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News for the Hospitality Executive |
| Washington,
D.C., November 1, 2011 – The American Hotel & Lodging
Association
(AH&LA) recently filed a letter with the Department of Justice
(DOJ)
seeking clarification regarding accessible swimming pools and spas
under the
2010 ADA Standards, which are set to go into effect on March 15,
2012. AH&LA’s request seeks guidance on the use of pool lifts as an accessible means of entry to swimming pools and spas in both existing and newly-constructed lodging facilities. The lodging industry is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to their goods, services, and accommodations. However, before they invest substantial resources to purchase, install, and maintain pool lifts for their existing and newly-constructed facilities, there are many ambiguous aspects of the requirements that must be resolved. Since many hotels have swimming pools and spas that are unattended, there is a concern that leaving pool lifts unsecured, unsupervised, and ready to use at all times creates a potentially significant safety hazard to guests. Hoteliers need clarification around whether a pool lift must always be positioned in place and ready to use when a facility’s pool is open to guests, or whether a portable lift would be lawful under the ADA. AH&LA’s letter discusses many technical points regarding the implementation of the pool lift requirements and can be viewed on AH&LA’s Website. AH&LA proactively worked with DOJ to shape the long awaited changes to the Accessibility Guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act that were issued in late 2010, hiring counsel and an economist to assist in interpreting the new regulations and ensure that they make sense for all parties. AH&LA has developed several webinars, articles, presentations, and an educational resource guide in order to assist lodging properties with the second round of compliance deadlines set for March 15, 2012. These resources can be viewed on AH&LA’s Website.  Serving
the hospitality industry for a century, the American Hotel &
Lodging
Association (AH&LA) is the sole national association representing
all
sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual
hotel
property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and
industry
suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides
members with
national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image
management, education,
research and information, and other value-added services to provide
bottom-line
savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging
industry.
Partner state associations provide local representation and additional
cost-saving benefits to members. |
| Contact:
Eric
Reller (202) 289-3122 |