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 aim to equip caravan holiday parks with the tools to offer a welcoming, accessible guest experience through this partnership.  It's a win-win partnership for both members and guests with disabilities.” 

Accessible Accommodation were thrilled that Libby Coker, Member of Parliament representing the Corangamite Region celebrated our win at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in her speech in Parliament House, Canberra today.Here is the transcript:The Electorate of Corangamite in Victoria is a beautiful place home to the Great Ocean Road, the stunning surf coast and the Bellarine Peninsula. Our hospitality and excellence in tourism is well known. Our message to visitors is come and experience our unique natural beauty taste the flavours and quality of our food and wine and of course.And it's a message that is reflected in the extraordinary achievement of three local businesses who won gold, silver and bronze at the recent Australian Tourism Awards in Darwin and as chair of the NDIS Joint Standing Committee, I was thrilled to congratulate the silver medal winner, Kerry Williams, who took out the accessible tourism category. This result reflects Kerry's hard work, determination and excellence not only in enhancing our region's tourism industry, but also in leading the way in creating tourism accommodation that is inclusive and accessible for all.Her award is well deserved and I'm confident her success will inspire others to create to create innovative, accessible accommodation that supports people with disability. And it's a great business opportunity that addresses growing demand, deputy speaker Australia's tourism and travel industry delivers more than 60 Billion dollars to the economy and supports more than 650,000 jobs and 350,000 businesses across the country.

Dare Magazine's Trudie McConnochie interviewed a group of mature women starting a business, including Kerry WIlliams, Founder of Accessible Accommodation and Accessible Experiences. Read the story HERE.

Accessible Accommodation’s Campaign Urging Airlines to Allow Wheelchairs on PlanesAccessible Accommodation, a leading advocate for accessibility and inclusion, has seen renewed momentum for our campaign to call upon airlines in Australia to allow wheelchair users to bring their mobility devices on board flights. The campaign, supported by a change petition with over 31,000 signatures, aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with mobility challenges and physical disabilities when travelling by air. The renewed momentum follows a working prototype of the design, demonstrated by Delta Flight Products (DFP) at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany, a symposium spotlighting aeroplane cabin innovations.Video demonstration:https://youtu.be/Bt5lQffdgEABy John Morris Wheelchairtravel.org https://youtu.be/Bt5lQffdgEAThe petition highlights the fact that people with mobility challenges and physical disabilities possess a deep passion for travel, just like any other individual. Airline travel is an integral part of their overall travel experience, and they aspire to use their electric or manual wheelchairs throughout their journey. Allowing passengers to bring their wheelchairs into the cabin not only reduces the risk of damage to their expensive equipment but also alleviates the stress and discomfort associated with transferring to their seats.Despite acknowledging that there are alternative approaches to address this issue, little has been done to implement a practical solution in Australia. However, this innovative prototype has been picked up internationally by CNN,  AXIOS, CBS NEWS, SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE.This campaign serves as a call to action for airlines based in Australia to proactively address the needs of wheelchair users and eliminate the existing barriers.

Kerry speaks to Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine about the booming Accessible Tourism Sector at their Annual Conference.Accessible tourism is about giving people with disabilities the same joy of travel and experiences that someone without a disability has, whether it be a neurological or a physical disability. Everyone should be able to have a break.And, apart from that, it actually makes good business sense.https://youtu.be/5qw4o3FQw8cHow It StartedI'm Kerry Williams. I am the Founder of two websites, Accessible Accommodation and Accessible Experiences. The reason I started the business was because of my mum. On multiple travel trips, we always had to find accommodation in particular, that was accessible, and we had enormous difficulty with it.The catalyst was in Tasmania, where I thought I'd asked all the right questions about Mum being able to get in the shower and we got there only to find that the shower was not accessible.

