In today’s world, finding a hotel for guests with disabilities is increasingly accomplished from a smartphone or laptop. A visit to the hotel’s website is the first step. Travelers with disabilities frequently ask whether the hotel is accessible. Their first stop is the hotel’s website to see if it has the infrastructure they need for a convenient and enjoyable stay.
For the hospitality sector, providing accessible services to disabled guests could be a highly profitable proposition. A recent study indicates that over half of disabled travelers prefer to stay in hotels or motels. That means over 16 million people are ready to pay $100 each night on a trip. However, research indicated that 46% of travelers with disabilities had difficulty accessing the hotel’s website.
ADA(Americans with Disabilities Act) web accessibility litigations
As you prepare for the travel season, it is business-critical to ensure that you comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Non-compliance could lead to a hefty ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) lawsuit and bring disrepute to the business. The Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) Title III claims come in many forms and sizes. Still, they all derive from the same principle: places of public accommodation, such as hotels, motels, and other lodging places, cannot discriminate against disabled people.
Quick Accessibility suggestions
Ensure accessible web and mobile application
Before we all plan our travels, we need to do some homework on where we’ll be staying, including reviews and essential amenities. As a general rule, if finding accessibility-related information takes more than a few clicks, we may infer it is not a priority. Accessibility should be embedded within the application like any other feature to deliver a flawless customer experience.
Easy booking system
The lack of an accessible booking system is a significant barrier for many individuals with disabilities. Include an opportunity to reserve accessible accommodation directly, highlighting the characteristics and who the room will fit, if possible. This will ensure that the guests do not have to contact the hotel each time, saving their and the employees’ precious time.
Map out accessible rooms
Is it true that they are on the ground floor? Is there a lift to the room or not? Since some disabled guests may require more equipment, such as a bigger power chair, attempt to locate accessible rooms in the most convenient places. The ground floor is best, but visitors usually want a view, and providing a variety of alternatives shows compassion.
Design the bedrooms
The bedroom should be entirely open to the outside world. Include grab rails in the bathroom, large-button phones, and even the option of vibrating pillows to alert persons with hearing impairments to any alarms. Consider the height of beds, since some people will need to transfer from their power chair to bed, and the same goes for the fittings. Maintain an appropriate height for everything in the room to ensure that everyone has access to the services.
Touch screens are becoming more common as technology advances. On the other hand, touch displays might be difficult for certain people, so be sure to include features like big buttons and clear instructions.
Accessibility training for employees
When aiding individuals with impairments, your employees must be confident. It’s vital to remember that not every room will be ideal, and guests may have special pillow preferences and requests. As a result, your employee should be able to determine which rooms are the easiest to access.
Conclusion
We specialize in website, and app accessibility audits for the hotel and tourism industries. With years of experience, we can assist your business in building a customized, user-friendly compliance plan. Talk to our accessibility experts to explore how we can help you.