When accessibility is inhospitable
You might ask; must all entrances to restaurants and bars be accessible for people with disabilities? Not really. As long as there is one entrance nearby, preferably the main entrance that is accessible - thus making it possible for people affected by a disability to “get to and pass through the door”. Ramping one step or even several is a readily achievable task in most cases. Installing a portable ramp which is safe to use is the most common approach and moveable ramps either when purchased or constructed cost very little.
That is why I rate my favourite restaurant in Colombo located at a 5-star hotel as very unfriendly to customers with disabilities. Gaining entrance through the wide doorway via several dimly-lit steps makes it virtually impossible for such persons – unless carried up. Ramping the many steps does pose a challenge due to the steep incline. However, given the sufficient curb-side space it can very well be done – at some cost though. Ironically, the hotel that offers valet parking to the physically fit does not deem it fit to fully embrace accessible tourism.
James Exton, a wheelchair user for 25 years, had recently written about his last visit to Sri Lanka in March 2019, where he tells of his experience at a restaurant in Kollupitiya. There was no ramp at the entrance steps and the manager when asked had explained “We don’t get any disabled customers, so improving accessibility, isn’t an issue”. How short-sighted can one be? Quite rightly, James goes on to remark “Maybe they don’t get any disabled customers because accessibility is an issue?” I do hope James conversation with the restaurant manager did not occur at my favourite restaurant.
If getting through the door’ is like getting to ‘base camp’, then navigating between chairs, tables and other facilities for a customer using a wheelchair can be a Himalayan exercise. Come to think of it, the layout at my preferred restaurant would sadly, fail the test.
Common sense would also dictate that any restaurant that claims to be wheelchair accessible has taken into account the rest room (bathroom). If not, and especially as often discovered, having the bathroom downstairs, by no means makes the restaurant - wheelchair accessible. Pity the customer in the wheelchair, who has to uncomfortably cross his legs when needing to go to the bathroom whilst other able-bodied patrons can leave to relieve themselves with ease.
For star-class ratings hotels are required to provide a certain number of guestrooms, proportionate to the total number of hotel rooms - for guests with disabilities. Similarly, restaurants must also be mandated to provide a percent of the restaurant’s fixed tables to be accessible. For instance, establishments with less than 20 tables to have at least one accessible table (28 – 34 inches high).
A few other considerations include; Menu information to be accessible for people with vision impairments. If using thin font, small print menus, an inexpensive magnifier can prove useful to some people with vision limitations. And why not, when swanky restaurants using low lighting for ambiance provide a small flashlight to diners with 20/20 perfect vision?
It might behoove the restaurant sector in Sri Lanka well, if a survey is carried out to establish how many restaurants pose a problem for entering the establishment? How many that require a ramp - provide them? How many have accessible tables and bathrooms? Don’t be surprised by the results. I bet you, in the majority of restaurants, people with disabilities will be stuck outside.
Shafeek Wahab – Editor, ‘Hospitality Sri Lanka’, Consultant, Trainer, Ex-Hotelier.
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