Quest's Exciting Partnership with Accessible Accommodation Paves the Way for Inclusive TourismQuest Apartment Hotels, a renowned provider of serviced apartments, has recently forged a valuable partnership with The Accessible Group, signalling their commitment to promoting accessible tourism. This collaboration comes as a response to the growing demand for inclusive travel experiences. By joining forces, Quest and Accessible Accommodation (The Accessible Group) aim to enhance the guest experience and set a new standard for the industry as a whole.Elevating the Guest ExperienceKerry Williams, the founder of Accessible Accommodation and Accessible Experiences, expressed her delight about the partnership, emphasizing the popularity of Quest Apartment Hotels among the community of travellers with a disability. She commended both Quest's business executive team and the brand itself for their unwavering commitment to raising the bar in the industry, serving as an example for others to follow.To solidify this partnership, over 1,200 Quest team members will participate in the Tourism Accommodation Inclusion Training Program. This comprehensive online course, developed in collaboration with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia, spans two to three hours and equips Quest Franchisees and employees with the knowledge and skills to provide exceptional service to guests with diverse accessibility needs.Anthea Dimitrakopoulos, Quest's General Manager of Sales and Marketing, expressed her pride in the partnership said: “We’re incredibly proud of our new partnership, and we’re pleased to hear the wonderful feedback from Accessible Accommodation community members who’ve chosen to stay at our locally owned and operated properties because of the attractive combination of accessible rooms at great value in convenient locations.”

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

"Whether you are visiting family, ticking off a bucket list adventure or travelling to attend a medical appointment – your accommodation selection is crucial" An article by MND (Motor Neurone Disease) Western Australia.Check out Quest Perth Actott HERECheck out Margarets Forest Apartments HERECheck out Choices House HERECheck out the full article HERE

Coach and The Doctor Podcast With Ashlee Morton From Accessible Accommodation This week, our General Manager Ashlee had the pleasure of sitting down with Coach and The Doctor on their podcast which is ‘the show that raises awareness of the NDIS by speaking to incredible people in the world of disability’.  We have been asked to be a regular contributor to the show with a segment focusing on the world of travelling with a disability.  This week we introduced Accessible Accommodation, who we are and what we do. In future episodes, we will discuss topical news in the accessible travel sector, talk about advancements in the area and showcase some of our favourite properties across Australia.  Listen Here - Spotify Link Coach and The Doctor JaeMan Podcast - 14 June 2023Meet The Accessible Accommodation TeamThe team at Accessible Accommodation consists of individuals who either have a disability themselves or are family members of someone with a disability. This firsthand experience enables them to understand the diverse mobility needs of their guests and cater to them accordingly. Their aim is to empower individuals with mobility challenges who love to travel. They do this by addressing physical limitations, providing support requirements, and embracing personalized accessibility solutions.  

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.

Accessible Accommodation is a silver winner in the 2022 Victorian Tourism Awards, in the Excellence In Accessible Tourism Category.The category features businesses working to positively impact culture and society so people from all walks of life who can thrive as part of a supportive community. Our achievements are related primarily to:It is the second year we have been a silver winner. Hopefully 2023 we may win Gold!Their Awards encourage businesses to exceed industry standards, playing an important role in acknowledging business excellence together with outstanding innovation, industry professionalism and collaboration.  We won silver in 2021 as well.

Telstra Best Of Business Awards received over 20,000 applications nationally. Accessible Accommodation is a Victorian State Finalist in their 2023 awards, in the Building Communities Category.The category features businesses working to positively impact culture and society so people from all walks of life who can thrive as part of a supportive community. Our achievements are related primarily to:Our Facebook Group of some 7600 members where people with disabilities can inspire, share and learn all things accessible accommodation and experiences. Visit our group HERE.Our Change.org petition to allow for wheelchairs on planes, and to create an inclusive and welcoming travel experience when flying. Read more about our petition HERE.Accessible Accommodation was also a finalist in the 2022 Telstra Best Of Business awards.

Interview With 94.7 The Pulse Radio -How Accessible Accommodation Came To Be.Today I was interviewed by 94.7 The Pulse Radio, discussing Accessible Accommodation.We explained how it started; because our family has so many issues finding accessible accommodation. How, no matter how many questions I asked, we still arrived to find there was no way mum could get in the shower.Listen to the interview. Pulse Radio -Accessible AccommodationHow far we have come! Over 130 places to stay, from Houseboats, Resorts, Hotels and Holiday Homes, to even Glamping! Each of them qualified with over 50 frequently asked questions, video tours and lots of photos of the bathrooms.We discussed how NDIS has freed up people with disabilities savings. My first feedback was from a lady who had to save $15,000 to $18,000 every two years to replace her electric wheelchair. She was over the moon, as there were now options to take a holiday, something she has not had in over 15 years.