There are a few WiFi and ADA updates coming to The Leo House in 2021/2022. Some updates are happening now and others are soon to begin. Keep reading to learn about the exciting changes including hi-speed WiFi as well as the addition of an ADA-Compliant room.

WiFi and ADA Updates:

Better Hi-Speed 200Mbps WiFi and Cable TV

Perhaps you need to conduct some business, update your travel blog or stream your favorite show on Netflix. No matter what the reason, we know that having a quality WiFi connection during your stay is incredibly important. If it is important to our guests, this upgrade is very important to us. The Leo House is investing in a major upgrade to our internet connectivity, WiFi and cable services. This is part of our effort to make your stay with us as enjoyable and productive as possible. We have contracted with Verizon to install a more efficient 200Mbps hi-speed FiOS WiFi system and a cable tv package. This project is currently ongoing and we anticipate its completion for Fall 2021.  As always, guests can stream TV using their own devices in their rooms using our free WiFi. Amazon TV is also available in our lounge and lobby.

ADA-Compliant Room

The Leo House is the most recent recipient of the O’Toole Grant. This grant provides some funding to Roman Catholic non-profit organizations. We are pleased to announce our plan to put that money towards the creation of an ADA-Compliant Room. An ADA-Complaint room will enable The Leo House to provide accommodations for all people including those with disabilities. 

Under the ADA, places of lodging constructed after January 26, 1993, must be usable by persons with disabilities. Our building was erected in 1926, so this doesn’t apply to The Leo House. However, it’s our goal to meet the requirements to serve our whole community and ensure that #allarewelcome. 

To meet this requirement, lodging facilities must comply with a number of regulations published by the Justice Department. The regulations contain detailed architectural requirements called the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (Standards), 28 C.F.R. pt. 36, Appendix A. 

ADA Standards for Accessible Design (Standards)

The ADA Standards are ensure accessibility for individuals with a variety of disabilities. A range of disabilities are on the ADA requirements list including persons who are blind, deaf or hard of hearing. Persons with limited use of extremities and persons who use wheelchairs are also on the list. The architectural requirements in the ADA Standards address the needs of all people with a disability. This endeavor requires a considerable investment for a facility even for just one room. 

Some changes include braille and raised letter signage and cane-detectable warnings of safety hazards for persons who are blind. We will have to install visual fire alarms for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. We will install door hardware, electronic controls, and faucet controls that do not require tight grasping. If someone uses mobility aids because they cannot walk or have problems walking or climbing stairs, we must provide ways of traveling throughout the facility that do not include steps, stairs, or other abrupt level changes. All doors will provide 32 inches of clear passage width, ramps and curb cuts for persons who use wheelchairs, crutches, and other mobility aids. We have a lot of work to do to make everyones stay as comfortable as possible. If you or someone you know would like to donate to this cause, please visit our donations page here.

The Leo House is heavily investing in these WiFi and ADA updates to improve our facility for our guests. We hope the next time you visit New York City you can enjoy some of our updates.