A blind man has gone viral after sharing his terrifying expertise of being trapped inside an elevator at a Hampton Inn In Midtown Atlanta.
Mario Bonds, a blind journalist staying on the lodge throughout a enterprise journey, says he was trapped within the elevator for 10 minutes as a result of there was no braille on the touchscreen keypad, TSR Investigates’ Justin Carter has realized.
Blind Journalist Will get Trapped In Atlanta Hampton Inn Due To Lack Of Braille Lodging
A valet finally found out somebody was caught and got here to assist, Bond says. Nevertheless, when he went to administration about it the subsequent day, they stated he “ought to have found out the best way to use the alarm.”
Weeks later, the elevator buttons nonetheless have to be up to date following Bonds’ viral video, which sparked widespread outrage on-line.
Ought to the lodge be held accountable for the dearth of accessibility choices?
The Shade Room investigates…
#TSRInvestigates: Blind Man Trapped in Atlanta Elevator: Lodge Negligence Uncovered? // https://t.co/syEgT9bdsj pic.twitter.com/AepqjHCACe
— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) May 2, 2023
Each Blind Individual’s Nightmare: Mario Bonds Trapped Inside Atlanta Lodge Elevator
It’s each blind particular person’s nightmare, getting caught in a spot or state of affairs with out the accessibility choices to navigate their means out.
That nightmare shortly turned Mario Bonds’ actuality throughout a latest enterprise journey to Atlanta, the place he was set to interview R&B singer Nivea.
The foyer on the Midtown Atlanta Hampton Inn is on the nineteenth flooring, which a valet initially assisted him in reaching upon his arrival.
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However with out the valet’s fixed assist, Bonds discovered himself trapped contained in the elevator.
TSR Investigates’ Justin Carter arrived to see for himself. Though a number of facet buttons had braille, not one of the touchpad numbers had any braille, making it unimaginable for visibly impaired patrons to function.
The lodge, when confronted, claimed it will be consulting with its elevator firm to improve any gear that will want updating.
“It’s our coverage to adjust to all ADA laws. We instantly took the mandatory steps to analyze additional, together with a session with our elevator firm concerning potential updates to our gear. We’re additionally conducting extra coaching to supply a extra seamless visitor expertise for people in want of accessibility lodging,” a Hampton Inn Suites Lodge spokesperson stated.
TSR Investigates’ Justin Carter On The Case, No Updates Weeks Later
Nevertheless, TSR Investigates’ Justin Carter returned two weeks later, and the elevator panel nonetheless wanted to be up to date to incorporate braille.
In the meantime, the Georgia state code requires “all management buttons shall be designated by raised Braille” to adjust to the Individuals With Disabilities Act.
The final inspection listed on that elevator was April 5, 2023, two weeks after Bonds made that now-viral video. Nevertheless, the buttons nonetheless have to be up to date to ADA requirements.
TSR Investigates’ Justin Carter reached out to the town of Atlanta. The officers are conscious of the state of affairs, and The Shade Room will monitor any actions the lodge would possibly take to resolve this.
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