Summer travel should feel exciting and not overwhelming! However, for travelers with disabilities, navigating travel can become quite stressful when accessibility is not prioritized. Whether you are flying across the country or road tripping to the beach, knowing your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as other related laws can help make all the difference.
Before you pack for your summer getaway, take a moment to review this helpful information:
Air Travel
While the ADA does not specifically cover air travel, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) does. This law prohibits discrimination in air transportation by domestic and foreign air carriers against qualified individuals with physical or mental impairments. The ACAA applies only to air carriers that provide regularly scheduled services for hire to the public.
Requirements address a wide range of issues including:
- Assistance boarding, deplaning, and during layovers or connections.
- Accessible lavatories (on larger aircraft).
- Accommodation for mobility devices.
What to do if you have a problem?
Should you encounter a disability-related issue related to an airline accommodation or service, you have the right to speak to the airline’s Complaint Resolution Official (CRO)or supervisor. A CRO handles complaints on behalf of the airline. Every airline must have a CRO available by telephone or in person during operating hours. Visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s webpage to learn more.
Tip: Always call your airline 48 hours or more in advance to request services like aisle chairs or specific seating needs. Refer to your airline’s website for more specific information.
To learn more about the ACAA, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s webpage on the ACAA.
Road Trips
Hitting the road this summer? Whether you travel using public, private, or personal transportation, here’s what you need to know about your ADA rights on the road.
Your ADA Rights on the Road
The good news is that the ADA applies to public accommodations, transportation, and access to services. And while the ADA does not specifically regulate private personal vehicles, it does apply to businesses and services that travelers may use along the way.
Regardless of how you travel, both public and private organizations must meet ADA requirements. The following is a brief overview of requirements for both public and private ground transportation services:
- Public and private organizations must meet ADA requirements.
- Rider information must provide adequate information on services in accessible formats for people with disabilities.
- Equipment and facilities, including lifts, ramps, securement devices, and signage must be in good operating condition. If it is not, it should be repaired promptly.
- Adequate time to board should be provided for people with disabilities to board and exit from vehicles.
- Service animals must be allowed to accompany people with disabilities.
To learn more, visit The ADA & Accessible Ground Transportation | ADA National Network
Accessible Gas Stations and Rest Stops
Long road trips call for refueling at gas stations and taking breaks at rest stops. Under the ADA, businesses open to the public, including gas stations, convenience stores and rest stops, must provide accessible parking, entrances, restrooms and services.
For example, at a gas station there must be at least one accessible parking space near the entrance. Additionally, the store must allow wheelchair users to enter and navigate the aisles, and their restrooms must be accessible.
Lodging
Lodging, including hotels, motels, or inns that serve the public, falls under Title III of the ADA and must provide accessibility for people with disabilities. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued revised ADA regulations under Title III, which covers many types of private businesses, or “places of public accommodation.” Many of these revisions apply to places of lodging, such as new requirements for reservation systems, and revised standards for facility access.
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design include revised minimum requirements for newly constructed or altered facilities so that they are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. Minimum requirements include:
- Accessible guest rooms with mobility and communication features distributed among various categories or classes of guest rooms in the facility.
- Amenities such as pools and spas, exercise facilities, and play areas for children must be accessible and useable by people with disabilities.
- Places of lodging must identify and describe the accessible features of the property and the accessible guest rooms in enough detail to enable an individual to decide if the facility will meet their needs.
To learn more, refer to the ADA National Network’s webpage on Accessible Lodging.
Conclusion
No matter where your summer plans take you, whether they be hitting the open road or traveling by air to enjoy local events and outdoor fun, know that your rights under the ADA are always with you.
Summer is for everyone, and a little planning and researching can go a long way in making adventures more accessible and enjoyable. Here’s to safe travels and sunny memories!