ADVANCING EQUAL ACCESS!

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary

of the Americans with Disabilities Act
July 26, 1990-2015

Twenty-five years ago, through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), our nation committed itself to eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division is proud to play a critical role in enforcing the ADA, working towards a future in which all the doors are open to equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, integration and economic self-sufficiency for persons with disabilities. In honor of the 25th anniversary of the ADA, each month the Department of Justice will spotlight efforts that are opening gateways to full participation and opportunity for people with disabilities.

The tourism industry has been greatly affected by the ADA and, while progress has been slow, it has certainly been made and continues to improve.  Hotels have made huge strides but need to work on better continuity between locations.  Hoteliers need to realize that high fancy beds, while nice to look at, are totally impractical for a wheelchair user and impossible to get into.  I would like to see hotel chains implement Disability Advisory Committees comprised of travelers and travel professionals with disabilities.

Cruise Lines have raised the bar on access and lead the way in making travel accessible.  Hats off to Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and Holland America for being proactive.  Keep up the good work!