Presenter
Marina Kearns; Reese Middendorf; Seonwoo Yoo; Kamran Ahmad; Matthew Olszewski; Krista Grant
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
Accessibility in hospitality venues can present significant challenges for individuals with both visible and invisible limitations. Individuals may benefit from a range of physical and/or cognitive accommodations. At Johnson & Wales University, the Spring Tiefel Scholars have conducted in-depth research on different aspects of accessibility, including mobility, neurodiversity, sensory impairments, respiratory limitations, religious and cultural considerations, and access for the unhoused. Their goal is to help make Rhode Island’s hospitality venues some of the most accessible in the United States. To achieve this, the Tiefel Fellows collaborated with the College of Health & Wellness and other experts to develop a site evaluation tool. This tool is designed to assess the accessibility of local venues, and through site evaluations of various establishments, the team refined and improved the tool for practical use. In addition, they created best practice cards that highlight key findings and recommendations.
Faculty Mentor
Paul Bagdan, Ph.D., CHE
Academic Discipline
College of Hospitality Management
Repository Citation
Kearns, Marina; Middendorf, Reese; Yoo, Seonwoo; Ahmad, Kamran; Olszewski, Matthew; and Grant, Krista, "Accessibility in Hospitality" (2025). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 205.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/205
