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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 Gets Trapped In Atlanta Hampton Inn Due To Lack Of Braille Accommodations
A valet finally found out somebody was caught and got here to assist, Bond says. However, when he went to administration about it the following day, they stated he “should have figured out how to use the alarm.”
Weeks later, the elevator buttons nonetheless should be up to date following Bonds’ viral video, which sparked widespread outrage on-line.
Should the lodge be held accountable for the shortage of accessibility choices?
The Shade Room investigates…
#TSRInvestigates: Blind Man Trapped in Atlanta Elevator: Hotel Negligence Exposed? // https://t.co/syEgT9bdsj pic.twitter.com/AepqjHCACe
— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) May 2, 2023
Every Blind Person’s Nightmare: Mario Bonds Trapped Inside Atlanta Hotel Elevator
It’s each blind particular person’s nightmare, getting caught in a spot or scenario with out the accessibility choices to navigate their means out.
That nightmare rapidly grew to become Mario Bonds’ actuality throughout a current 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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But with out the valet’s fixed assist, Bonds discovered himself trapped contained in the elevator.
TSR Investigates’ Justin Carter arrived to see for himself. Although a number of facet buttons had braille, not one of the touchpad numbers had any braille, making it unattainable for visibly impaired patrons to function.
The lodge, when confronted, claimed it might be consulting with its elevator firm to improve any tools which will want updating.
“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,” a Hampton Inn Suites Hotel spokesperson stated.
TSR Investigates’ Justin Carter On The Case, No Updates Weeks Later
However, TSR Investigates’ Justin Carter returned two weeks later, and the elevator panel nonetheless wanted to be up to date to incorporate braille.
Meanwhile, the Georgia state code requires “all control buttons shall be designated by raised Braille” to adjust to the Americans With Disabilities Act.
The final inspection listed on that elevator was April 5, 2023, two weeks after Bonds made that now-viral video. However, the buttons nonetheless should be up to date to ADA requirements.
TSR Investigates’ Justin Carter reached out to the town of Atlanta. The officers are conscious of the scenario, and The Shade Room will monitor any actions the lodge may take to resolve this.