In a message dated 9/12/05 2:00:26 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << My name is Kara Matson. I am an employee at Carlson Hotels Worldwide.
(Carlson represents the following hotels: Radisson, Country Inns & Suites, Park Inn, and Park Plaza). >> -------------------------------------------------------- You have a very important mission, Kara Matson. When a business places a symbol sign in front of their business for accessible parking, they are implying to all that this building meets all the requirements covered under the guidelines of the ADA. Carlson Hotels is part of a massive hospitality industry that has chosen to use ADAAG Guidelines over ADA in designing, building and operating their corporate sites. Then there is the issues of Corporate Operated Properties and those operated thru Franchises and Management Agreement Properties. When people who travel, leave the safety and security of their personal dwellings and visit as guests, they often expect a lot more than most in the hospitality industry are prepared to offer in the way of accessibility. For that reason, a base line should be established as to that which is required by law and observed and that which is optional and every effort will be made to accommodate those who need special needs above that which is required. Understanding is the 1st step in reaching the achievement level. Achievement means both compliance and willing to go that extra mile for your special needs guests. For you to achieve a level of understanding, I would invite you to visit a local, Center for Independent Living (CIL) and talk with the Executive Director of that Center for Independent Living about your assignment and how to achieve those goals. There you will meet potential guests of your lodging and meet them face to face with an open discussion of what they see as a need. Invite their group to one of your properties and perform an open survey of property, taking notes. Granted, their suggestions may not all be possible, but you will learn a valuable lesson at the local level, so that as you reach abroad and across North America you will receive additional suggestions complimenting those that which you have already learned. Based on personal experiences, we have been guests of your Executive Suites and Presidential Suites in our travels at some of your properties in the past that did not begin to meet the ADA needs of our guests. When confronted with staying at the local hospital and having your property pay, as they confirmed in writing via facsimile that their properties met both the ADA and ADAAG guideline for accessibility, we were provided with the option of using the suites, as they were roomier and less confining. I hope you take me up on my suggestion to visit the local CIL and learn from the locals first. As in the sport of baseball, once you've made to 1st base, 2nd is just a bag away. Good Luck in your endeavor and hope that you learn a great deal. Your properties are depending on that which you learn and are able to share with them. Its not an experience.... Its an attitude. Best Wishes, W
