September October 2017

www.calodging.com September/October 2017 15 NOMINATION DEADLINE October 13, 2017 Submit your nominations at www.caldoging.com . STARS OF THE INDUSTRY AWARDS LUNCHEON December 1, 2017 The Westin Verasa Napa, Napa, CA reserving the room if a tub seat is required and have it placed in the room ahead of time. Mobility feature guest rooms with only one phone should not place the phone on the nightstand between two beds. Unless that night stand has knee/toe clearance below, more than likely that phone will not be within reach range. It might be preferable to have two phones, one on the night stand to be reachable while in bed and another placed elsewhere in the room. For communication feature rooms, one of the requirements is for a visual doorbell device—audible is not a required. I have seen these connected to strobes and loud alarms which is confusing—if someone can not see, how do they differentiate between the sound of an alarm vs someone at the door. And if a person is deaf, how do they differentiate between a flashing strobe which signifies fire vs someone at the door. So even though these elements may not be tied into the alarm system itself, if it sounds/looks like an alarm, this could create a problem and a source of confusion. So while many of the above items are not explicitly regulated, a certain amount of thought should be given on how to provide for better access and the comfort of all of your guests. Mobility and communication feature rooms can be used by everyone and including a couple where one has a disability and the other is able-bodied. Providing for both and having options is the best way to go.  Be aware that your local City or County may have additional requirements that are more restrictive and providing greater access than the State or Federal requirements. Also, this article is an interpretation and opinion of the writer. It is meant as a summary—current original regulations should always be reviewed when making any decisions. © 2017 Janis Kent, Architect, FAIA, CASp