www.calodging.com Winter 2025 15 ACCESSIBILITY guests with similar needs while boosting employee morale in workplaces that value diversity and inclusion. Inclusive hiring practices can also lead to tangible benefits, such as higher retention rates and access to federal tax incentives. To attract qualified candidates, Davison advises hoteliers to review job descriptions carefully, removing unnecessary barriers like typing requirements or mandatory driver’s licenses when possible. She also recommends highlighting accommodations and benefits in job postings to demonstrate openness to diverse applicants. Practical strategies, such as sharing job postings with local vocational rehabilitation offices or American Job Centers, can further attract qualified candidates from diverse talent pools. Creating an inclusive environment begins with proper training. “It’s really important to provide training for all of the hotel staff, not just managers and supervisors,” Davison emphasized. Engaging disability-led organizations for training sessions can provide valuable insights into legal responsibilities, best practices, and the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities. Free resources, such as webinars and technical assistance from regional ADA centers, are readily available to help hotels stay informed and equipped. In California, the Pacific ADA Center offers confidential advice and training tailored to the hospitality industry. By embracing inclusive hiring practices and investing in ongoing training for staff, hotels create an environment where inclusion becomes a core value. This commitment not only fosters a more engaged and supportive workforce but also leads to better outcomes for both employees and guests, ensuring the entire team thrives together. Navigating 2025 Hoteliers aiming to create inclusive environments can tap into resources like the ADA National Network or the Pacific ADA Center’s newsletter for updates on ADA compliance and best practices. By embracing inclusive hiring and enhancing accessibility, hotels can lead the way in creating a hospitality culture where everyone—guests and employees alike—is welcome. TIPS FOR IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCE DIGITAL PLATFORMS: Accessible websites and booking platforms are essential in today’s digital-first world. Simple improvements— like adding alt text to images, ensuring good color contrast, and using keyboard-navigable pages—can make a big difference. Davison suggests hiring professionals to conduct accessibility audits and involving testers with disabilities to identify barriers. ADDRESS ACCESSIBILITY PROACTIVELY: “It’s a good idea to get ahead of a customer finding accessibility problems,” Davison said. Hotels can hire California Certified Access Specialists (CASp) to review properties and provide detailed reports of areas for improvement. This proactive approach helps management ensure guests with disabilities can fully participate in all the hotel has to offer. KEEP UP WITH DEVELOPMENTS: Recent trends highlight the growing influence of social media influencers with disabilities, whose reviews can shape public perceptions of hotels. Davison also notes a common issue with accessible room bookings: failing to hold these rooms for guests who need them. “This problem seems like a fairly easy no-cost fix for hotels that has a big impact on the customer experience,” she said.
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