Accessibility can vary widely, not only due to the diverse needs of people with different types of disabilities but also because accommodations were often designed according to the standards of their time. Older properties may have limited modifications in place, while newer builds are typically designed with a broader range of accessibility features. In this blog, I'll answer some common questions about accessibility and help clarify what you might expect across different accommodation types and styles.

How Can You Tell If a Person Has a Disability?

You can't.

The majority of disabilities are invisible. For example, early stages of Parkinsons or Multiple Sclerosis (MS) aren't immediately visible. People living with Mental health challenges and disabilities aren't going to say to a stranger, "I have a disability." 21% of Australians live with a disability. So, for every five people you walk past today, one of them is living with a disability. If you see someone wobbly on their feet, they may not be inebriated; rather, they may have a disability affecting their balance. If you ask someone a question and they don't answer, it's best not to assume they are being rude. They may have a hearing impairment, cognitive functional challenges or living with a mental illness and finding it difficult to cope today.

What is Accessible Accommodation?

Simply put, it's a place designed to make people with disabilities feel welcome and comfortable. However, the specific features needed to achieve this comfort vary depending on the type of disability, which can create a bit of a grey area. There's no one-size-fits-all solution for accessibility; instead, accommodations offer varying levels of accessibility to suit different needs.

What is "Fully Accessible"?

Just because a property has step-free access, a stroll-in shower, and grab rails, it doesn't mean it is fully accessible. In fact, there is no such thing as "Fully accessible" Why? Because there are hundreds of different types of disability, it is virtually impossible to cater for all. For example, a person with visual disability's needs differs significantly from someone with a physical disability. For those with visual disabilities, accommodations may require features like high-contrast signage, tactile and Braille labels, accessible digital tools, and consistent lighting to improve navigation.

On the other hand, physical disabilities often necessitate step-free access, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and adjustable furniture to ensure safe, independent movement throughout a space. While both types of disabilities involve thoughtful design considerations, the solutions differ significantly in addressing each group's specific requirements for a comfortable and accessible experience. We are more inclined to think places are fully accessible when they have a hi-lo electric bed, hoist and commode.

In other words, no accessible accommodation is perfect for all disability. However, many accommodations cater to an extended range of needs.

Why Do You Have a Tiered Property Rating System?

Through extensive research with our community, we identified that people with physical disabilities often face the most significant challenges when travelling and staying in accommodation. We also found that there are different levels of mobility needs. For example, individuals who use a walking frame or cane have mobility requirements different from those who use a wheelchair, a group we refer to as "Assisted Walking."

For wheelchair users, accessibility needs vary further. Some wheelchair users can independently transfer themselves (self-transfer) to a bed, shower chair, or toilet—this group is categorised as "Independent Wheelchair Users." However, others may need additional assistance, such as patient hoists, adjustable hi-lo beds for safer transfers, and commode wheelchairs for showering and toileting. This group is classified as "Assisted Wheelchair Users." These three categories help to clearly define accessibility requirements and enable travellers to find accommodations that genuinely meet their needs.

Furthermore, this year, we introduced "Sensory Assisted; in 2025, we are introducing two other categories: Hearing and Vision Assisted.

Is Accessibility Only For People With Disabilities?

The answer to this question is no. Accessibility helps many more of our population than you may think. For example, seniors who prefer the step-free convenience of accessible accommodation because they may have had a hip or knee replacement. They may be a bit wobbly on their feet as they age.

Then there are parents with prams and strollers. Lifting a toddler, a stroller and bags up a flight of stairs is cumbersome and not always possible. For all these reasons, we encourage every business (and it is our bare minimum requirement) to ensure the accommodation is step-free.

 

What Is The Difference Between Easy Access And Accessible?

"Easy access" and "accessible" often appear in accommodation descriptions, yet they are distinctly different. "Easy access" generally means the property is designed to be convenient for guests with minimal mobility concerns, such as those who can manage a few steps or prefer short walking distances. But they may lack comprehensive accessibility features.

In contrast, "accessible" accommodations are explicitly designed with disability needs in mind, incorporating features such as wide doorways, step-free entry, grab rails, accessible bathrooms, and other equipment or features to support those with higher mobility needs, including wheelchair users. Understanding these distinctions helps ensure travellers select the right accommodation based on their unique requirements. At Accessible Accommodation, we don't list "easy access" properties because we believe this only confuses and muddies the waters.

What Do People With Disabilities People Struggle With The Most?

Feedback from our thousands of followers is that there are two major aspects: physical accessibility and lack of information. To elaborate further, there is a lack of accurate AND up-to-date information. Because businesses undergo refurbishments and updates, we at Accessible Accommodation reaudit the properties yearly to receive accreditation. For physical accessibility, the most common issue is steps and stairs.

What Is Lack Of Accessibility?

Quite simply, lack of accessibility means there are barriers to accessing and enjoying a venue or accommodation. It also means the difficulty in finding information too. If what you see on a website is consistent on arrival, you are going to have a more satisfying experience or stay.

This is why we have a widget on our website that we also encourage all businesses to have. Website accessibility nowadays is very easy to achieve with widgets such as USERWAY. Visitors can seamlessly read about their business if they have visual limitations, cognitive difficulties, sensory processing, and physical disabilities.

For accommodation operators, we also strongly recommend that they clearly state both the accessible and non-accessible features of the property. Let me share a personal experience illustrating why this transparency is so important. Years ago, I planned a holiday with my parents. My mum, who had MS, struggled with balance and mobility, and even a single step could be a major obstacle. I spoke with the owner of a lovely short-stay property in Hobart, specifically requesting step-free access and a shower without steps. The owner assured me it was indeed step-free.

Upon arrival, however, Mum and I discovered a small step—about ten centimetres—into the shower. For Mum, that small step might as well have been Mount Everest. She resigned herself to handwashing for the week, another instance in a long history of compromising her comfort due to misunderstandings about accessibility.

Imagine spending a holiday unable to shower because of an unexpected barrier. If the property owner had simply included photos showing the bathroom entry or shower, we could have made an informed decision. Isn't it better to lose a booking by being upfront than to overpromise and leave a guest disappointed?

What Are The Key Factors To Consider When Looking For Accessibility?

Every one of our listings has fifty frequently asked questions. Because everyone needs differ. While one question and answer may be vital to one person, it may not be the same for another. However, as a minimum, our expectations are:

• Step-free access
• Step-free shower
• Fixed grab rails in the shower
• Either an over toilet chair or fixed grab rails in the toilet.
• Doors wider than 76 cm (for tier 1 Assisted Walking) and 80 cm for tiers 2 and 3, Independent Wheelchair User and Assisted Wheelchair User.
• Corridors must be at least 80 cm, or if there is a turn, they must be 90 cm.
• On-site disabled parking

Many aspects go beyond this, and any of our property's 50 frequently asked questions will explain what they are.

Disability can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any age and at any time in our lives. Empathy and patience can help in the way we communicate.