What is PAS88?
PAS88 is the guidance on accessibility for large hotel premises and hotel chains. It's full name is Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 88:2008 - Guidance on accessibility of large hotel premises and hotel chains. The guidance came into effect on 3 April 2008.
Who was involved?
The document was produced by British Standards (BSi) in partnership with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and VisitBritain. RNIB were represented on the steering group of key stakeholders by Steve Hill, Senior Access Consultant with RNIB Consultancy Services.
Tell me more about PAS88…
PAS88 provides standards and advice for hotel chains seeking to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995. The document highlights principles of good practice based on the duty to make reasonable adjustments and provide equal standards of service as contained in the DDA.
What does the guidance cover?
The 168 page guidance comprises sections relating to the physical elements of hotel buildings, from parking through to accessible bedrooms and bathrooms, and also includes sections on areas such as leisure, conference, banquet and entertainment facilities.
Additionally the document provides advice on related issues such as the legislative background, creating access strategies, undertaking risk assessments, providing staff training, and ensuring that promotional material and websites are accessible.
Increase in customers with disabilities
There are currently over 10 million disabled people in the UK and this number is rising. It is estimated that disabled people spend £80 million. Demand for accessible accommodation is growing and the hospitality industry is starting to recognise that disabled people form an important consumer group.
By improving accessibility for people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities, hoteliers can ensure that they are opening up their hotels to additional visitors.
This is particularly relevant in the lead up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games when the tourist industry will be one of the main economic beneficiaries and increased numbers of disabled people, their families, and their friends, will be using UK hotels.
Where can I get it from?
To buy a copy you can visit the PAS88 page on the British Standards Institue online shop.
Contact us
Business Development Team
RNIB Innovation and Development
Tel 01733 37 53 45
Email busdev@rnib.org.uk