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:By John Morris Wheelchairtravel.orgThe 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. 

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.

Quest's Exciting Partnership with Accessible Accommodation Paves the Way for Inclusive TourismUPDATE: ACCOMNEWS ARTICLE DECEMBER 2024Quest Apartment Hotels champions inclusive travel with landmark Accessibility Accreditation. Link HEREQuest Apartment Hotels, Quest 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.

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. How 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.

Discover Family-Friendly and Accessible Accommodation at BIG4 Holiday Park Gold CoastAre you planning a trip to the Gold Coast and looking for the perfect holiday park that offers accessibility, family-friendliness and proximity to the region's exciting theme parks?In this travel blog, we delve into the wonderful world of accessible accommodation and facilities this park offers. Perfect place to base yourself on the Gold CoastBIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park is situated just across the road from Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild, Outback Spectacular, Topgolf and only a 2-minute drive from Dreamworld and WhiteWater World. This holiday park is your gateway to unforgettable family adventures.Located just 45 minutes south of Brisbane at the northern end of the Gold Coast and only 45 minutes north of the Gold Coast Airport. Accommodation Options at BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday ParkBIG4 Holiday Park Gold Coast boasts a range of accommodation options to suit your needs. Whether you're travelling with family, friends or pets, they have something for everyone.

Accessible Holiday to Scarborough Beach & Rottnest Island. My parents live in WA and so when it was time to decide where we would catch up next, we decided to escape the chill of Victoria and chase the sunshine of the West Coast.  I hadn’t visited Scarborough before and so we decided to base ourselves at Ramada Vetroblu Scarborough Beach due to its central location.  Staying At Ramada Vetroblu Scarborough BeachRamada Vetroblu Scarborough Beach Accessible AccommodationThe room itself was great with plenty of space, two bedrooms and an accessible bathroom but what impressed me so much was the fact that they had actually thought about accessibility when designing the kitchen.  Not only was there a cut-out under the sink but the bench tops were lowered as were the overhead cupboards – it’s the first time in my life I’ve been able to access overhead cupboards! I don’t even have this luxury in my own home.  

Road Trip from Sydney to Brisbane (and Back) with Accessible Accommodation.If you're planning a coastal road trip from Sydney to Brisbane with a return inland route, this guide highlights accessible accommodation and activities along the way. Spanning ten days and covering a mix of urban hubs and scenic areas, this itinerary ensures your journey is both comfortable and accessible, with accessible accommodation options for people living with a disability. All the options have a minimum requirement of step-free access, a step-free shower with grab rails and doors wider than 76 cm. Many have even more great accessible features, such as sit-to-stand recliners, hoists and electric beds. Remember, there are heaps of options to choose from, each with 50 frequently asked ACCESSIBILITY questions, video tours and lots of pics.Day 1: SydneyStart your journey by checking into the Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour.   The Hotel has integrated accessible design seamlessly into their bathrooms, and accessible rooms are available in the King Bed Standard category. Gorgeous marble tiles, and the bathrooms and bedrooms are oversized, with a good turning circle for wheelchair users.Explore Sydney's accessible attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden, which both provide easy navigation for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility needs. Click HERE to learn more.Day 2: Sydney to Lake Macquarie (Driving Time: 2 hours)Drive north to the beautiful Lake Macquarie Manor. This accessible accommodation offers spacious rooms designed for easy mobility, featuring large roll-in showers, lowered benches, and step-free entryways. They also have ceiling and mobile hoists, electric hi-lo beds and sit-to-stand chairs. Convenient parking and wide hallways make it an ideal stopover for those seeking both comfort and accessibility. Spend your day exploring Lake Macquarie’s accessible parks and waterfronts, including scenic trails and adaptive water sports, such as sailing and kayaking, at Lake Macquarie Yacht Club. Click HERE to learn more.

Travel Tips - Travelling with Epilepsy. Find out how the Carroll family conquered their fears to make frequent travelling possible. Travel is doable if you or a family member has Epilepsy. By Daniel Carroll.    

