Key Takeaways
- Despite 35 years of federal law requiring hotels to be made accessible for guests who use wheelchairs, many wheelchair users still face significant barriers when traveling.
- Common problems include inaccessible rooms, design flaws, and lack of training among hotel staff, leading to feelings of frustration and exclusion.
- The hotel industry has made efforts to improve accessibility, but the pace of change is slow, and many hotels still fail to meet basic requirements.
- Wheelchair users often have to bring extra equipment or rely on others for assistance, and many have given up on traveling due to the difficulties they face.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires hotels to be accessible, but enforcement is inconsistent, and many hotels are unaware of or ignore their obligations.
Introduction to the Problem
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990, requiring hotels and other public places to be made accessible to people with disabilities. Despite this, many wheelchair users still face significant barriers when traveling. Eileen Schoch, a retired educator from Schenectady, N.Y., experienced this firsthand when she traveled to her mother’s funeral in Asheville, N.C. The hotel room she had reserved was not accessible, and she was forced to rely on her husband and daughter for assistance. This experience is not unique, and many wheelchair users have similar stories of frustration and exclusion.
Common Problems Faced by Wheelchair Users
NPR interviewed 50 wheelchair users and received responses from over 200 people who use wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices. The most common complaints included inaccessible rooms, design flaws, and lack of training among hotel staff. Many wheelchair users reported showing up at a hotel to find that the accessible room they had reserved was not available or had significant barriers. Others complained of unsafe beds, lack of grab bars, and inaccessible showers. The problems are not limited to the hotel room itself but also extend to other areas of the hotel, such as the parking lot, front desk, and pool.
Causes of the Problem
There are several reasons why wheelchair users continue to face barriers at hotels. One major issue is the lack of consistent and forceful regulation by government agencies. The ADA requires hotels to be accessible, but enforcement is inconsistent, and many hotels are unaware of or ignore their obligations. Another problem is the complicated ownership structure of many hotels, which can make it difficult to determine who is responsible for ensuring accessibility. The high turnover rate of hotel staff also contributes to the problem, as new employees may not receive adequate training on accessibility issues.
Efforts to Improve Accessibility
Despite the challenges, there are efforts underway to improve accessibility at hotels. The hotel industry has made a commitment to provide significant training to ensure that staff understand the needs of disabled guests. Some hotels have also started to add photos and videos of accessible rooms to their websites, making it easier for wheelchair users to determine if a room meets their needs. Consultants who advise hotels on accessibility issues report that many of their clients are taking steps to improve their facilities and provide a better experience for disabled travelers.
The Impact on Wheelchair Users
The difficulties faced by wheelchair users when traveling can be significant. Many have given up on traveling due to the frustration and exclusion they experience. Others have developed their own hacks to make hotels work for them, such as bringing extra equipment or relying on others for assistance. The emotional toll of these experiences should not be underestimated, as wheelchair users often feel like second-class citizens. As one respondent noted, "It’s really in some ways ruined my retirement years."
Alternatives to Hotels
Some wheelchair users have turned to alternative forms of accommodation, such as home-sharing sites like Airbnb. However, these options are often unregulated and can be just as inaccessible as hotels. In fact, many respondents reported negative experiences with home-sharing sites, including finding that listed accessibility features were not available or that the property was not wheelchair accessible. As a result, many wheelchair users are calling for greater regulation and oversight of these alternative accommodation options.
Conclusion
The difficulties faced by wheelchair users when traveling are significant and ongoing. Despite the ADA and other laws requiring accessibility, many hotels still fail to meet basic requirements. The hotel industry has made efforts to improve, but the pace of change is slow. Wheelchair users continue to face significant barriers, and many have given up on traveling as a result. It is essential that the hotel industry, government agencies, and wheelchair users work together to improve accessibility and provide a better experience for disabled travelers. Only through concerted effort and a commitment to accessibility can we ensure that all travelers, regardless of abilities, can enjoy equal access to accommodations and participate fully in the travel experience.
