Accessibility

BUILDING ACCESSIBILITY

The Wheeler Mansion strives to provide inviting accommodations that are welcoming and accessible for all individuals, including persons with loss of hearing, loss of vision, or other impairments.

Originally built in 1870, The Wheeler Mansion is one of the last remaining mansions that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The Wheeler Mansion has maintained much of its original architecture. We are located in a historic neighborhood. in 1997, just before the abandoned property was going to be torn down into a parking lot, it was purchased by Manor Home LLC. In 1998, it was designated as a Chicago Landmark. Shortly after in 1999, The Wheeler Mansion opened as a luxury hotel.

As an authentic Victorian Mansion, a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) determined that the building’s design and construction made it unfeasible to replace the front entrance stairs or provide alternative compliant access. Also, there is no elevator on the premises. These factors combine to make The Wheeler Mansion not accessible for those requiring wheelchairs, and only potentially accessible to those using walkers, and other mobility aids, who can also navigate several flights of stairs. While we wish we could accommodate wheelchairs, we are unable to do so with the current building constraints.

Each of our Bathrooms has support bars in and around the showers. (Currently, we are in the process of installing these support bars around all of the toilets as well).

The Inn offers support for the hearing impaired. Compu-TTY ADA Compliance Deluxe Hotel Kit can be set up in any guest room upon request. This kit includes Standard TDD, a VISUAL DOOR KNOCK Signaler, a Handset Telephone Amplifier, Visual Telephone Ring Signaler, and an Alarm Clock with a Bed Shaker.

Our staff is happy to assist with any questions regarding the accessibility of the building and lodging rooms or any special accommodations needed for persons with disabilities. If you have any questions regarding the accessibility of our hotel, please contact us with any questions via telephone at +1 (312) 945-2020, or via email at mail@wheelermansion.com and our staff will be happy to assist you. Given considerations to COVID management, we currently have Front Desk Staff from 8 am to 4 pm.

WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY

The Wheeler Mansion works very hard to ensure maximum compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 in accordance with the guidelines shared on the ada.gov website.

Many people with disabilities use assistive technology that enables them to use computers. Some assistive technology involves separate computer programs or devices, such as screen readers, text enlargement software, and computer programs that enable people to control the computer with their voice. Other assistive technology is built into computer operating systems. For example, basic accessibility features in computer operating systems enable some people with low vision to see computer displays by simply adjusting color schemes, contrast settings, and font sizes. Operating systems enable people with limited manual dexterity to move the mouse pointer using keystrokes instead of a standard mouse. Many other types of assistive technology are available, and more are still being developed.

Poorly designed websites can create unnecessary barriers for people with disabilities, just as poorly designed buildings prevent some people with disabilities from entering. Access problems often occur because website designers mistakenly assume that everyone sees and accesses a webpage in the same way. This mistaken assumption can frustrate assistive technologies and their users. Accessible website design recognizes these differences and does not require people to see, hear, or use a standard mouse in order to access the information and services provided.

To learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act – specifically about the 1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design – please visit the ADA Standards for Accessible Design website.