Since the inception of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, hotels and other lodging facilities have been required to provide accommodations for travelers with disabilities. However, not all hotels provide equal accommodations, so it's important to find the right hotel for your specific needs.
Below, you'll find tips to help in your search for hotels. These tips have been aggregated from various websites, blogs, and interviews.
In addition to being much cheaper, booking your hotel as far in advance as possible increases the likelihood of being placed in a more accessible room.
Booking hotels closer to the center of a city is optimal because the location will most likely be close to public transportation and other convenient services.
Here are some good things to ask about: the size of their elevator, ramp access, designated handicap parking, grab bars in bathroom, roll-in showers, closet size/space, and automatic door opening.
Make sure to keep notes of the names you spoke with, times, topics, confirmation numbers, and all types of agreements. These notes will be extremely important for when you arrive.
Since you are most likely scheduling your hotel months in advance, it's important to reconfirm that they still have the accessible room available for you. Hotels may make mistakes and it's definitely okay to call for confirmation.
First, make sure to remain calm and collected. Don't let the problems get in the way of your vacation or trip. After all, you're supposed to enjoy your time!
For example, the hotel you booked may not have an accessible room available when you arrive. In this case, they are required to find you a room in their hotel that fits your accessibility needs. If they are unable to do so, they must call another hotel that can effectively accommodate your needs.