Wheelchair-Friendly Road Trip: The Best Accessible Stays in North and Northeastern Victoria. Discover the natural beauty and vibrant communities of Northeastern Victoria with this eight-day accessible road trip. This guide includes accessible accommodation at every stop, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience.All the options have a minimum requirement of step-free access, a step-free shower with grab rails and doors wider than 76 cm. Many have even more great accessible features, such as pet-friendly options and accessible activities on-site. Remember, there are heaps of options to choose from, each with 50 frequently asked ACCESSIBILITY questions, video tours and lots of pics.Day 1: Melbourne - Overnight at Nesuto Apartment Hotel DocklandsStart your journey in Melbourne, where you can spend a relaxing evening at the Nesuto Apartment Hotel Docklands. This modern hotel offers fully accessible apartments with step-free access, accessible bathrooms, and close proximity to Melbourne's famous attractions. Park your car in the accessible parking on the ground floor and spend the day exploring the city’s wheelchair-friendly public spaces, including Federation Square and the nearby Docklands area, known for its waterside dining and shopping precincts.  Learn more HERE. Day 2: Healesville - Stay at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park (Driving Time: 1.5 hours)Travel to Healesville, a quaint town in the heart of the Yarra Valley, known for its wineries and the famous Healesville Sanctuary. You'll find a comfortable stay at the BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park, which offers three accessible cabins and shared spaces.  Visit Healesville Sanctuary, which provides wheelchair-accessible paths, ensuring everyone can enjoy this beloved wildlife park. The sanctuary has dedicated accessible parking and rest areas, making it easy for visitors to immerse themselves in Australia’s unique flora and fauna, including koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses.  Learn more HERE.

  Catalina Lakefront Retreat – providing Accessible Accommodation by the lake for community groups and people with disability.If you are a person with mobility challenges, finding suitable accommodation for a holiday can be daunting, especially if you have a large family or a member of a large group. Not anymore. 

Discover a journey from Sydney to Melbourne, winding along the scenic coast and returning inland, staying at accessible accommodations every step of the way.Whether you're looking for accessible swimming pools, serene views, or unusual stays, this itinerary highlights great options for travellers with mobility needs. All the options have a minimum requirement of step-free access, a step-free shower with grab rails and doors wider than 76 cm. Many have even more great accessible features, such as an accessible swimming pool and accessible activities on-site. Remember, there are heaps of options to choose from, each with 50 frequently asked ACCESSIBILITY questions, video tours and lots of pics.Day 1: Sydney to Shoalhaven Heads (Driving Time: 2 hours)Start your journey with a stay at the Bangalay Luxury Villas in Shoalhaven Heads. These two-bedroom villas combine elegance with accessibility, offering spacious rooms, open living spaces, and easy access to amenities. The villas are surrounded by lush landscapes, allowing you to relax in a serene setting after your drive from Sydney.  Learn more  HERE. Day 2: Shoalhaven Heads to Tilba Tilba (Driving Time: 3 hours)Head south to Mountain View Farm in Tilba Tilba. This charming accommodation offers breathtaking views of the countryside. Fully equipped with accessible bathrooms and a step-free shower with grab rails, it ensures a comfortable stay in a unique farm setting. Enjoy the local flavours, as Tilba Tilba is known for its artisan cheeses and heritage architecture. Learn more  HERE.

