D'Lil

I. Background

Hollynn D’Lil is a paraplegic who requires the use of a wheelchair for mobility. On December 13, 2001, D’Lil trav- eled from her home in Sacramento to Santa Barbara, Califor- nia in order to conduct a property inspection for attorney D’LIL v. BEST WESTERN 10359 Jason Singleton.1 Early that day, she called the Best Western Encina to reserve a wheelchair accessible room for the night. She was informed that the hotel had an available room that lacked a roll-in shower, but was fully accessible in all other respects. She reserved the room.

When D’Lil arrived at the hotel that evening, she encoun- tered what she describes as “multiple and severe barriers to disabled access.” Steep ramps, lack of handrails, and high counters made it difficult for D’Lil to maneuver in the front lobby and desk area. After D’Lil checked in and proceeded to her room, she discovered that the area of the hotel containing the designated disabled access rooms did not have any van accessible parking spaces nearby. Once inside her room, D’Lil found that many of the facilities, including the door hardware, curtain and heating controls, and lamps were either too high or too…