By now, you are likely in the throes of making changes to the newly revised American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III regulations. Although the changes may no longer be news, they are certainly among the year’s most popular topics of discussion, the cause of numerous headaches, and the source of many questions from our hospitality clients.

Taking into account the March 15, 2011, effective date (followed by the March 15, 2012, compliance date) several of our clients are beginning to work from a checklist designed to help them better understand the new standards, particularly as they relate to the newly covered elements. Newly covered elements address, for the first time, a number of recreational aspects of the lodging industry, including but not limited to: exercise facilities, swimming pools, wading pools, spas, steam rooms, and saunas. And the ADA didn’t forget owners and operators golf courses, either.