Female Announcer:  And now it's time for the Americans with Disabilities Act updates brought to you by the New England ADA Center. The center is located in Boston at the Institute for Human Centered Design across from TD Garden.  If you have questions about the ADA call 1-800-949-4232 or visit their website NewEnglandADA.org.

Oce: Hi, I’m Oce from the New England ADA Center. I'm going to talk with you about dining out for people with disabilities. But first, what comes before appetizers and entrees? The answer: Access to restaurants for people with disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act says that people with disabilities need to have the same restaurant experience as those without disabilities. The key to a successful restaurant trip is, plan ahead. You need to make sure you can have a safe and comfortable dining experience how Here are five tips:

First, make sure you can get into the restaurant. Often there is one or two stairs and sometimes more. For people with mobility issues, one stair is one too many. So call ahead and ask if they have a ramp.

Second, when calling ahead, find out if the bathroom is accessible.

Third, once inside the restaurant, how far is it to your table and is here a clear path to your table

Fourth, ask for what you need. You have a right to request what the ADA calls reasonable modification. You don't have to use these exact words, but you can, for example, ask for a table near the entrance or ask a waiter to read the menu with you.

Fifth and last, if you have a hearing loss write down anything you do or do not want with your order.

In summary the Americans with Disabilities Act requires restaurants to provide goods to people with disabilities on an equal basis with the rest of the public.

Bon Appetit!

Female Announcer:  If you have questions about this or any topic related to the ADA call 1-800-949-4232 or visit the New England ADA Center website at NewEnglandADA.org.