05/19/2026
4 things to check the second you walk into a wheelchair-accessible hotel room.
I'm Damian โ Occupational Therapist and Accessibility Specialist with Thrive For Life.
After 15+ years helping people stay independent in their own homes, I've learned hotels say "ADA" but the details vary wildly.
Here's my pre-stay walkthrough:
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Floor transitions โ every tile-to-carpet should be smooth. ADA permits a ยผ-inch beveled lip; anything more and a footrest or shoe can catch.
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Sharp edges โ run your hand under the sink lip and along drawer pulls. Sharp 90ยฐ corners on cheap drawers are everywhere.
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Grab bars โ wiggle test. If the fl**ge moves or you see hairline cracks where it meets the wall, do NOT trust it. Call the desk.
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Roll-in shower โ modern accessible units have a floor drain so you can bathe outside the tub on a folding shower chair. Travel with one (they break down to ~12 lbs) and ask the desk for a squeegee. Or pack a small one. You'll need to push the water back to the drain.
If you're planning a trip, screenshot this and run through it on arrival. Save the energy for the vacation.
๐ Thrive For Life โ Accessibility Specialists, Hawaiสปi
๐ 808.797.2590
๐ https://zurl.co/21btW
๐ง [email protected]
Free home accessibility assessment for kamaสปฤina โ DM us.
