I just returned from having lunch out - a treat I don't often indulge in, but due to the holidays, decided to just go all out and splurge!
So I had a very enjoyable meal with a friend. The restaurant (which is a chain) seemed to be very accessible. The parking was near the door and flat, there was a ramp up to the table where we were seated and the aisles between tables were wide enough to be comfortable. (This was not the case, however, between the tables - if it was crowded my wheelchair would have been in someone's lap).
We finished our meal and the waitress brought the check. When we asked where the restroom was, the waitress looked funny and said "It's over there" and scuttled away.
Since neither of us had been to this restaurant before, we stopped another waitress and asked her specifically where the restroom was. She replied that it was down the ramp and over to the other side of the restaurant - "up those steps".
"No," I said. "I meant where is your accessible restroom?"
"Up those steps," she repeated, turning away.
It was time to talk to the manager. Of course I was assured that they are working on this problem diligently and when I asked about the timeframe and for specifics , I was told that it is being addressed.
I replied "And I'd like to know when. Because, you see, today I have to use a restroom."
There was a silence. The manager replied "I don't have to answer you."
"True, " I said. "And I don't have to even have this conversation before I file a complaint under the American with Disabilities Act."
I then had my friend snap a picture of the inaccessible area, steps included. The manager blanched.
Then I hauled my wheelchair into my car, drove to another place, hauled my wheelchair out, went to their restroom and hauled my wheelchair back into my car.
Sometimes we need to push it forward a bit by being the impetus so that the next guy or gal doesn't face the same barriers.
For general ADA information, answers to specific technical questions, free ADA materials, or information about filing a complaint, call:
800 - 514 - 0301 (voice)
800 - 514 - 0383 (TTY)
7 comments:
I used to be very discreet about posting the names and locations of inaccessible businesses, but not any more - I don't see any reason to protect these businesses. Would you care to say what restaurant it was?
Another excellent ADA resource is ada.gov, the DOJ website for the ADA. There are a number of useful publications there, including ADA Guide for Small Businesses (I have printed a number of copies and hand them out to business owners/managers who are interested in coming in to compliance), Readily Achievable Barrier Removal, and ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Hi Katja,
I hear what you're saying about giving their name but I just got off of the phone with their lawyer and am meeting with them next week to get this resolved quickly. If that doesn't happen, I will definitely not be as discreet! Thanks for the links.
Can you hear the applause??? That's me clapping. Good for you! Your friend must have a camera phone, or you were very lucky.
I'm not discreet any more at all. I out them all the time. I rate each restaurant I eat at. see http://ifyoucouldwalkwithmyfeet.blogspot.com/
Thanks for modelling for me how to handle this unfortunately all to common situation.
Janet
The worst thing about this is the absolute RUDENESS on behalf of the manager. I would have felt TERRIBLE and would have been apologizing PROFUSELY.
I understand that the manager doesn't have much say in the matter... that the owner has the responsibility to see that the issue doesn't become one for the next customer, but the manager should AT LEAST be humane!
My friend, Michael, also in a wheelchair, showed me a photo of a ramp that led up to stairs. The obvious is AMAZING but not as obvious to the builders, apparently.
This is the "irony of simple things",as he would say.
He just had his first book come out with the same title:
The Irony of Simple Things
I hope your efforts will see this issue changed and quickly!
Amber-
That image would make a great cartoon - of a ramp leading up to steps! I've seen things just as ridiculous while traveling around. Luckily this is being resolved quickly and amicably !
Take care and Happy New Year
Post a Comment