Staying in a hotel is set to get easier for millions of disabled people in Great Britain following new guidance from BSI British Standards, the Equality and Human Rights Commission and VisitBritain.

Several members from the BHA also provided advice to the British Standards Institution.

The new guidance, PAS 88 Guidance on accessibility of large hotel premises and hotel chains, is designed to assist hotels to operate under the Disability Discrimination Act (1995). It’s aimed broadly at hotels with 30+ bedrooms and chains (6+ hotels) with central reservations.

PAS 88 builds on existing standards in this area, including the VisitBritain National Accessible Scheme. It aims to provide advice on accessibility in all areas of a hotel premises and services in line with Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act which says that establishments like hotels have a duty to ensure that disabled people can access their goods and services. Advice includes:

• The use of keycards instead of traditional keys. The keycards should have a tactile indicator on one side to indicate the correct direction of use.

• Visually impaired visitors should be able to easily differentiate between hot and cold taps, e.g. bathroom taps preferably embossed with on/off or hot/cold.

• Windows positioned at the end of corridors should be avoided as they can produce glare that can be confusing for visually impaired visitors.

• Floor covering that is sound absorbing (e.g. carpet) is preferable to a ceramic floor, which might confuse visitors with hearing impairment. Where a carpet is used it should have short pile to minimize the possibility of tripping and to allow smooth travel for wheelchair users.

• A choice of cutlery and crockery should be offered. A mug may be easier for some disabled people to use than cups and saucers or plastic cups that do not have handles.

• The operation of an access strategy, developed with input from disabled people, which demonstrates commitment to accessibility.

Baroness Jane Campbell, of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: “The recognition of good practice in hotels is a critical step in removing the barriers disabled people face in going about their daily lives.

“Disabled people, their families, friends and colleagues can now be reassured that they can expect access to large chains comfortably, not have to plan minutia of detail in advance, justify their impairment related requirements in a crowed lobby or be turned away on arrival due to lack of access.“

For further information on any of the above please contact Lucy Fulton on telephone: 020 8996 7248.

Alternatively it is obtainable for £50.00 here