wheelchair user image

The process of booking an Airbnb has become easier to use for people with disability requirements with its new Adapted category.

The category features homes specifically adapted for wheelchair access, with verified step-free paths into the home, bedroom, and bathroom, as well as additional accessibility features.

Each home in the category receives a review and detailed 3D scan, which uses specially designed cameras that are used to create a 3D model of every home in the category. These models are then analysed to confirm its accessibility features and display key details like doorway widths that the host has listed.

Users can find accessible accommodation with enhanced search filters to provide a better search experience using the new Adapted category. Also, a one-to-one chat option allows people to chat directly with hosts for more information about the accessibility features of their stay or experience.

Additionally, hosts of experiences can choose to allow access providers to join the guests they’re assisting at no additional cost. Airbnb considers access providers to be anyone over the age of 18 who regularly assists a person with a disability, mental illness, or long-term illness with daily activities.

Airbnb has provided the new features through its teams, which have focused on building products that everyone can use. These teams work with engineers, designers, and others across the company to help ensure that products are built with accessibility in mind.

The teams conduct research with people who have accessibility needs and work with experts in the community. People who are interested in participating in a session about accessibility at Airbnb can fill in its accessibility research form.

Airbnb states that it is working towards the digital accessibility standards laid out by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and is investing in automated testing tools to help catch more issues.

Regarding web accessibility, a global survey revealed the extent to which websites are meeting accessibility guidelines, and while many organisations reported website accessibility being a top priority, only 14 percent meet the highest accessibility standards.

AT TODAY UPDATES
Over 7,000 healthcare professionals stay informed about the latest assistive technology with AT Today. Do you?
We respect your privacy