Vol. 9, No. 2 Spring 2001	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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Let's Go Out to Eat. . . But Where?

by Jody Tate

What is the first question that you ask yourself when going out to eat? Usually it is "What do I feel like eating?" However, if you are a person with a physical disability, the question of accessibility immediately follows. Accessibility plays a large factor when my husband and I go out to eat. With the ADA in place, accessibility should not be a deciding factor when selecting a restaurant. But in reality, it is. We have called many restaurants in the Wilmington area to inquire about their accessibility. Too many times we have been told "Yes, we are accessible," only to find out that the restaurant's definition of accessibility is a little skewed. Specific questioning is required regarding the type and location of ramps, automatic/manual doors, accessible bathrooms, etc.

Getting Into the Facility

Often I have found a restaurant's definition of accessible to mean that male waiters will lift the person and the wheelchair up a flight of steps and into the restaurant. I have also encountered many types of ramps ­ ramps that are covered completely over with weeds, ramps that are so steep that you think you will fall out of your wheelchair, ramps that are blocked by trash cans, ramps that allow entry only through the kitchen because they are built onto the rear of the building rather than the front.

Getting Around the Facility

Once inside, a new list of potential problems exists. I have often been forced to ask patrons to disrupt their meal, stand up and slide their table and chairs to the side in order for me to fit through the aisle.

Almost all public restrooms have a handicapped placard displayed, but frequently fall short of being accessible. I have expressed concern at many restaurants regarding the physical location of the restroom, an inaccessible pathway leading to the bathroom, bathroom doors that are too narrow and/or difficult to open/close independently, the type and location of the so-called handicapped stall, placement of grab bars, level and positioning of the toilet, sink, hand dryer/towel dispenser, etc. And I'm not alone in these problems.

Recently an acquaintance discussed with me the difficulty she experiences when assisting her physically disabled husband in a public restroom. She has to enter the opposite-sex restroom, which some may view as unlawful rather than a necessary fact of life. Wouldn't it be nice if more public facilities made unisex accessible restrooms available?

My physical limitations have changed significantly over the past three years. I was completely wheelchair dependent when I was discharged from the hospital following my strokes. In time, and with lots of therapy, I have steadily improved my ability to ambulate independently. I have moved from my wheelchair to using a four-wheeled walker, then a quad-cane and, now, a service dog. As you may have guessed, my restaurant experiences have changed along the way.

On the positive side, many restaurants attempt to be accommodating. I have found, however, that you cannot assume the host/hostess will think to ask about your needs. I have found that alerting the host/hostess about my needs allows for a more enjoyable time.

And, Finally, the Food!

There are some restaurants where I know the food is delicious but the facility is not accessible. Other restaurants are accessible but the food is not quite as good. I encourage others who have physical disabilities to call the restaurant first, inform them of your needs and ask them questions about their accessibility. Oh yes, don't forget to ask about the menu too!