March 14, 2011This was sent to Ms Suzette Arruda and copied to The Royal Gazette.Dear Ms Arruda,Re: ADA ComplianceThank you for your letter dated March 3, 20112 regarding an incident you observed involving a wheelchair-bound female passenger who experienced difficulties gaining entry to one of the restrooms at the LF Wade International Airport.Understandably, the incident raised questions in our mind as to whether or not the lavatories complied with standards set by the American Disabilities Association (ADA) regarding accessibility for persons who are physically challenged. Please be aware that the public restroom facilities at the Airport Terminal building recently underwent a major restoration process designed to:1. Meet the ADA minimum capacity of restroom stalls, urinals and sinks within a given area;2. Meet the ADA minimum disability guidelines for the physically challenged. This includes access and amenities such as restroom stalls, sinks and mirrors;3. Ensure that the ADA minimum disability guidelines are satisfied without exceeding the infrastructure limitations of the Terminal building.On each floor of the Terminal building, there are designated ADA-compliant restroom facilities and signage pointing to same. Although airline staff members know where these handicapped-accessible restrooms are located for their wheelchair-bound passengers, those left unassisted may have a challenge deciphering the whereabouts of the ADA-compliant restrooms. Hence, this incident suggests that perhaps the level of signage can be improved in order to avoid a similar incident from re-occurring.Accordingly, the Department of Airport Operations (DAO) has commenced the review of all existing signage throughout the Terminal building with an eye to improving its level of visibility for the travelling public at large.I can appreciate how witnessing this incident would have led to your concerns and to the subsequent action you took in assisting the passenger and bringing the matter to my attention. Allow me to commend you on both counts and to assure you, that the facilities at the LF Wade International Airport are indeed compliant with ADA guidelines.Thank you again for your concerns and on behalf of the DAO and the airlines serving LF Wade International Airport, we regret the inconvenience this undoubtedly will have caused.AARON T. ADDERLEYGeneral Manager