According to U.S. Census Bureau figures, more than 50 million Americans are living with a disability. Collectively, they are also believed to spend more than $13 billion annually in travel. However, despite those statistics and ADA standards, there are still travel industry members that allegedly do not take the steps necessary to make their facilities accessible. For proof, one only has to take a look at headlines from May 24, 2013. On that day, it was announced that one of America’s most well recognized hotel chains is now the subject of a potential class action lawsuit. The bone of contention is the hotels’ alleged lack of pool accessibility.
In 2010, hotels became required by law to make their swimming pools accessible to all hotel guests. The ADA’s hotel pool accessibility guidelines were then clarified further in early 2012. At that time, hoteliers were given until January 31, 2013 to make their properties compliant or provide an actionable plan to achieve compliance. The impending litigation filings claim that G6 Hospitality Property, LLC failed to do either. The company currently owns and operates slightly over 1,000 lodging properties.
In order to be compliant, a lodging property’s swimming pools and spas must feature unfettered entry and egress. The accessibility standards that define what constitutes a barrier free pool or spa vary based on the age of the amenity itself. Adaptive equipment and structures mentioned in the revised standards include, but are not confined to the following:
- Transfer systems with platforms, decks and stairs
- Stairs with uniform risers, tread and handrails
- Transfer walls with grab bars
- Gradient entry ways
- Portable pool lifts
- Fixed pool lifts
Travelers with a disability who encounter a hotel swimming pool they believe is not in compliance with ADA standards should contact Access Advocates immediately. We provide complimentary assistance to travelers with a disability who encounter non-compliant, public pools, hotels, restaurants and more. For more information about our organization and its services, visit the Access Advocates website.