By Benedict Ukwu.
People with disabilities faced difficulties using some facilities, ranging from insufficient ramps, narrow doorways, or poorly designed pathways. Other issues include inadequate parking spaces for PWDs and communication barriers, such as insufficient signage and a lack of visual alarms in hotels.
With over 245 hotels located in Abuja alone, some fall short in providing disability-friendly accommodations, creating a less inclusive environment for people with disabilities (PWDs).
In accessing some hotels in the federal capital territory, Abuja, it was gathered that many of them even the so-called five star hotels violate minimum requirements for PWDs.
PWDs face these problems with little concern from hotel owners, despite the fact that this is provided in the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, which mandates making public places and buildings accessible to Persons With Disabilities.
The advancement of technology, such as digital check-ins and touchscreens, has exacerbated the situation, as people with visual impairments may face difficulties using the software.
Communication Gaps:
Most of the hotels in Abuja fall short in providing effective communication for guests with hearing impairments. Inadequate signage, lack of visual alarms, and absence of trained staff in sign language contribute to an environment that is not fully inclusive.
Lois Auta, President of the Network of Women with Disabilities and founder of Cedar Seed Foundation, rated the accessibility of hotels in Abuja and other parts of the country at 20 percent. She acknowledged that while some hotels fulfill the requirements, others lack accessibility. “The rooms should be wide enough for wheelchair users to be able to navigate between the rooms, the restroom and the bed and they should have an emergency telephone number close to the bed where a person or a customer with disability can just move hand and touch to call someone just like the way we have on an airplane.
She said that the communication between Hotel managers and those with hearing impairment with a sign language interpreter at the reception of a hotel when you have a customer with hearing impairments.
Lois Auta, (PC Benedict Ukwu)
Technology Divide:
Aura, recently launched by one of the hotels in Abuja is an online platform that helps people book homes, hotels and experiences in Nigeria.
Lois Auta also while narrating that some of these platforms are not user friendly with people with disabilities, said “Elevator should have those numbers written in braille so that a visual impaired person can immediately enter the elevator just by touching switch or button through their fingers, This should also apply to the floor they are going without asking anyone”.
Adaptable Accommodations:
While some hotels boast accessible rooms, the reality is that not all meet the diverse needs of guests with disabilities.
The CEO/Founder, TAF Africa and Convener, Disability Inclusion Nigeria, Jake Epelle, said “people with disabilities faced challenges with bed height and bathroom fixtures. Some hotels lack the necessary accessibility features, and certain hotel rooms are not adequately equipped for our needs.”
He suggested accessibility of assistive devices, incorporation of disability considerations in government policies and others.
“Hotels website should have facilities like screen readers that accommodate those with visual impairment to be able to navigate the website independently without asking questions or asking someone to assist them”.
“screen readers should be installed on laptops iPads, Computers and any other device to be able to accommodate those with visual impairments”
Jake Epelle, (PC Benedict Ukwu)
Training and Awareness:
Another key challenge lies in the lack of comprehensive training for hotel staff regarding disability awareness. Sensitizing employees to the needs of diverse guests can foster an environment where everyone feels welcome and understood.
Disability inclusion expert Sussan Kelechihuoma shared her experience with hotel workers, noting instances where they looked down on people with disabilities. She emphasized, “In the services hotels provide for persons with disabilities, staff should be trained on the right terminology and how to interact respectfully.” She added, “Hotel owners should ensure that when hiring new staff, out of 20 employees, at least a consideration for five percent should be graduates with disabilities—there are plenty of qualified individuals.”
Sussan Kelechihuoma (PC Benedict Ukwu)
What the Law said:
Based on the Hotel Proprietors Act of 1956, guests are expected to be treated according to the Act’s provisions, particularly those outlining the duty of hotel proprietors to uphold safe premises for their guests.
Another law, the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, enacted on January 23, 2019, by President Muhammadu Buhari, mandates the accessibility of public places and buildings for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) through the installation of ramps, elevators, handrails, parking spaces, etc.
A violation of this section constitutes an offense, and upon conviction, an individual may face a fine of N50,000.00 or a six-month imprisonment term, or both.
Government action:
Government authorities have done little to enforce these laws. Despite this, the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has established a stand-alone Ministry of Tourism to oversee the affairs of the sector. This move is hoped to bolster regulations in the hospitality industry, providing increased flexibility and protection for people with disabilities when accessing hotel facilities.
By prioritizing accessibility, embracing technology inclusively, and fostering a culture of understanding, hotels can transform into spaces where every guest can enjoy a truly enriching experience.
