Is This Really an Accessible Room?

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Candy B. Harrington

A low-step shower in a standard — not accessible — hotel room

Thanks to modern technology it’s now possible to share your travel photos with friends and family with just a few swipes and a tap or two. And I absolutely love seeing those smiling faces enjoying cruises, beaches and luxury resorts. But lately I’ve also been seeing another kind of travel post – it usually features a photo of an obviously inaccessible room, with the caption “Really? This is an accessible room?”

And the truth is, well, maybe it isn’t. Continue reading →

E-Scooter Companies Called to Task for Alleged ADA Violation

Posted on February 10, 2019 by Candy B. Harrington

Bird Scooters

E-scooters are all the rage these day. These compact electric scooters are popping up all over it seems; and startup companies like Bird, Lime and Razor now offer affordable rentals through shared ride smart phone apps. It sounds like a win-win proposition, doesn’t it?

Well, not exactly. Continue reading →

ADA Super Bowl Tickets

Posted on January 15, 2019 by Candy B. Harrington

Every year around this time I’m inundated with questions about how to get ADA tickets to the Super Bowl. To be honest, it’s basically the luck of the draw; and to understand this, you have to understand how Super Bowl tickets are allocated. Continue reading →

No Accessible Room at the Inn? Tell the DOJ!

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Candy B. Harrington

I’ve been getting a fair share of mail from travelers who booked an accessible room at a US hotel, but then arrived to find that the room had been given to another guest. Basically the all ask me “How can we get hotels to actually save the accessible rooms for people who need them?” Continue reading →

National Corvette Museum Clearly Defines “Service Animal” — Let’s Hope Other Businesses Follow Suit!

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Candy B. Harrington

It’s no secret that we’re seeing an increase in service animals and emotional support animals here in the US. There are many reasons for this, but the “card mills” which sell service animal certifications, leashes and vests on the internet have definitely helped increase the number of pets that now “claim” service animal status. And for what it’s worth – save your money, as no certifications are required in the US; in fact it’s illegal to ask for them. Continue reading →

Remembering Fallen Friends on this ADA Anniversary

Posted on July 26, 2018 by Candy B. Harrington

Betsy Volk and Trooper

Today marks 28 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. And although some folks lament that we still have access problems, I prefer to look at how far we have come on this day. Although accessible travel certainly wasn’t a priority back in the beginning, it has gained momentum over the years. And that’s not just because we don’t institutionalize folks who are disabled any more — it’s also because some hearty souls paved the way “back in the day.” And because they were my friends, I’d like to give credit where credit is due on this ADA anniversary. Continue reading →

Airline Organization Urges DOT to Redefine “Service Animal”

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Candy B. Harrington

Airlines for America (AIA) — an airline industry group — recently announced that it had submitted a 222-page document to the Department of Transportation (DOT), in response to a call for input on possible revisions to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). The group’s response included the suggestion that the DOT narrow the definition of “service animal” to “trained dogs that perform a task or work for an individual with a disability.” The document also included the recommendation that airlines should not be required to allow emotional support animals (ESOs) on board. Continue reading →

ADA Lawsuit Filed Against Atlanta

Posted on June 16, 2018 by Candy B. Harrington

The accessibility of Atlanta’s sidewalks have been brought to task in a recent lawsuit filed in Federal Court. Among other things the lawsuit holds that obstructions include, “uneven sidewalks, sidewalks obstructed by trees or utility poles, sidewalks obstructed by ongoing construction, intersections with missing curb ramps, curb ramps that are broken or otherwise unusable, and other impediments”. Continue reading →

DOJ Tables Bed Height Rules

Posted on February 11, 2018 by Candy B. Harrington

Have you ever checked into a hotel only to find that the bed in the accessible room was too high or too low for you? Well you’re not alone. Trust me, I get a lot of mail about this issue. It’s a real problem for managers and guests alike, as there are no regulations regarding bed height. Continue reading →

Should We Celebrate the ADA Anniversary?

Posted on July 25, 2017 by Candy B. Harrington

Recently I’ve seen a lot of posts and comments from younger people who think we shouldn’t celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), quite simply because it does not go far enough. They claim that without any real enforcement, public entities are not held to the standards laid out by the US Access Board. Continue reading →

Barrier Free Travels

Travel Information For Wheelchair Users, Slow Walkers, and Baby Boomers

Tag Archives: ADA