Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, has announced a settlement agreement with Stamford Hotel Propco, LLC and MJ Hotels of Stamford, LLC. The agreement addresses allegations that the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa was not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
The complaint was filed by an individual with a disability who claimed that the hotel was not accessible for those with physical disabilities. Under the terms of the settlement, Stamford Marriott will make several changes to improve accessibility. These include making a suite accessible for individuals with mobility disabilities and ensuring 14 additional rooms are accessible for individuals with hearing disabilities. Other modifications will be made to bring rooms into compliance with the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design.
Furthermore, adjustments will be made to add accessible dining surfaces in lobby restaurants and improve restroom accessibility on various levels of the hotel. Changes to the parking garage will also be implemented, including adding signs and access aisles to parking spaces and adjusting curb ramps.
The hotel is currently working on these improvements and plans to continue over the next 30 months.
Federal law prohibits private entities operating places of public accommodation from discriminating based on disability. The ADA empowers the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and review compliance periodically. It can also initiate civil lawsuits in federal court if there is a pattern or practice of discrimination or issues of public importance arise.
Individuals wishing to file complaints about accessibility issues at public accommodations or entities in Connecticut can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-696-3000.
Further information about ADA can be accessed at www.ada.gov or through the Justice Department’s toll-free line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). Details about laws enforced by the Civil Rights Division are available at www.justice.gov/crt.
This case was managed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stewart C. Dearing.