Lux V.
Yelp
Please educate your staff on the ADA and customer service. I researched for months finding just the right place only to find out at the last minute I cannot keep my booking.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), privately owned businesses that are considered "places of public accommodation" are required to provide people with disabilities, including deaf individuals, an equal opportunity to access and book their goods or services. This includes offering methods of booking and confirming services without solely relying on phone calls.
Here's why:
ADA Title III prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by businesses open to the public.
Businesses must ensure that individuals with disabilities can communicate with them effectively.
This means offering appropriate communication aids and services to ensure equal access.
For deaf and hard of hearing individuals, this can include:
Online booking options: Websites and online reservation systems for businesses that are public accommodations must be accessible to people with disabilities, including those who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies. This means following accessibility guidelines like WCAG.
Other alternative booking methods: Businesses may also need to offer other methods of contact beyond phone calls, such as email, text messaging, or online chat, to ensure effective communication and booking for deaf individuals.
In summary:
If a privately owned business is considered a "place of public accommodation" under the ADA, it has a legal obligation to provide accessible ways for deaf individuals to book services. Relying solely on phone bookings is likely a violation of the ADA.
If this has happened to you, here's what you can do:
You can file a complaint with the City of Austin's Office of Civil Rights about accessibility concerns related to City services, programs, or facilities.
They will provide a copy of your grievance to the relevant division or office.
If you file a private lawsuit, you and your attorney will decide on the course of action, including whether to settle or go to trial.