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.

Accessible Accommodation will be introducing three additional tiers for accessibility. They are:Hearing AssistedVision AssistedSensory Assisted (Autism).We invite any person with a disability or a family member with lived experience who can provide input as to what the unique requirements are for those with Vision, Hearing and Sensory Disabilities.

Accessible Accommodation's Partnership With The Caravan Industry Association Of Australia.Accessible Accommodation (The Accessible Group) is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, which will benefit both people with disabilities (19% of our population) and retirees (25% of our population). Our shared objectives are to increase the choice of accessible accommodation options in holiday caravan parks around Australia. The Accessible Group will be conducting inclusion training for Holiday Parks so that they can truly create a warm and welcoming experience for guests with disabilities. The parks will also have the opportunity to be assessed with recommendations for cost-effective amenities to make guests' stays easier. Our mantra is that accessibility can be beautiful AND functional at the same time.CEO of The Caravan Industry Association of Australia, Stuart Lamont and CEO of The Accessible Group (Accessible Accommodation) Kerry WilliamsRecent data from Tourism Research Australia states that 20% of visitors in a caravan park or commercial camping ground reported a disability or long-term health condition of some kind.  This equates to approximately 3.8 million trips annually.  Now, caravan holiday park operators have a great opportunity to tap into this increasing demand through the provision of accessible accommodation, facilities, and activity areas. Founder of The Accessible Group, Kerry Williams commented; “Our Accessible Qualified program sets the standard for accessible tourism, offering peace of mind to both guests and providers.  Through our consulting service and inclusion training programs, we are aiming through this partnership to equip caravan holiday parks with the tools to offer a welcoming accessible guest experience.  It's a win-win partnership for both members and guests with disabilities.” 

How to overcome fears & embrace guests with disabilities. Link to the article here: https://issuu.com/multimediaau/docs/anau82-summer-2023/24

Walk A Mile In Their Shoes. Except In A Wheelchair!The age old saying “You can’t understand someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes” perfectly encapsulates why there is often a divide between what businesses THINK is accessible, and what is REALLY accessible. My own understanding came about from lived experience as a carer of a person with disability, and feedback from thousands upon thousands of our followers.  However, before Accessible Accommodation came to be,  I too was a property owner who thought she knew what accessibility was, but clearly didn't! I'd like to tell you about the weekend I learnt a very valuable lesson. My mum Barbie came to stay at our brand new wheelchair accessible holiday house in Barwon Heads, Victoria, 

Game-changing Tourism Accessibility Rating System. If you’re a tourism business that's keen to capture a fast-growing niche market but not sure how to go about it, I may have the answer. Especially because it might not be as niche as you think. Sure, the retiree demographic has been on the radar for some time, but couple this with people with disabilities (25% and 19% respectively), and it is all the more compelling to reevaluate your accessible rooms' ROI.The three categories ™  by which Accessible Accommodation rates an accessible property are now the benchmark for Accessible Tourism and are included in the ATDW accreditation section. It’s not just guests that enjoy peace of mind, but accommodation providers too.  As a business, you know exactly where you stand in your accessible offering.  No more wondering if the rooms are good enough, or hesitant for fear of a bad review. In fact, when expectations and reality are the same, there is a better chance of a great review.3 Tiered Rating System For Accommodation Providers In The Tourism IndustryBecause everyone’s needs differ, & to help make it simple, Accessible Accommodation categorises the differing needs of people to help make it easily identifiable. They are: Assisted Walking, Independent Wheelchair Users and Assisted Wheelchair users. The listing’s comprehensive FAQ helps answer each guest’s unique needs. Once your rating is given, you can promote it on your ATDW listing in the Accreditation section. You’ll receive a sticker for your entrance, a certificate and a digital rating to add to your marketing collateral. When guests with disabilities see your rating, they are assured your accommodation has been thoroughly vetted.3 Tiered Rating System for Peace Of Mind(ADTW) Australian Tourism Data Warehouse AccreditationOnce your accommodation or service is assessed and categorised by the experts at Accessible Accommodation you can enjoy peace of mind and be confident that you can meet the expectations of guests with disabilities. Furthermore, the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse has included this Game-changing Tourism Accessibility Rating System in its accreditation section, giving you the opportunity to promote it far and wide.9 Compelling Reasons For Listing Your Business On The Accessible Accommodation Website1/Receive your Accessible Qualified Program, & include it on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse Accreditation. Be part f this Game-changing Tourism Accessibility Rating System2/One of the fastest-growing travel sectors and in your own backyard.