Visually impaired guests

A sizeable number of travellers today are visually impaired. Certain areas of hotel
property may be required by law to display instructions and signs in Braille for the
convenience the visually challenged persons. Buttons of elevators directions to
restrooms, other public areas such as restaurants, lobbies, bars, etc are areas
where such special guests would welcome Braille. Providing elevators with
audible sounds indicating floors also help visually impaired guests Braille menus in
restaurants, room service menus, and Braille guests service directories in rooms
are appreciated a lot by guests who cannot see. However, not every visually
impaired guest knows Braille. Front office employees and other guests service
staff must be adequately trained and prepared to read out written information to
guests. Some useful tips in this regard are as follows
1.When talking to such guests, employees should introduce themselves and also
identify any other person with them.
2. Many visually impaired guests prefer to pay for hotel services with cash When
handing out change, lay the bills flat on the guest's palms and identify the
denomination of each bill as you give it to them. Count out coins separately.
3. If the guest requests a guide to their guest room, offer your armor shoulder
and provide verbal commentary as you proceed through the property. For
example: "The elevator is to your right. Your guest room is three doors past the
elevator on the left. The key card slot is located two inches above the door
handle".
4.Explain where emergency exits are located relative to the guest's room and
note the numbers to dial on the telephone to reach the front desk and other
services
5.If a guest has a guide dog, don't play with the animal. It is performing a job and
should not be distracted
6. It would be advisable to give the guest a room with easy access to the grounds
on the property for them to walk their dogs when needed.