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.