Embarking on an Accessible Adelaide to Melbourne Road Trip?Prepare yourself for a memorable journey on the road! We've carefully hand-picked top-tier, wheelchair-friendly accommodations and exhilarating activities specifically tailored for you. Thanks to our meticulous planning, your trip will be effortless.Imagine this - picturesque landscapes, comfortable stops and a smooth ride. All you need to do is start your engine, sit back, relax and savour the experience. Here's to an enjoyable journey, filled with unforgettable memories!North Adelaide Boutique Stays Accessible AccommodationNorth Adelaide Boutique StaysDiscover North Adelaide Boutique Stays, a 4-star property in central Adelaide, offering inclusive wheelchair-friendly studios. These well-equipped studios feature hospital beds with electronic controls, accessible bathrooms and a comprehensive pillow menu for a comfortable stay. Self-catering is a breeze with kitchenette facilities, and nearby O'Connell Street provides access to supermarkets. Accessible convenience and the perfect base to explore Adelaide.Things to do around North AdelaideExplore the vibrant neighbourhood with a flat walk to O'Connell Street, known as Eat Street, filled with restaurants, cafes and shops. Public transport takes you to Adelaide's CBD in 10 minutes. Plus, enjoy a 5-minute stroll to the North Adelaide Aquatic Centre for relaxation or visit the nearby wheelchair-accessible Piccadilly Cinemas. No trip to South Australia is complete without a visit to the award-winning Adelaide Zoo.Sunnynook Port Elliot Accessible AccommodationSunnynookJust 75 minutes from Adelaide, Sunnynook is nestled in the coastal town of Port Elliot. This modern 4-bedroom accessible holiday house offers stunning wetland views. It is the ideal place for respite, a getaway, or medium-term stays, and it’s pet-friendly. With a hoist, commode and electric bed, it caters to all types of physical disabilities. More than just accommodation; it is a gateway to Port Elliot's charm and natural beauty.Things to do around Port ElliotPort Elliot, a historic coastal gem, blends old-world charm with modern attractions. Horseshoe Bay provides a safe swimming haven monitored by surf lifeguards during summer, and the coastal walk offers scenic views. From May to September, lucky visitors could spot migrating whales.

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.  

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

Are we living or existing? A thought-provoking letter by JR Mitchell of The Accessible Group.Are we living or existing? Much is said about the rights of people with disabilities and much has changed in recent decades, but are we making the most of our lives? Are we living or existing? Are we our own worst enemy?We all only have one short life, sure it may last 50, 60, 70, 80 years but in reality, it's a short time. One day you wake up and realise a big percentage of your life has already passed and there's still things you want to do and places to see.I know, I can talk from experience. At 63 I'm in a situation where my days are numbered due to health issues, the biggest part of my life is over and only a short time remains. So it raises questions like: Have I made the most of my life?

Accessible Destinations in Southeast AsiaWant to bask under the warmth of the sun, soak in crystal blue waters, and indulge in fresh delicacies? When travel restrictions ease, book a flight to Southeast Asia and have the best time of your life as you explore the epitome of a tropical paradise! Though the spots in this region will surely give you bliss, there are many locations that will present roadblocks and challenges for travellers, especially for those with disabilities.To ensure that you’ll have a stress-free time, our post on travelling with Epilepsy recommends that you go the extra mile to invest in travel insurance and to prepare necessary medications. Remember that it is important for you to have a great time, so you need to prepare properly for your travel experience! You can start by choosing from these top destinations that are accessible and enjoyable for everyone, including you.Bali, Indonesiahttps://images.unsplash.com/photo-1559305289-4c31700ba9cYou’ll surely be able to relax and unwind, knowing that this top destination definitely lives up to its reputation! The cherry on top is that Eastern Bali is both affordable and accessible. The roads of Sanur and Nusa Dua are wide, so they only experience light traffic. This makes it easier for you to explore the gorgeous resorts and navigate the wheelchair-friendly boardwalks. The hotels also offer a five-star experience, since they are able to provide wheelchairs and lift access to people with disabilities.https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1611990786025-c4a0d99e62c0Cebu, PhilippinesCebu is one of the rare destinations that can satisfy history geeks, beach bums, foodies, and people with disabilities! This city is located in the centre of the Philippines, and it offers so many unique sites that you’ll regret not staying for a very long time. The pavements and the streets of Cebu can get rough, but you will still feel at ease roaming around since the city centre offers ramps at corners and signals for pedestrians. The restaurants also have ramps, so you can easily enter and indulge in the fresh seafood and sumptuous roasted pig that Daydreaming in Paradise recommends. Cebu also offers a wide range of accommodation options, so you can surely rest and pamper yourself after a long day of exploration.Kuala Lumpur, Malaysiahttps://images.unsplash.com/photo-1532745609869-16df0d287f3bIf you want a good adventure, then you will surely enjoy roaming around Malaysia’s capital city. Several tourist attractions in the city can cater to your specific needs. For instance, the famous Petronas Twin Towers offers an accessible tour headed by professional staff members who will surely put a smile on your face. You can also learn more about local marine wildlife by exploring Malaysia’s first underground aquarium exhibit. Most importantly, people with disabilities can hop aboard the funicular train that can take you to the top of Penang Hill for free!