Welcome Shellbell, I look at it this way. Equal Rights was passed in the early 60's and everything is equal today... right. Women's Equal Rights was passed in the 80's and today all women enjoy the benefits of equality... right. ADA was passed into law in 1991 and went into effect in July of 1992, so everything should be accessible.... right. I don't think so. But between you and I... its been better now then ever before. Is there room for improvements? Yes as accessibility continues to improve. Newer Hotels and Motels have improved greatly and generally speaking most people who handle reservations have never used an ADA room. This hospitality industry doesn't subscribe to ADA, but rather the ADAAG construction guidelines. When someone mentions an ADA room, what does that mean to someone who is blind or non-verbal, deaf or a dwarf. What does it mean to someone in a outdoor type Permobil electric chair vs someone in a manual Quickie chair. Maybe you could have a friend or family member check out a few accommodations before you arrive and measure the rooms before you confirm and then report back to you. Sometimes, trying to be totally independent means that you need to do your homework as well. As we travel, we always receive faxed confirmations from the manager acknowledging that our rooms meet the minimum requirement of ADAAG. When we arrive and they don't we offer them an option. Give us the Presidential Suite for the same price or pay for our hospital stay.... either way. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and remember the reason. Best Wishes In a message dated 11/16/2010 1:18:11 P.M. Central Standard Time, shellbell5...@aim.com writes:
I was planning to return home for Thanksgiving but am running into roadblocks when questioning hotels about their "assessable bathrooms" and claiming to be Handicapped accessible. Consistently I am told there is not enough room to pull a wheelchair beside the toilet. "We meet state requirements for handicapped accessible" Which means there is a bar on the wall period, thats it~ . That;s BS. Has anyone experienced this and why has this not been brought to the attention of anyone? I am a very patient and so very grateful for all that I have. I was told "you will never, bla bla, bla." Today I am completely independent and 4 years post I am still healing! This am I was able to hang a shirt up in my closet with only my left hand (that I was told I would never be able to use). Today it takes so little for me to have a good day! Anyway, who do I write to? I live in PA. start with gov officials? Thanks guys~ Oh Thursday I am getting fitted for a Gate Trainer anyone have one? I am off to PT but will check email later! Shelly C6 - C7 Incomplete Quad
