Southbury-Based Hotel Reaches Settlement With U.S. Department of Justice

SOUTHBURY, CT — The federal government has reached a settlement agreement with the Wyndham Southbury Hotel in Southbury to resolve allegations that the hotel had not been operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), announced Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with disabilities alleging that the Wyndham Southbury Hotel was not accessible for individuals with physical disabilities. The hotel is in the process of making the changes required by the settlement agreement, which include significant improvements to designated accessible guest rooms, the addition of accessible public restrooms in the lobby, and the addition of parking spaces, including van accessible parking spaces, for individuals with disabilities, officials said. The hotel will continue to make improvements over the next two years.

Under federal law, private entities that own or operate “places of public accommodation,” including hotels, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability, officials said. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities.

The Department of Justice is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.

Daly said in a news release that the Wyndham Southbury Hotel’s management has worked quickly and cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address the ADA issues without litigation.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that individuals are able to access and enjoy the state’s hotels and other public accommodations,” stated Daly. “Our Office is committed to enforcing the ADA, which requires businesses to appropriately serve the diverse population of patrons who live, work, and visit Connecticut. We appreciate the cooperation of the management of the Wyndham Southbury Hotel and their willingness to make the necessary changes to the hotel in order to increase accessibility.”