Department of Justice FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1996 (202) 616-265 TDD (202) 514-1888 JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SUES DAYS INN CHAIN FOR BUILDING INACCESSIBLE HOTELS WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Justice Department today sued the Days Inn of America hotel chain, claiming that at least five of its hotels were not built to provide access for guests with disabilities. All of the hotels surveyed failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The suits are the first to be filed by the Justice Department under the ADA challenging the construction and design of a building built after the law went into effect. The five suits allege that each of the hotels -- in Evansville, Indiana; Wall, South Dakota; Hazard, Kentucky; Champaign, Illinois; and Willows, California -- was constructed after Congress enacted the ADA, which requires builders to comply with specific architectural guidelines ensuring that persons with disabilities can gain access to the facility. "Travelers with disabilities should be as welcome at our nation's hotels as anyone else," said Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Deval L. Patrick. "It is much easier to make a (MORE) 01-01387 - 2 - hotel accessible from the start than to go back and fix it later." Today's actions stem from an 18-month Justice Department investigation of 28 newly-built Days Inn hotels in 17 states. The investigation revealed that all 28 failed to comply with the ADA. The 23 other hotels have engaged in negotiations with the Justice Department. But in the five cases filed today, the owners have refused repeated attempts by the Justice Department to resolve the matters out of court. The Justice Department had also attempted unsuccessfully to reach an agreement with Days Inns of America, Inc. and its parent company, Hospitality Franchise Systems, Inc. (HFS), both of Parsippany, New Jersey, to remedy the violations nationwide. While Days Inn hotels are not identical, the Justice Department investigation exposed similar problems throughout the chain. The investigation, among other things, revealed that: * some hotels lack sufficient visual alarms to alert those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to smoke, fire or other emergencies; * the deadbolts and security latches, switches for lamps, heating and air conditioner controls require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting, which is difficult or impossible for individuals with limited manual dexterity; * many ramps for wheelchair users are either too steep, have no handrails, or hazardously slope sideways; * bathrooms in the so-called accessible rooms lack adequate clear floor space to maneuver around the toilet or bathtub; (MORE) 01-01388 - 3 - * individuals who are blind have difficulty finding their rooms because the hotels lacked proper signs with raised or Braille characters; * clothes rods and shelves are mounted too high to be reached by an individual using a wheelchair, while lamps and levers to maneuver drapes are blocked by furniture; * parking is inaccessible or there is no clear route from the parking lot to the hotel entrance. "Not only do these violations impede access, in many cases it is unsafe for guests with disabilities to stay at these hotels," Patrick added. "We just cannot not ignore such a blatant disregard for the law." The ADA, passed in July 1990, prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. Title III of the Act requires that those building and designing public accommodations, including hotels and motels, built after January 1993, comply with certain architectural guidelines known as the ADA's Standards for Accessible Design. "These hotels were built well after the law was passed," added Patrick. Each of the suits seeks a court order requiring Days Inn America (DIA), its parent HFS, as well as the individual owner, architect, and general contractor of the building to correct each violation and pay a civil penalty of up to $50,000 for the first offense. The Justice Department included DIA and HFS in the suit because they participated in designing and constructing each hotel. The company's involvement included preparing standard (MORE) 01-01389 - 4 - plans for new hotels; in many cases reviewing and approving hotel plans prior to construction; and inspecting and approving completed facilities. "They all shared responsibility for the problem. They should all share in remedying it," added Patrick. The Justice Department has engaged in an extensive nation- wide education campaign to inform Americans about their rights and obligations under the law. Since the ADA went into effect, the Department has reached out to builders, architects, and hotel and motel operators to make certain they know about the law. As part of its public education campaign, the Justice Department has created a public service announcement advertising a toll-free ADA hotline. The ADA hotline number is 1-800-514-0301 or (TDD) 1-800-514-0303. # # # 96-037 01-01390 NEW CONSTRUCTION AND THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) "Title III and how it applies to new construction" Title III of the ADA requires that any public accommodation must be designed and constructed so that it is accessible to individuals with disabilities. A public accommodation is a facility that provides some type of service to the public - such as a restaurant, a zoo, a private school, a hospital, a bank, or in today's case, a hotel. "The Standards for Accessible Design" Under the ADA, the Justice Department enforces the regulations for architectural for new construction, known as the Standards for Accessible Design. The Standards set forth requirements for things such as parking, walkways, entrances, lobbies, common use areas, restrooms, elevators, and guest rooms for all facilities which house a public accommodation. They include specifications for particular