AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin hotel must now provide proper Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations after allegedly violating part of the civil rights law.
According to a report from the U.S. Department of Justice, a woman staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Austin University Capitol District on West Seventh Street claimed she did not receive ADA accommodations after making a specific reservation request.
The woman said the bathroom in her room did not have grab bars and there was no shower accessibility, so she submitted a complaint to the DOJ.
Following the complaint, the Western District of Texas U.S. Attorney's Office launched an official investigation to determine whether the hotel was in violation of Title III of the ADA, "relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability by public accommodations and in commercial facilities."
The DOJ reached a letter agreement with the hotel to resolve the alleged violations. The agreement requires the Hilton to provide proper staff training and fair accommodations for all visitors.
"For people with disabilities, travel can be stressful due to concerns that they won’t have basic accommodations, such as a place to sleep at night or access to appropriate hygiene facilities," U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza said. "People with disabilities should not be denied these necessities in lodging. The ADA ensures that all people traveling with disabilities who are traveling can find hotels that will provide equal access to their rooms and facilities."
The ADA was first passed in 1990 to deter disability-based discrimination. For those who believe they are experiencing a violation of their rights, the ADA website provides a three-step process for making a report.
Complaints can be completed by filling out an online form that is then reviewed by a team of professionals. From there, the team might begin an investigation, depending on the severity of the violation.
According to the U.S. Civil Rights Department, "a physical or online location that does not provide accommodations" is considered disability discrimination in a commercial or public spot.
The DOJ said the claims resolved by the settlement with the Hilton hotel are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
