The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) has launched a second part to its popular informational campaign testing hoteliers' knowledge on what they need to know – and do – to be compliant with the revised 1991 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for commercial facilities, also referred to as ADA Title III regulations.

The first Test your Knowledge campaign helped members understand how their properties are required to provide guests with disabilities equal access to their facilities, goods, and services according to a new set of requirements relating to hotel facilities and operations. Answers provided assist members in learning what needs to be done before the March 15, 2012, deadline.

The second part of the Test Your Knowledge campaign focuses on the changes hoteliers should be aware in regard to their employees and features five questions:

  1. If your banquet server breaks his/her leg, how do you have to provide "reasonable accommodation?
  2. What is used to determine an "essential function" of a particular job?
  3. Is pregnancy considered an impairment?
  4. Does a perceived disability (whether actual or just assumed) receive the same treatment as an actual disability?
  5. What is the best way to find out more information about the regulations?

Answers and explanations can be found at http://www.ahla.com/knowledge/, with additional guidelines to assist with implementation available for AH&LA members. AH&LA recommends that careful attention is paid to these mandates, as fines and/or penalties could be issued for noncompliance. Experts at AH&LA are available to assist members with individual questions, but members are also advised to seek the assistance of a legal specialist.

The ADA change is the first in a series of Test Your Knowledge campaigns to be released throughout the year. Each campaign will reflect on a timely issue and pose key questions to hotel owners and operators, with the answers, as well as the information and resources needed to stay ahead of the curve available online.

About the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.

Rosanna Maietta
AH&LA