ADA compliance within the hospitality industry is crucial for various reasons. From inclusivity for overall customer satisfaction to abiding by legalities, restaurant managers and hospitality executives must know how to make their businesses ADA-compliant.

Besides, using automation tools and online ordering apps can increase ROI. Remember, the ROI meaning refers to the amount of revenue a business generates vs. the amount the owner invests.

Restaurant tech solutions can streamline hospitality and restaurant operations while following ADA-compliant standards. In fact, automating regular practices can help maximize profits by lessening the total labor cost, as well as other hotel or restaurant expenses.

But before we jump into tech solutions for ADA compliance, let’s define the legal term and uncover who should abide by such laws.

ADA Compliance: Definition

The acronym “ADA” stands for The Americans with Disabilities Act. It is an act pertaining to civil rights and prohibits businesses from discriminating against individuals due to disabilities.  

The ADA allows inclusivity in transportation, public accommodations, hotels, local and government facilities, and employment opportunities. It also aims to protect those with disabilities by providing a secure environment with accessible amenities.

Who Should Follow ADA Compliance Requirements?

Most businesses and organizations in the United States must comply with ADA regulations. More specifically, the following entities must comply with the ADA:

• Local and state government organizations
• Private organizations with fifteen employees or more
• Organizations that work for the public benefit
• Public places of accommodation

5 Tech Solutions for ADA Compliance

Innovative restaurant technology is making its way across the entire hospitality industry. The digital transformation in these spaces is vast, and it’s quickly improving ADA-compliant standards. App integrations and automation tools can maximize the number of orders while decreasing overhead expenses.

Hospitality software companies are adapting to offer inclusivity and reach revenue goals. Read on to learn about the top five tech solutions to ensure ADA compliance.

1. In Room Dining

Traditional room service and in-room dining can easily be ADA-compliant. All you’d need is online ordering apps or in-room tablets.

Hotel guests often have to make phone calls to receive these services. By using the right software, even customers who are deaf, mute, or have a language barrier can participate in every dining service.

An ADA-compliant hotel room is vital for legal operations. However, ensuring that everyone can utilize unique features will differentiate your business from the competition.

2. Schedule Food Orders  

Similar to room service, scheduling orders in advance is just as important for meeting ADA compliance standards. Hospitality businesses can maximize sales and ensure that wait staff can serve every guest.

Whether guests want to order items that’ll be ready upon arrival or for an early morning checkout, the ability to schedule food orders in advance can scale profits. Plus, it’s even better when consumers aren’t excluded due to hearing or vision impairments.

Knowing which orders to prepare ahead of time will help eliminate work overload for the kitchen staff. Kitchens can also lessen the amount of manual labor by preparing the most popular dishes to-go ahead of time.

3. Poolside Ordering

Whether you’d like to offer towels and sunscreen, or snacks and drinks, an ordering app can do it all. Guests can have their items brought right to their chairs, which will boost efficiency. The pool areas would also be an additional facility on resort grounds to sell products, which would help maximize profits.

Display water-resistant QR codes on each table between lounge chairs. Not only will they be convenient for guests, but they’ll save the business owner money by not needing to replace physical menu types.

4. Beach Concierge

Who says that menu ordering has to stop at food and drinks? Just think about how nice it would be for beach-goers to order everything they need without ever leaving their chair.

Providing a beach concierge service accommodates ADA compliance while taking the convenience factor up a notch. It would allow guests to make the most of their time, as they wouldn’t have to search for self ordering kiosks or shops.

Beach concierge services would also simplify the purchasing process for those who have hearing or vision impairments. In a traditional setting, seeking beach-friendly products might be an inconvenience. But with the right tech solution, it becomes a simple experience for all.

5. In-Seat Food Ordering

Sports arenas and live music venues are beginning to offer in-seat mobile ordering more than ever. Fans don’t ever have to miss out on the entertainment, as in-seat delivery is one of the most convenient solutions.

In-seat deliveries are the perfect match for ADA-compliant seating. Allow visitors to order through a mobile app,  so they never have to leave their section to find a concession stand. It’s a foolproof way to boost customer service and is sure to accommodate all of the customers.

Industries That Can Utilize ADA-Compliant Technology

Hotels aren’t the only business model that must comply with ADA standards. The hospitality industry consists of numerous businesses that must be accessible to all clientele.

From cruise ships to amusement parks, read on to discover how ADA compliance can impact your business. More importantly, learn which features to look out for when ensuring accessibility.

ADA Cruises

Cruise ships and hotels are shockingly similar. When you think about it, cruise ships contain all of the features of a hotel, just with additional resort-like amenities.

With this in mind, cruise lines must abide by ADA compliance standards. Allowing guests at sea to participate in room service, as well as other food and beverage services is key. Utilizing menu tech to streamline cruise product offerings will promote more sales while cutting costs.

