20160727_100357_resized
2016-10-28_1-30-44
Orlando Weather

In association with the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

Know exactly which Orlando-area hotels, restaurants and services are accessible for persons in wheelchairs!

WheelchairJimmy has teamed-up with  the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management in Orlando, Florida to improve travel related accessibility standards for persons in wheelchairs in the Orlando area.  With over 3,500 students, the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management is largest hospitality program in North America. It is ranked #5 in the top hospitality management programs in the world and has over 60 faculty members from 17 countries. The University of Central Florida (UCF) is currently the second largest university in the United States.

Under the leadership of  Professor Cynthia Mejia, Ph.D., students at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management complete accessibility reviews and videos of Orlando hotel and restaurant properties based on the WheelchairJimmy Accessibility Rating (WJAR) methodology which looks beyond outdated ADA standards. WheelchairJimmy reviews these accessibility comments and videos to determine the WJAR ratings. These reviews provide an accurate insight on how well Orlando area businesses measure up to make their properties and services not just wheelchair accessible but wheelchair friendly as well.

We wish to thank Buena Vista Scooter Rentals for providing wheelchairs to the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management 2016 fall semester students to conduct their hotel and restaurant accessibility reviews. Visit Buena Vista Scooter Rental Website

Student Comments

"Throughout my tenure at the University of Central Florida, I simultaneously worked for a themed park resort where I interacted with guests from all over the world with varying wants and needs. It was not until I participated in Dr. Mejia’s course that I learned the true meaning of ADA compliance and wheelchair mobility. The project that I participated in for Wheelchair Jimmy’s website not only opened my eyes to the obstacles that wheelchair-bound guests face every day – it also helped develop me as a professional so that I can better meet the needs of my guests."  - Michael

At first, I didn't take this assignment serious at all. Our game plan for the assignment was that I would be in the wheelchair and my partner would videotape me as I moved around throughout the bar. The minute I sat down in the chair, my perception changed. It was an eye-opening experience in the fact that you don't know how hard it is until you are put in that situation. Moving around, having people stare at you, and not being able to see over the bar area was very demeaning. I was a person just like the guy next to me drinking a beer so why shouldn't I be treated that way? This experience was one that I think every teacher should make their students do so they get to experience it first hand. Great project and couldn't have had a better outcome from a project, not only from an academic standpoint, but also to use in my life after the class. -Jacob

I was able to learn all of the different aspects of ADA regulation for restaurants. It was very interesting to see how accessible a restaurant is because that is not always something you are thinking about. -Dennis

What I learned about wheelchair accessibility and myself has to be the adaptability to things such as a handicap shower or even a tub, it's something so different that we take for granted. I see it all the time, guests being assigned to handicapped rooms, and after doing this project I see how unfair this may be to people who truly need this accessibility. I also learned that some hotels don't follow the ADA guidelines and that is not fair. I hope one day it won't be like that, but only time will tell. Wheel Chair Jimmy is making a great contribution! -Gabrielle

The WJAR project made me more aware of the accessibility needs at hotels & restaurants. I was happy to share the WJAR site with an organization that builds accessible homes for wounded veterans so that they may use it when their recipients travel. -Amy