ATLANTA — A blind man is going viral on social media after his experience inside a Midtown Atlanta hotel.
Mario Bonds was visiting Atlanta on business back in March and booked at stay at the Hampton Inn Suites on Peachtree.
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“I’m a very independent blind man,” said Bonds.
When he arrived he was led onto an elevator by a valet representative. The hotel is unique because the front lobby is located on the 20th floor.
He quickly realized the elevator was mostly touchscreen and the buttons were not equipped with raised braille markings.
“Now I’m in a situation where I can’t do something, and it’s now thrust in my face, because I can’t see,” Bonds said.
Later that night, he tried to meet a food delivery driver downstairs.
“I get on this elevator, and I end up stuck,” Bonds said.
He says he was stuck for 10 minutes and became frantic until a valet representative figured out what was happening.
He confronted hotel management about his concerns the following day.
“She told me that I should have figured out how to use the alarm,” Bonds said, referring to an Operations Manager. “She told me and my sister that she didn’t build the hotel and that she felt attacked.”
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In a statement to Channel 2 Action News a hotel spokesperson wrote:
“The hotel is aware of these reported concerns. Providing a hospitable, welcoming environment is the essence of our business, and it is our policy to comply with all ADA regulations. We immediately took the necessary steps to investigate further, including a consultation with our elevator company regarding potential updates to our equipment. We are also conducting additional training to provide a more seamless guest experience for individuals in need of accessibility accommodations.”
According to Georgia State Accessibility Code, all control buttons on elevators shall be designated by raised braille compliant with the American Disabilities Act.
Channel 2 Action News has contacted the City of Atlanta to make them aware of the safety concerns. We are waiting to see what action will be taken to get the issue resolved.
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