All other ADA-compliant features are a must, of course. However, allowing guests to utilize hotel technology to enhance their experience is vital. Some popular features on cruise ships include:

• In-room dining and room service, which is ideal for an upscale hotel-like experience.
• Schedule meal pickup or room delivery, which is ideal for those who want to start their day extra early or are scheduled to board the ship after an excursion.
• Poolside food and drink services are essential for relaxation and convenience. Guests won’t have to leave their belongings or forfeit their lounge chairs. Simply use an app to have a drink sent your way.
• Midshow happy hour for the ship’s entertainment. Display QR codes throughout the ship’s theater. This way, guests can order drinks at the beginning of shows and during intermission.

ADA Country Clubs  

A few of the best features of a country club are its social, recreational, and dining options. Allow members to order food or even purchase rentals when participating in various activities.

Poolside and golf course dining are two on-demand ordering services that country clubs can offer now. Does your country club offer other amenities and entertainment that include a menu? ADA-compliant apps that integrate with country club offerings are ideal for costs and inclusivity.

ADA Golf Courses  

Aside from generic technology that can allow a business to be ADA-compliant, there are a couple of unique ways a golf course can be accessible.

On-course dining and scheduling orders ahead of time are just two additions that could make the environment more accessible. Whether visitors have the option of ordering drink specials or items from the full menu, on-course delivery is a convenient selling point.

It’d be even better if people could place these orders on a mobile app. Apps are often ADA-compliant and have audio and visual capabilities. With this in mind, they can benefit anyone with hearing or visual impairments.

Golf courses can also provide concierge services where guests can rent equipment right from the course. Once you combine this with on-course dining, managers can completely elevate the convenience factor for visitors.

ADA Theme Parks  

Amusement parks offer fun for the whole family. Keeping up with ADA compliance will guarantee inclusivity and visitors’ safety.

In addition to accessible features like parking spaces and restrooms, theme parks must include proper measures for rides and attractions. By law, every theme park ride must have at least one wheelchair-accessible seat. However, the more, the better.

Easy access to food and beverages is also beneficial for theme parks. Kiosks and food trucks are just a couple of options that could make grabbing a bite to eat very simple.

Allowing guests to schedule food orders in advance will also save everyone time. Does your theme park have a central dining spot? Utilize a mobile app so that people can start their day at the park right. It’ll also function as another revenue source, which is ideal for profitability.

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Frequently Asked Questions About ADA Compliance In Hospitality

The policies and legalities of ADA compliance are vast. As the hospitality industry continues to onboard new types of ADA-compliant technology, there will be much to learn about launching all-inclusive facilities.

Want to learn more about ADA compliance? Read on to discover more details about such matters throughout the hospitality space.

What Is ADA In Hotels?

ADA-compliant features in hotels allow guests to feel comfortable and enjoy their experience. Hotels can become ADA-compliant by onboarding the following features:

• Communication devices for those with hearing and vision impairments
• ADA-compliant apps on in-room tablets
• Wheelchair accessibility for indoor and outdoor amenities
• ADA-compliant beds and furniture
• A sufficient number of accessible parking spaces
• ADA-compliant elevators

What Percentage Of Hotel Rooms Need to Be ADA-Compliant?

The percentage of ADA-compliant rooms that hotels must offer depends on individual needs. For instance, hotels are only required to offer one room with mobility and communication features. However, they are able to “dual-purpose” and design up to 10% of rooms to include both types of features.

It’s also important to note that ADA-compliant hotel rooms must span all guest room options. This means that hotels need to offer ADA-compliant standard rooms, deluxe rooms, suites, etc.

What Are Some Examples of ADA Compliance?

ADA compliance refers to any type of electronic information that is accessible to those with disabilities. It also ensures that vehicles and facilities are accessible, too. With this being said, examples of ADA compliance include but are not limited to the following:

• Simple headings and color schemes on websites
• Widening doors and entrances
• Accessible parking spaces
• Visible and easy-to-read signs
• Accessible telephones
• Braille translations
• Proper fire alarm systems
• Accessible public restrooms

Remember that ADA-compliant features go far beyond this list. However, these are some of the most popular ones you’ll find in common businesses, like hotels and restaurants. As always, double-check with officials to learn which ones are necessary for your business.

What Are ADA Compliance Standards?

ADA compliance standards refer to policies, legalities, and common practices for those with disabilities. Various entities are required by law to abide by ADA compliance standards, which include:

• Ensuring that all facilities are accessible
• Furnishing hotel rooms and eateries with ADA-compliant furniture
• Meeting the minimum requirements, which depend on the business’ capacity

Do Hotels Have to Provide Disabled Access?

Yes. Hotels, motels, and lodging facilities throughout the United States must comply with ADA standards. For some businesses, it might warrant a complete overhaul to be ADA-compliant. However, it’s necessary for legal and equitable operations.

Many hotels will opt for an ADA compliance checker just to be safe. Ensuring that an ADA-compliant hotel room meets all legal requirements is key.