The time is now to make a reservation.
With Mr. Access, Miss Inclusion, and Mrs. Diversity.
Hello, we need to make a reservation…
It’s really crowded and noisy here. “Can we please get a table in the corner where it is quieter, not in the dark, but where there is some light? It would be helpful since I depend on lip reading.”
“Do you have braille menus?” “Unfortunately, your website isn’t accessible, I can’t see what I’m going to order ahead of time.”
“Do you deliver? I heard that there is no handicapped parking on the streets where you are.”
“Can you lower your mask so we can read your lips? We are both deaf.” The waiter replies “That it is cool.”
Really?
These are just a few examples of real-life requests and situations that many people find themselves in on a daily basis.
One of the most basic goals of any hotel or restaurant is to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for every guest.
Unfortunately, many guests who need accommodations find restaurant accessibility lacking: menu selection, acoustical issues, staff’s lack of awareness of diversity, digital accessibility, counter service access, handicapped parking, restroom accessibility…the list goes on…
This brings unnecessary frustration or embarrassment to the experience of
disabled customers, their companions, and friends.
Oh, by the way, they have $13 trillion in purchasing power. Loyalty matters, like access matters.
It’s time to start having conversations and building awareness + empathy around these struggles.
Everyone deserves a seat at the table. Accessibility is Hospitality.