Accessible accommodation for people with disabilties
If you are a disabled traveler, sometimes booking accommodation can provide a huge array of challenges. However, you have rights that every hotel, motel and B&B are obligated to respect. Here are a list of questions it's a good idea to ask before you go ahead and book:
1) Is an accessible room available?
Many people have seen facilities state on their website that they offer accessible rooms, only to turn up and find out that their wheelchair won't even fit through the door. Ask for the exact specifications of the room(s) offered, and get it all in writing. Some things that the average accessible room should offer:
- Wall switches and power outlets that can be reached from a wheelchair
- Wet room with grab rails
- Space on both sides of the bed
- Easy-to-open doors and cupboards
- Wide doors throughout
2) Is the building itself accessible?
Ask if the hotel/motel has disabled parking spaces suitable for wheelchairs, and if so how close to the building they are. Inside the public space, there are other things to be taken into consideration. Does the reception area have an induction loop for those who use a hearing aid? Is the fire safety policy available in Braille? Does the desk have a lowered section for those in wheelchairs? Again, ask as many questions as possible, especially about what to do in case of an emergency.
3) What about restaurants?
Many hotels and motels will have a restaurant attached, but restaurants can be very hard to navigate for people with disabilities due to the amount of tables, chairs and people around. Ask the owner what your options are - and if their main option is 'tuck you away in a distant corner away from all other guests' find another restaurant. If you're on a special diet, ask if the restaurant will accommodate this. If you need a menu in Braille, ask for that too!
4) How are the toilet facilities?
Never be afraid to ask about the toilets. Public places have to have disabled toilets alongside the ladies' and gents' - but often they're closed for no reason, are being used to store chairs in, or have been made inaccessible by things being placed in front of it. Yet if you are disabled, you have a right to access it - make your rights known.
5) Can I bring my guide dog?
Guide dogs are permitted by law to enter motels, restaurants, or any other public place. It's also illegal to charge people extra for bringing a guide dog to their accommodation with them - last year a Southern Highlands motel got into trouble for doing precisely this. Your guide dog has as much right to be there as you do!
Ask the right questions and know what the laws pertaining to you are, and you should be on the way to a great holiday. Have more questions? Contact a company like Motel Travelway to learn more.
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