📋 Essential Guidelines for Effective Accommodation Requests
Remember: The ADA doesn't require specific forms or language. These templates provide professional, legally-sound structure for your requests. Written requests are recommended for documentation purposes.
Template 1: Hotel Accommodation Request
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Hotel Manager/Reservations Manager]
[Hotel Name]
[Hotel Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Subject: ADA Accommodation Request - Reservation Confirmation #[NUMBER]
Dear [Manager Name/Reservations Team],
I am writing to request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act for my upcoming stay at [Hotel Name] from [Check-in Date] to [Check-out Date]. My reservation confirmation number is [Confirmation Number].
I have [brief description of disability/condition] which requires the following accommodations to ensure equal access to your facilities:
• Accessible room with [specific features: roll-in shower, grab bars, etc.]
• [Additional room features: visual alert system, accessible doorway width, etc.]
• [Services if needed: accessible transportation, assistance with luggage, etc.]
I would appreciate confirmation that these accommodations can be provided for my stay. If the specific room type I've requested is unavailable, please suggest alternative accessible options that would meet my needs.
Please contact me at [phone number] or [email] to confirm these arrangements. I prefer to receive confirmation via [email/phone] for accessibility reasons.
Thank you for your commitment to providing equal access to all guests. I look forward to a comfortable stay at your hotel.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Template 2: Event/Conference Accommodation Request
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Phone/Email]
[Event Organizer Name]
[Organization Name]
[Address]
Subject: ADA Accommodation Request for [Event Name] - [Event Date]
Dear [Event Organizer/Conference Committee],
I am registered to attend [Event Name] taking place on [Date] at [Venue]. I am requesting reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure my full participation in this event.
Due to [condition/disability], I require the following accommodations:
• [Seating accommodations: accessible seating, preferred proximity to stage/speakers]
• [Communication supports: sign language interpreter, assistive listening device, etc.]
• [Mobility accommodations: accessible parking, level entrance, accessible restrooms]
• [Materials: large print handouts, digital materials in accessible format]
• [Dietary accommodations if applicable]
Please confirm that these accommodations can be provided at least [timeframe - typically 2-3 weeks] before the event to allow adequate preparation time. I am available to discuss alternative solutions or provide additional information as needed.
If you require documentation from my healthcare provider, please let me know what specific information would be helpful. I can be reached at [phone] or [email].
Thank you for your commitment to making this event accessible to all participants. I look forward to attending and contributing to [Event Name].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Registration/Confirmation Number if applicable]
Template 3: Transportation Accommodation Request
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Phone/Email]
[Transportation Company/Manager]
[Company Name]
[Address]
Subject: Request for Transportation Accommodations Under ADA
Dear [Transportation Manager/Customer Service],
I am requesting reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act for transportation services with [Company Name]. I will be traveling on [Date/Time] from [Origin] to [Destination].
My reservation/ticket number is: [Number]
I have [disability/condition] which requires the following accommodations:
• [Wheelchair accessible vehicle/seating]
• [Priority boarding assistance]
• [Storage space for assistive equipment]
• [Communication accommodations]
• [Service animal accommodation]
I am providing [timeframe] advance notice to allow adequate preparation time. Please confirm that these accommodations can be provided for my travel on [Date].
If you need additional information or documentation, please contact me at [phone] or [email]. I prefer [method of communication] for accessibility reasons.
Thank you for ensuring equal access to your transportation services. I appreciate your assistance in making my travel experience safe and comfortable.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
Template 4: Workplace Travel Accommodation Request
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Job Title]
[Department]
[Employee ID]
[Email/Phone]
[Manager/HR Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
Subject: ADA Accommodation Request for Business Travel
Dear [Manager Name],
I am requesting reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act for my upcoming business travel to [Destination] from [Dates] for [Purpose - conference, client meeting, etc.].
Due to [disability/condition], I will need the following accommodations to perform my essential job functions during this travel:
• [Hotel accommodations: accessible room features]
• [Transportation: accessible vehicle, priority seating, etc.]
• [Meeting accommodations: accessible venue, assistive technology]
• [Meal accommodations if applicable]
• [Extended travel time/rest periods if needed]
These accommodations will enable me to [explain how they help you perform job duties]. The estimated additional cost for these accommodations is [amount if known], though many may be provided at no extra charge.
I am requesting approval for these accommodations and would appreciate confirmation by [date] to allow adequate booking time. I am happy to work with our travel department to arrange these details and provide any necessary documentation.
Please let me know if you need additional information. I can be reached at [contact information].
Thank you for your support in ensuring I can effectively represent our company during this business travel.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
✅ DO:
- Be specific about your accommodation needs
- Suggest practical solutions
- Maintain a professional, collaborative tone
- Keep medical details brief but relevant
- Request written confirmation
- Provide reasonable advance notice
- Keep copies of all correspondence
- Follow up if you don't receive a response
❌ DON'T:
- Over-disclose personal medical information
- Make demands instead of requests
- Wait until the last minute to request accommodations
- Assume what accommodations are or aren't possible
- Accept "no" without discussion of alternatives
- Forget to document the interaction
- Use emotional or confrontational language
- Request accommodations that aren't related to your disability
💡 Professional Tips for Success
Timing: Make requests 2-4 weeks in advance when possible. Emergency requests should still be accommodated when reasonable.
Documentation: Keep records of all requests, responses, and accommodations provided. This helps with future requests and potential issues.
Alternative Solutions: Be open to discussing alternative accommodations that achieve the same goal if your specific request isn't possible.
Cost Considerations: Accommodations must be "reasonable" - extremely expensive accommodations may not be required if alternatives exist.
📞 Key Resources
Job Accommodation Network (JAN): 1-800-526-7234 | askjan.org
ADA National Network: 1-800-949-4232 | adata.org
EEOC (Employment): 1-800-669-4000 | eeoc.gov
DOT (Transportation): 1-800-778-4838 | transportation.gov
About This Document
These templates are based on guidance from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), ADA National Network, and established legal best practices. Customize them to fit your specific situation and needs.
Provided by AccessibleAmerica.org - Supporting accessible travel and equal access across the United States.