A little back story.
I'm handicapped, and depending on prosthetics, either walking with them or in a wheelchair. I've had a bad experience at a neighboring hotel to the Rio this year. Basically, after having a reservation since April, when I arrived I was told that they didn't have an ADA room available. After some arguing, one was "found". The room had problems, to say the least. TV wouldn't turn off, room light would not turn off as the wall switch was broken, and the shower head leaked like a sieve from the hose attachment. I was tired and brought the hotel a list of defects to them the next morning. After the first day of the con, I got back to my room. TV was fixed, room light was still broken as was the wall switch, and I didn't have the energy to check the shower, which I checked the next morning. And it turned out that the shower head was even MORE broken than before. I went down to the hotel lobby and asked to talk with the general manager. I was given the song from the hotel that "we cannot guarantee the type of room", even though ADA regulations require hotels to hard block ADA adapted rooms when booked (in other words, they actually have to guarantee them). In the end, at the threat of an immediate ADA complaint from my lawyer, I received one night free since the shower wasn't working, and placed in an unused ADA room (surprise! It was the one I booked originally!).
I talked with a couple of goons and after the closing ceremonies I talked with Russ about this. I was offered to write up a FAQ for any disabled people interested in coming to next year's DEF CON, and possibly to be a liaison for the disabled next year. Anyways, while I have a blog, I'm considering setting it up on my own server later on and I don't know about keeping it up to date. So I'll try posting versions of this FAQ in this thread so that people can comment.
FAQ Section concepts:
Suggestions & Information for Goons/Organizers
I'll be updating this first post as needed and as I find more information. Please post any questions or suggestions that anyone might have here and I'll see about adding what I can to the FAQ.
I'm handicapped, and depending on prosthetics, either walking with them or in a wheelchair. I've had a bad experience at a neighboring hotel to the Rio this year. Basically, after having a reservation since April, when I arrived I was told that they didn't have an ADA room available. After some arguing, one was "found". The room had problems, to say the least. TV wouldn't turn off, room light would not turn off as the wall switch was broken, and the shower head leaked like a sieve from the hose attachment. I was tired and brought the hotel a list of defects to them the next morning. After the first day of the con, I got back to my room. TV was fixed, room light was still broken as was the wall switch, and I didn't have the energy to check the shower, which I checked the next morning. And it turned out that the shower head was even MORE broken than before. I went down to the hotel lobby and asked to talk with the general manager. I was given the song from the hotel that "we cannot guarantee the type of room", even though ADA regulations require hotels to hard block ADA adapted rooms when booked (in other words, they actually have to guarantee them). In the end, at the threat of an immediate ADA complaint from my lawyer, I received one night free since the shower wasn't working, and placed in an unused ADA room (surprise! It was the one I booked originally!).
I talked with a couple of goons and after the closing ceremonies I talked with Russ about this. I was offered to write up a FAQ for any disabled people interested in coming to next year's DEF CON, and possibly to be a liaison for the disabled next year. Anyways, while I have a blog, I'm considering setting it up on my own server later on and I don't know about keeping it up to date. So I'll try posting versions of this FAQ in this thread so that people can comment.
FAQ Section concepts:
- Service AnimalsCaesar's (owner of Bally's and Paris) has the PetStay program. It would be useful if the PetStay brochure for each hotel be provided online.
- Wheelchair/Electric wheelchair/scooter rental
- Wheelchair accessible van rental
- Car rentalAdvantagge Rent A Car
Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar
E-Z Rent-A-Car
Hertz
National Car
Payless Car Rental - Accessible TaxiApproximate Taxi Fares from McCarran Airport to various Hotels (PDF)
Desert Cab Inc
Lucky Cab
Whittlesea Blue Cab
Yellow Checker Star Taxi Cab - Shuttlebus informationAirline Shuttle Corp (ASC)
SuperShuttle
Bell Trans
Showtime - Public Transportation for the disabledAll RTC vehicles are equipped with lifts, ramps or kneeling devices to accommodate passengers using mobility devices.Reduced Fare Photo ID Card informationTransit Guide 07/07/13, Fares & Reduced Fares on page 6.Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada Paratransit & Accessibility Site
- Las Vegas Monorailthe Monorail system is completely ADA compliant. Wheelchairs, walkers, mobility scooters and motorized scooters that assist those with a disability are permitted on the Monorail. All Monorail stations have accessible elevator service to all levels. There is level boarding from the platform to all trains. All Monorail cars have space to accommodate mobility vehicles. Passengers boarding are required to place them in the locked position for the duration of the ride. Properly harnessed and trained service animals accompanying persons with disabilities are permitted in Monorail stations and on trains.
- Information regarding ADA regulations and hotels
- Emergency CON contacts in case of problems
- DEAF CON information
Suggestions & Information for Goons/Organizers
- Basic emergency wheelchair repair equipment110v portable compressor (up to 110 psi). 100 degrees heat makes wheelchair and scooter tires tend to lose pressure quickly.
- Wheelchair seating at talksWheelchairs next to center aisle in front of stage, and next to aisles in front of screens.ADA space requirements for one wheelchair side access seat are 60" x 33". This is roughly two aisles long, spaces can be marked out on the floor with tape. Seating order of wheelchairs should be considered by seating height, to keep good sight lines to the stage or screens.
- Goons and handling of people with reduced mobilityCommunicating With and About People with Disabilities - Dept. of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy. The "Actions" section is particularly useful.
- Print Materials/MapsMaintain a high enough contrast between text and backgrounds
I'll be updating this first post as needed and as I find more information. Please post any questions or suggestions that anyone might have here and I'll see about adding what I can to the FAQ.
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