elements of a building, such as the numbers of parking spaces, the slope of a ramp, the width of a door, the size of a restroom, or theplacement of a public telephone. The ADA was passed in July, 1990. Buildings constructed after January 23, 1993 must comply with the Standards. "Who's responsible for compliance" Any entity that has significant involvement in or control over the design and construction of a new facility is responsible for ensuring that the building complies with the law. In the case of the Days Inn of America, a variety of individuals or groups participated in the construction of the hotels including the architects, contractors, owners and the company. State certification The Justice Department has encouraged states and cities to submit their building codes for certification. When state and local codes are consistent with the ADA, its easier for builders, architects, and owners to ensure their building is accessible under the ADA as well. Washington was the first state to receive certification by the Justice Department. Seven other states are awaiting certification. "Where to go for more information" Comprehensive technical assistance on the design requirements of the law is available by calling the toll free ADA information line -- 1-800-514-0301 or 1-800-514-0383 (TDD). Individuals may also visit their local library and consult an ADA information file. 01-01391 FACT SHEET AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT WALL, SOUTH DAKOTA DAYS INN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ALLEGED THE FOLLOWING ADA VIOLATIONS AT THE WALL DAYS INN: Entrances Are Not Accessible The walkway leading up to the front doors of the hotel is sloped, making it difficult for wheelchair users to stop and open the door without rolling away from the entrance. The rear entrance to the hotel can only be reached by walking up five steps. Parking Is Not Accessible The two so-called "accessible" parking spaces lack an access aisle, which means other cars may make it impossible for a wheelchair user to have enough room to get in and out of a car. One of the spaces is not level, which could cause a wheelchair to roll away during the transfer. Guest Rooms Are Not Accessible Many of the so-called "accessible" rooms have knobs and handles that require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, so that individuals with limited manual dexterity have difficulty opening guest room doors, locking deadbolts, switching on the lights, and operating the room's heating and air- conditioning unit. Shelves, and clothes rods are mounted too high to be reached by an individual using a wheelchair and beds, tables, and additional furniture block access to lamps, curtain rods and other features. The Hotel Is Not Equipped With An Elevator Wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments cannot visit guests on different floors. Additionally, wheelchair users cannot use the sauna and exercise room because they are located in the basement. Travelers With Disabilities Don't Have The Same Options As Others Many travelers with disabilities travel with a companion or caretaker, and need to have two beds. While the hotel has guest rooms with two beds, all of the guest rooms designated for use by individuals with disabilities have only one bed. 01-01392 FACT SHEET AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT EVANSVILLE, INDIANA DAYS INN 4819 Tecumseh Lane THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ALLEGED THE FOLLOWING ADA VIOLATIONS AT THE EVANSVILLE DAYS INN: Entrances Have Limited Access The main entrance, as well as the north and south entrances of the building, have thresholds that are too high for wheelchairs to cross. Parking Is Not Accessible The three so-called "accessible" parking spaces are not level, which means a wheelchair may roll away while the user attempts to transfer in and out of a car. Guest Rooms Are Not Accessible Many of the so-called "accessible" rooms have knobs and handles that require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, so that individuals with limited manual dexterity have difficulty opening guest room doors, locking deadbolts, switching on the lights, and operating the room's heating and air- conditioning unit. Shelves, and clothes rods are mounted too high to be reached by an individual using a wheelchair and beds, tables, and additional furniture block access to lamps, curtain rods and other features. Inadequate Features Create Safety Hazards For Visually Impaired Guests The hotel's stairways do not have cane-detectable barriers to prevent people who are blind or who have low vision from walking into the underside of those stairways. A cane-detectable barrier can consist of any object that a person using a cane can detect before running into the stairway, such as a railing or a curb. Travelers With Disabilities Don't Have The Same Options As Others Many travelers with disabilities travel with a companion or caretaker, and need to have two beds. While the hotel has guest rooms with two beds, all of the guest rooms designated for use by individuals with disabilities have only one bed. There Are Not Enough Accessible Guest Rooms Under the ADA, a hotel with 60 total guest rooms must have four that are designated accessible. Presently, only three are designated for use by persons with disabilities. Construction of the hotel began in early 1994. 