As our name suggests, many of our earliest clients at Open Doors Organization (ODO) were restaurants and hotels. We continue to work closely with the Hospitality Industry, providing staff training and marketing advice as well as site inspections for ADA compliance. Our staff have audited hundreds of properties during the creation of our award-winning Easy Access guides. Many of these hotels and restaurants have subsequently become our clients, relying on our expertise as they plan and carry out renovations to improve accessibility.
Americans with disabilities make up a significant part of your customer base, as our research clearly shows. In the 2015 ODO Market Study, more than 50% of respondents ate out at least once a week. Unfortunately, 52% also reported that they encountered barriers in restaurants, most commonly lack of space between tables, steps, difficult entry doors and dining rooms that are too noisy.
In 2015, 53% of adults with disabilities (or 16.3 million people) had stayed in a hotel or motel over a two-year period, typically spending $100 per night. Approximately half (46%) reported barriers of some type most commonly rooms inconveniently located, doors hard to open and inaccessible shower facilities.
In many cases, we find that small physical changes can make a huge difference as can improvements in customer service. Feeling welcome and appreciated means a lot to people with disabilities who often find themselves treated as a problem rather than as a valued guest. Our expert staff, many of whom have disabilities themselves, can help you fine tune both your premises and your customer service skills.
Open Doors Organization (ODO) offers 3 levels of service–Basic, Premium, and World-class–to help you ensure that your website is fully compliant with the reservation regulations and welcoming to ALL guests. Our affordable rates will fit any size budget and our proactive reservation compliance services will allow travelers to book a mobility or hearing accessible guestroom online, thereby minimizing your risk of unwanted legal problems.
As a service to the Hospitality Industry, Open Doors Organization has compiled a list of adaptive aids—from shower benches and step stools…to reachers and eating utensils…to pool lifts and adaptive exercise equipment. All the products listed are available via the Internet. Contact Open Doors Organization to request a copy of this complimentary CD.
Guide for Places of Lodging: Serving Guests Who Are Blind or Who Have Low Vision
ADA Checklist for Hotels and Motels: Ensuring Access to Services and Facilities by Customers Who Are Blind, Deaf-Blind, or Visually Impaired – American Federation of the Blind
Commonly Asked Questions about Service Animals in Places of Business
ADA Business Brief: Service Animals
Hospitality & Disability – An ADA National Network Initiative
ADA Training Materials for Hotels and Restaurants
At Your Service – Free, 20-minute customer service video
Common ADA Problems at Newly Constructed Lodging Facilities
Five Steps to Make New Lodging Facilities Comply with the ADA
ADA Checklist for New Lodging Facilities
Checklist for Existing Facilities – Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal
All Access Spa-ing – Article by Laurel Van Horn, Research Director, ODO on accommodating and reaching out to spa guests with disabilities
Food Service: Accommodating Diners with Disabilities
National Restaurant Association ADA Toolkit
See also Business Resources
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