14 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com The hospitality industry thrives on its ability to welcome guests with open arms, creating memorable experiences for all. But for hotels to truly embody inclusivity, efforts must also focus on opening doors for employees with disabilities. Inclusive hiring practices and a commitment to accessibility can create meaningful changes that benefit both staff and guests. As Jerri Davison, Director of the Pacific ADA Center, explained, “There’s no better way for your staff to understand disabilities than to work alongside people with lived experience.” Shaping Guest & Employee Experiences Accessibility within the hospitality industry extends beyond physical features such as ramps or pool lifts. Davison highlighted the importance of small yet impactful changes like providing unscented soap options or ensuring doors are easy to open. Hotels that prioritize accessibility not only enhance the guest experience but also unlock significant revenue opportunities. “One in four individuals in the U.S. has a disability, according to the CDC,” Davison called out. “That’s a lot of buying power in one community.” By taking ADA compliance seriously, hotels position themselves as preferred venues for conferences and events, as well as for guests booking a one-night stay. OPENING DOORS IN HOSPITALITY STAY INFORMED ON ADA COMPLIANCE Hospitality professionals can stay up-to-date on ADA developments by subscribing to the Pacific ADA Center’s newsletter at www.adapacific.org. Additional resources, including the latest DOJ cases, are available at https://www.justice.gov/crt/disability-rights-cases. Investments in inclusive infrastructure not only improve the guest experience but also create a more supportive and accessible workplace for employees with disabilities. Embracing Inclusive Hiring & Training for Inclusion Employing individuals with disabilities enriches hotel teams. It brings diverse perspectives that help hotels better serve ACCESSIBILITY
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