01-01393 DAYS INN FACT SHEET AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT HAZARD, KENTUCKY DAYS INN 359 Morton Boulevard THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ALLEGED THE FOLLOWING ADA VIOLATIONS AT THE HAZARD DAYS INN: Guest Rooms Are Not Accessible The so-called "accessible" rooms have knobs and handles that require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, so that individuals with limited manual dexterity have difficulty opening guest room doors, locking deadbolts, switching on the lights, and operating the room's heating and air-conditioning unit. Shelves, and clothes rods are mounted too high to be reached by an individual using a wheelchair and beds, tables, and additional furniture block access to lamps, curtain rods and other features. Bathrooms Are Not Accessible The bathrooms in the so-called "accessible" rooms lack space for a wheelchair user to turn around upon entering or to maneuver into the bathtub. This creates a hazard, because wheelchair users are more likely to fall while in an awkward position or while trying to use the facilities. Inadequate Features Create Safety Hazards For Guest with Disabilities The hotel's stairways do not have cane-detectable barriers to prevent people who are blind or who have low vision from walking into the underside of those stairways. A cane-detectable barrier can consist of any object that a person using a cane can detect before running into the stairway, such as a railing or a curb. And, several rooms in the hotel lack visual alarms to alert persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to smoke, fire, or other emergencies in the hotel. Travelers With Disabilities Don't Have The Same Options As Others Many travelers with disabilities travel with a companion or caretaker, and need to have two beds. While the hotel has guest rooms with two beds, all of the guest rooms designated for use by individuals with disabilities have only one bed. In addition, none of the so-called "accessible" rooms, had kitchenettes, which were available in the other rooms. There Were Not Enough Accessible Guest Rooms Under the ADA, a hotel with at least 50 total guest rooms must have four that are designated accessible. Presently, only three are designated for use by persons with disabilities. Construction of the hotel began in May of 1993. 01-01394 DAYS INN FACT SHEET AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS DAYS INN 1019 Bloomington Road THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ALLEGED THE FOLLOWING ADA VIOLATIONS AT THE CHAMPAIGN DAYS INN: Guest Rooms Are Not Accessible Many of the so-called "accessible" rooms have knobs and handles that require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, so that individuals with limited manual dexterity have difficulty opening guest room doors, locking deadbolts, switching on the lights, and operating the room's heating and air- conditioning unit. Shelves, and clothes rods are mounted too high to be reached by an individual using a wheelchair and beds, tables, and additional furniture block access to lamps, curtain rods and other features. The Hotel Lacks Proper Features for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired Many rooms in the hotel, including the guest rooms, do not have visual alarms to alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to smoke, fire, or other emergencies. In addition, none of the rooms have notification devices to alert these persons of knocks on the door or an incoming telephone call. Travelers With Disabilities Don't Have The Same Options As Others Many travelers with disabilities travel with a companion or caretaker, and need to have two beds. While the hotel has guest rooms with two beds, all of the guest rooms designated for use by individuals with disabilities have only one bed. Construction of the hotel began in April of 1993. 01-01395 DAYS INN FACT SHEET AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT WILLOWS, CALIFORNIA DAYS INN 475 N. Humboldt THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ALLEGED THE FOLLOWING ADA VIOLATIONS AT THE WILLOWS DAYS INN: Guest Rooms Are Not Accessible Many of the so-called "accessible" rooms have knobs and handles that require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, so that individuals with limited manual dexterity have difficulty opening guest room doors, locking deadbolts, switching on the lights, and operating the room's heating and air- conditioning unit. Shelves, and clothes rods are mounted too high to be reached by an individual using a wheelchair and beds, tables, and additional furniture blocks access to lamps, curtain rods and other features. Bathrooms Are Not Accessible The bathrooms in the so-called "accessible" guest rooms lack space for a wheelchair user to turn around upon entering or to access the features in the bathroom. This creates a hazard because wheelchair users are more likely to fall while in an awkward position or while trying to use the facilities. The Hotel Lacks Proper Features for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired Many rooms in the hotel, including the guest rooms, do not have visual alarms to alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to smoke, fire, or other emergencies. In addition, none of the rooms have notification devices to alert these persons of knocks on the door or an incoming telephone call. Travelers With Disabilities Don't Have The Same Options As Others Many travelers with disabilities travel with a companion or caretaker, and need to have two beds. While the hotel has guest rooms with two beds, all of the guest rooms designated for use by individuals with disabilities have only one bed. Accessible Parking Is On The Opposite End Of The Building As The Accessible Rooms The accessible parking spaces are located on the opposite side of the building from the accessible guest rooms. Because many individuals with disabilities have limited strength or stamina, the law requires that accessible parking spaces be on the shortest accessible route to a facility's entrances. Inadequate Features Create Safety Hazards For Visually Impaired Guests The hotel's stairways do not have cane-detectable barriers to prevent people who are blind or who have low vision from walking into the underside of those stairways. A cane-detectable barrier can consist of any object that a person using a cane can detect before running into the stairway, such as a railing or a curb. 01-01396