a Columbus, Ohio Holiday Inn Express (https://archive.ada.gov/badrivishal_sa.pdf).
The complaint was filed by the wife of a man who has multiple sclerosis, and requires a roll-in shower to bathe. She reserved an accessible room with a roll-in shower at the property, but when they arrived they discovered that neither of the two accessible rooms had a roll-in shower. Since her husband was unable to use the tub/shower combination in the accessible room, they were forced to relocate to another hotel during the busy Thanksgiving weekend.
The hotel claimed that they were up to code in regards to their accessible facilities; however a subsequent access audit found that there were many ADA violations. Under the DOJ agreement, the hotel was required to remove access barriers in the parking lot, building entrance, public restrooms, front desk, and the routes of travel within the hotel. They were also required to fix the access shortfalls in their accessible rooms, and add one more accessible room to the inventory.
The agreement also required additional training for the hotel staff on how to accommodate guests with a disability. And as part of the settlement, the hotel paid the couple that filed the complaint $20,000. Granted, nobody should have to endure access shortfalls like these in this day and age, but thanks to this complaint, one more property is now truly accessible to wheelchair-users.
Excuses, Excuses!
I’ve been preaching this “file an ADA complaint” mantra for several decades. Many folks are receptive to it, however few follow through with any action. I’ve gotten many excuses for this reluctance. Here are some of my favorites, along with my arguments against them.
“I addressed the issue with the manager who seemed eager to correct things.”
A good manager always makes you feel that your complaint is valid and will be addressed. It’s what happens after you leave that really matters. Many managers won’t take the time to follow up on access related issues. And even if the manager tries to pursue things, if the higher ups nix the idea it’s a no-go. Which is why it’s a good idea to file an ADA complaint, even if you also personally addressed the issue with on-site staff — to make sure that things get fixed.
“It takes too long to file a complaint.”
Everything takes time, but truly it takes less time to file and ADA complaint than to tell your story on numerous Facebook groups. It’s all about using time wisely.
“I’m not the ADA police.”
Well actually, you are. We don’t have inspectors or officials that go around looking for ADA violations, so the only way they get reported is if average citizens complain. And that means everyone!
“Nothing ever happens with these complaints. It’s just a waste of time.”
The DOJ doesn’t have the staff to address all of the complaints; however a good number are referred to mediation, and some are even pursued legally. You can’t really predict what will happen to any complaint, but you can be sure that the issue won’t be addressed if you don’t submit a complaint.
The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers a lot of issues in public accommodations; however the ADA doesn’t address bed height. This presents numerous problems for wheelchair-users and slow walkers who need to check into a hotel or motel.
Unfortunately there’s no real agreement on what an “accessible bed” should be. Most wheelchair-users prefer lower beds, while slow walkers with hip or knee issues need higher beds. And then there are wheelchair-users who use portable hoyer lifts who need open-frame beds, as opposed to the standard platforms. And those are just a few of the reasons why the ADA doesn’t address bed height.
So why is there’s no consensus on this matter? Well first and foremost, disabilities are diverse, and you just can’t put one group’s needs over the other. To be honest the same problem was encountered when the toilet height regulations for the ADA were crafted. The lower height was ultimately accepted because there was a cheap and easy fix for folks that needed higher toilets — toilet risers. Unfortunately there’s no cheap and easy fix for beds.
A Little History
The Department of Justice (DOJ) once considered addressing the bed height issue. Back on July 26, 2010 they issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR), that asked for public input on the accessibility of equipment and removable furniture, such as beds. And boy did they get an earful, as disability organizations and advocates weighed in from across the country. Granted the DOJ never said they were going to move forward and issue regulations, however due to the input received, it was assumed that some preliminary rules would at least be forthcoming.
Sadly that wasn’t the case. In a move that surprised a number of disability advocates, the DOJ instead issued a withdrawal of the ANPR and published that decision in the December 26, 2017 issue of the Federal Register.
So what does this mean? Basically it means that the rulemaking process has ended and the DOJ is not going to consider new rules for equipment and removable furniture. According to the DOJ, they are “reevaluating” whether a regulation like this is necessary. Given that places of public accommodation must ensure access to people with different disabilities, the feeling seems to be that perhaps exact specifications aren’t necessary, because beds of different heights work for different disabilities.
What’s a Traveler to Do?
Since the ADA doesn’t address bed height, travelers need to be more proactive when making lodging reservations. Never assume a bed will be a specific height. Always ask. And don’t call the 800 number for the property — call the direct number and speak to someone on site.
And if the person at the front desk can’t help you, ask to speak to someone in housekeeping. These are the folks that are in and out these rooms every day. If they don’t know the specific height, then ask if they can go and measure the bed.
If the bed is too high for you to use, then ask if it can be lowered by removing the frame. And if that’s not possible, ask if you can have a roll-away bed delivered to the room. Those beds are usually lower.
Unfortunately the trend is for higher beds these days, as many properties feel that this helps cut down on injuries to housekeeping workers. That said, even though the ADA doesn’t address bed height, you can still usually find a bed that will work for you with a little legwork. In the end, the best rule of thumb is to plan ahead to avoid unwanted surprises.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers a lot of issues in public accommodations; however the ADA doesn’t address bed height. This presents numerous problems for wheelchair-users and slow walkers who need to check into a hotel or motel.