Overview/Description:
- Major purpose/theme of workshop: Disability awareness training has tailored a presentation for individuals who desire to know accessibility standards and how to properly and appropriately respond to patrons with disabilities in the hospitality business. It brings together education on disabilities while enhancing sensitivity. The presentation includes disability discrimination, introduction to disabilities most prevalent in this setting, etiquette and interaction skills, the disabled perspective, accessibility/universal design, and current trends and topics.
- How initiative relates directly to hospitality needs and its impact on return on investment: The hospitality business is always looking to maximize its ability to provide quality service to the greatest number of potential customers. Essential to this is the ability to recognize accessibility flaws in relation to patrons with physical and sensory disabilities while understanding appropriate interaction skills and etiquette. Attendees will be provided with an in-depth explanation of why and how society discriminates against individuals with disabilities. Essential to a successful establishment is the efforts to be as accessible as possible, allowing for the ability to maximize the greatest potential of customers.
- Discuss the types of activities or teaching strategies that will be utilized: Accommodations, recognition of disabilities, utilization of the vast array of the network of supports, marketing and outreach, accessibility and universal design as a standard, education of employees to ensure proper response and repeat customers.
Course Key Ideas/Content:
- Introduction to disabilities
- Accessibility/universal design and self-assessment
- Accommodations & modifications
- Access to resources
- Proper etiquette and interaction skills
- Person First Language
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Learner Outcomes:
Attendees will learn about the disabilities that they will encounter most frequently and its interplay with the hospitality. Understanding the ADA (accessibility) and its relevance to modifications and accommodations in hospitality will be a point of emphasis. The ability to be proactive in recognition of the needs of a customer with a disability, identification of obstacles and barriers, and how to market will be provided.