NEWH - Fall 2024 - 10

EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND DIVERSITY
The Road to Universal Design: Challenges and
Solutions for Hotel Spaces
By Leonardo Luciano, NEWH, Inc. Director of EID
Photography by PWP Studio
In today's rapidly evolving hospitality industry, the conversation around
universal design and accessibility is more critical than ever. At HD Expo +
Conference, Valerie Coleman and I had the privilege of moderating a panel
discussion titled The Road to Universal Design: Challenges and Solutions
for Hotel Spaces. The esteemed panelists included a newly inducted
member of the NEWH, Inc. College of Fellows, Anita Degen; and Luke Spink,
a passionate advocate for improving accessibility in hospitality.
Together, we examined the intricacies of designing hotel spaces that
are not only compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but
truly inclusive and equitable for all guests. A central theme was the need to
move beyond mere compliance with ADA standards. While the standards
provide a crucial baseline, the reality is that they often fall short in
addressing the diverse needs of both the disabled and aging communities.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
approximately 26 percent of adults in the United States live with some form
of disability. This translates to over 61 million people, a significant portion
of the population that requires thoughtful and comprehensive design
considerations in both public and private spaces, including hotels.
bathrooms had grab bars and accessible showers but were cramped and
difficult to navigate for wheelchair users. Public areas often lacked clear
signage and adequate seating options for individuals with limited mobility.
These shortcomings highlight the importance of paying attention to the
details and going above and beyond the minimum requirements.
The solution is universal design, which aims to create environments
that are usable by all people to the greatest extent possible without the
need for adaptation or specialized design. This approach benefits not only
individuals with disabilities and older adults but also families with young
children, travelers with temporary injuries, and anyone who may encounter
physical barriers in their daily lives.
Several strategies can help to achieve true universal design in hotel
spaces:
Flexible Room Configurations: Offering rooms that can be easily
adapted to meet the needs of different guests, such as those with mobility
challenges or sensory sensitivities. This could include adjustable beds,
movable furniture, removable bars/hardware and customizable lighting
and sound settings.
Thoughtful Public Spaces: Designing common areas
with ample seating, clear signage, and wide pathways to
accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
Incorporating features like tactile surfaces and audible signals
can enhance accessibility for individuals with visual or hearing
impairments.
Staff Training and Awareness: Ensuring that hotel staff
are trained to understand and accommodate the needs of
guests with disabilities and other challenges. This includes
providing excellent customer service, offering assistance
when needed, and being knowledgeable about accessible
features and services available in the hotel.
Guest Feedback and Continuous Improvement:
Seated left to right: Luke Spink (Panaz); Valerie Coleman (NEWH Inc. VP of EID);
Anita Degen (Degen & Degen Associates)
In addition to the accessible community, the aging population is also
growing rapidly. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2034 there will
be more adults over the age of 65 than children under 18 for the first time
in the nation's history. Many older adults face mobility challenges, vision
and hearing impairments, along with many other age-related conditions
that necessitate accessible environments. The intersection of these two
communities creates a pressing need for hotel spaces that cater to a wide
range of abilities and preferences.
During the panel, we reviewed a series of images depicting ADAcompliant
hotel rooms and public spaces that, despite meeting regulatory
standards, failed to provide an inclusive experience. For instance, many
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Actively seeking feedback from guests with disabilities
and other challenges to identify areas for improvement and
make necessary changes. Regularly updating facilities and
incorporating new technologies can help maintain a high
standard of accessibility and inclusivity.
The road to universal design in hotel spaces is a journey
that requires commitment, creativity, and collaboration. By going beyond
ADA standards and embracing a holistic approach to accessibility, we can
create environments that welcome and accommodate all guests regardless
of their abilities.
❙❘❚
Visit NEWH Inc.'s EID page, where you can find a list of articles-accessible at
newh.org/read.
http://www.newh.org/read http://www.newh.org
NEWH - Fall 2024

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