What is the U.S. Department of Justice's 'accessibility guidelines' (ADAAG) and how does it affect Caption By Hyatt hotels?
Caption_By_Hyatt Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The accessibility laws, which include the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and all other laws, rules, regulations and ordinances governing accommodations for or relationships with persons with disabilities or similar individuals, as periodically in effect, require (among other things) that public accommodations, including hotels, (i) offer facilities without discriminating against persons with disabilities; (ii) offer auxiliary aids and services to enable a person with a disability to use and enjoy the establishment's goods or services if doing so is not unduly burdensome or disruptive to business; and (iii) remove barriers to mobility or communication to the extent readily achievable. The U.S. Department of Justice has published "accessibility guidelines" ("ADAAG") that specify, among other things, a minimum
number of handicapped-accessible rooms, assistance devices for hearing, speech, and visually impaired persons, and general design and construction standards that apply to all areas of facilities. Under the ADA, all new public accommodations and commercial facilities must be "readily accessible to and useable by individuals with disabilities," unless it would be structurally impractical to do so. Alterations of existing facilities also might need to comply with the ADA and ADAAG. In addition, many states and municipalities have their own laws and regulations addressing disability discrimination, access requirements, building modifications and alterations and building code requirements.
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 9–14)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Caption By Hyatt's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the U.S. Department of Justice has published 'accessibility guidelines' (ADAAG) that specify requirements for accommodations for individuals with disabilities. These guidelines affect Caption By Hyatt hotels, as they specify a minimum number of handicapped-accessible rooms, assistance devices for hearing, speech, and visually impaired persons, and general design and construction standards applicable to all areas of facilities.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all new Caption By Hyatt public accommodations and commercial facilities must be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless it would be structurally impractical to do so. Alterations of existing facilities might also need to comply with the ADA and ADAAG.
In addition to federal regulations, prospective Caption By Hyatt franchisees should be aware that many states and municipalities have their own laws and regulations addressing disability discrimination, access requirements, building modifications and alterations, and building code requirements. Therefore, it is crucial for franchisees to investigate and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws to ensure their Caption By Hyatt hotel meets accessibility standards.