Tuolumne County Motel Agrees to Ensure Access for People with Disabilities

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California has entered into an agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the owner of the El Dorado Motel in Twain Harte, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced today.

In the agreement, Golden State Hospitality Management LLC, which owns and operates the motel, agreed to make a series of modifications to the motel to create a fully ADA-complaint unit in order to provide better access for guests with disabilities. The motel has also implemented a remote check-in option for guests who use wheelchairs.

“Popular tourist destinations in the Sierras draw a cross-section of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities so that they may enjoy access to places of public accommodation throughout the District.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office launched this investigation after it received a complaint from a member of the public who was told that she would have a wheelchair accessible room but found upon arrival that her room in fact had no accommodations. A further investigation and architectural assessment revealed that no room at the motel was appropriately wheelchair accessible. The ADA requires that places of public accommodation provide access to individuals with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emilia P. E. Morris handled the case for the United States. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

Individuals interested in finding out more about the ADA can call the Justice Department’s toll‑free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or access the ADA website at www.ada.gov.