WASHINGTON (AP) - Hilton Worldwide Inc. will improve accessibility for the disabled at all 900 of its hotels in the United States under an agreement with the Justice Department.
The agreement, if approved by a judge, would resolve a lawsuit alleging that the McLean, Va.-based Hilton failed to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act in hotels built over the past 17 years.
It marks the first time the Justice Department has required a franchisor to make such a sweeping survey of all its facilities so that the company can certify that the hotels comply with the disabilities act.
Hilton's reservations system also will be improved, as will accessibility for the disabled to its websites. Hilton will appoint a national ADA compliance officer and appoint ADA onsite contact personnel at each hotel.