Today I am sharing my experience with Hotel Loveno. In June I wanted to do some research into accessibility in Italy, to understand what laws govern it, what the minimum and recommended standards are, and how to improve the welcome at Hotel Loveno for people with these needs.

We discovered that Hotel Loveno has many limitations, mainly because it is a protected historical asset.

Not only do we not have permission to build a lift inside, but we cannot even make changes consistent with current accessibility legislation.

However, we would like to improve, and I suggest you read the article I have prepared for the hotel website to find out what we are taking into consideration.

The law on accessibility in Italy is regulated by Ministerial Decree 236/1989, Law 104/1992 – art. 24 “Elimination or overcoming of architectural barriers”.

The UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities – ratified by our country with Law 18/2009 – indicates a further effort by stating that accessibility is a “means” to allow persons with disabilities to fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

After gathering information and getting informed, we identified some blog articles that helped us in interpreting Ministerial Decree 236/1989, Law 104/1992 – art. 24 “Elimination or overcoming of architectural barriers”.

This research has allowed us to confirm that Hotel Loveno is exempt from this rule for two reasons:

  • it has not undergone any construction work since the 1950s;
  • they are buildings protected for cultural interest.

The status of a property subject to protection for cultural interest prevents any internal or external changes, but we are still interested in making any possible improvements to make Hotel Loveno as welcoming as possible for everyone.

Therefore, We have decided to try to improve our hospitality for people with specific needs. From an initial check, it seems that Hotel Loveno can improve to facilitate the stay of deaf people.

Some of the actions we are evaluating:

  • Train all the staff on standard communication.
    • Speak slowly and always facing,
    • be willing to repeat the same sentence several times,
    • try not to use too technical language,
    • use physical contact, but always in a discreet way,
    • avoid background noises that create a certain disturbance and discomfort for the deaf.
  • Orientation.
    • Clear information: add signs with directions to the breakfast room, bar, toilets, garden, to the rooms.
    • ensure illuminated paths or lights on at night to facilitate orientation.
  • To allow communication and not make the person feel isolated.
    • Equip the rooms with call indicators with vibrating or luminous information;
    • add writing materials and telephones with visual indicators in the rooms;
    • alarm clock with vibrating alarm,
    • television with subtitled programs.

I hope you enjoyed this article! Are you interested in this topic?
Please share your opinion with me, I always enjoy reading your comments!

Sara

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