Design and Travelers with Disabilities

Since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was created in 1990 we have learned that dealing with accessibility for the disabled is not optional, it is required by law. The law has been applied to a wide array of everyday life considerations, including things we would expect, like buildings and facilities. Also included, however, were other aspects of life, including educational programs mandated to be accessible to people with disabilities. In fact, even web pages have been considered part of an educational program, according to recent case law.

Census estimates indicate over 21 million Americans (age 5 or older) have a condition limiting basic physical activities alone, such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting or carrying. Consequently, how facilities and communities are designed for the traveler is critical. Whether you are a business owner or community planner, a new trend has emerged in how ADA requirements are viewed -- the concept of “universal design.”

According to AARP, universal design “is an approach to the design of all products and environments to be usable by everyone, to the greatest extent possible, regardless of age, ability, or situation. It serves people who are young or old, with excellent or limited abilities, in ideal or difficult circumstances. Universal design benefits everyone by accommodating limitations.”

Common universal design features include things like:

• No-step entry
• One-story living
• Wide doorways
• Wide hallways
• Extra floor space

Whether you are adding on to your business, building a new cabin at your resort or simply updating your home, most universal design features just make good sense and will likely be appreciated by your customers as the “attention to detail” that makes your property unique and a place they want to return to.

Other design considerations AARP mentions include:

  • Floors and bathtubs with non-slip surfaces
  • Thresholds that are flush with the floor for wheelchairs or to avoid trip hazards
  • Good lighting
  • Lever door handles and rocker light switches

For more ideas on what you can do to better accommodate the disabled traveler and increase business from this market, see the links below. Remember, the steps you take to better meet the needs of all guests will likely put you one step ahead of your competition!

Disability Design Links


For past articles, click links for Market Trends in Disability Travel and Aging and Disabilities. For more information about this trend, contact Ingrid Schneider at ingridss@umn.edu, 612-624-2250.