Vrbo’s new accessibility partnership opens doors to everyone

LW: Accessible travel refers to making travel experiences inclusive and barrier-free for everyone. It ensures that transportation, accommodation, attractions and services are designed or adapted to accommodate all, regardless of physical, sensory or cognitive capabilities.

Without accessible travel, our world would be much less inclusive and equitable. Our society often forgets that accessible travel ultimately benefits everyone, not just those of us with disabilities. It helps our economy by boosting tourism—it's good business.

LW: The lack of reliable information for travellers with disabilities often forces them to go through extensive advanced planning, mostly due to limited travel choices. Coordinating multiple accessible services is complicated and time-consuming.

For example, when I am planning travel, I have to allocate extra time for booking due to frequently outdated or unreliable accessibility information. The inconsistent accessibility of airlines, trains and buses adds concerns over potential damage to my wheelchair and the challenge of finding accessible transit options at my destination, which are often scarce or not available. Booking accommodation is especially difficult due to the lack of measurements or photos to help me understand how I'd navigate the space. Additionally, finding accessible destinations and activities can be challenging, as public facilities, restaurants and shops often have limited access.

What makes things even more challenging is feeling discriminated against and unwelcomed. It's hard to say, but assumptions about my capabilities, a lack of understanding about disabilities and being treated as a burden rather than a valued customer make travelling incredibly tough.

LW: People with disabilities not only want to travel—we do travel. In fact, we're avid travellers and adventurers. I love being near water and I would travel all the time— or business, pleasure, education and the sheer joy of exploring new places—if there were more accessible places to stay.

Accessible travel isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. While some may need wheelchair-accessible accommodation, others may be facing chronic illness or limitations with visual, hearing or cognitive abilities. Every situation calls for unique accommodation and thoughtful consideration, so it's important to consider each traveller's unique needs and capabilities. With that, it's equally important to not assume someone needs help simply because of a visible disability as it can be demeaning, so open communication with your travellers is critical.

LW: I've had various negative experiences personally, but I'll share one trip that always comes to mind. After weeks of planning, I embarked on a 1,400-mile journey to mid-America.

Things started off great, but as we arrived in Arkansas, we found that the bed in our "accessible" room was too low for my attendant to safely transfer me. When we requested an extra mattress to elevate the bed, the property attempted a makeshift solution by placing books under each leg of the bed to raise it. When my caretaker attempted to lift me from my bed, the mattress slipped off the platform of the books and I fell to the ground. I wasn't hurt, but the experience was jarring. It was unfortunate, because this marred what was an otherwise fantastic trip.

On the flip side, there are so many stories of great experiences I can share. From a Canadian family who drove two and a half days to get to us to a family from Austin who spent 28 years searching for an accessible holiday spot that could accommodate their 48-year-old son, who is blind, uses a wheelchair and has autism.

A personal favourite may be our repeat customers from Virginia. The father asked me if I was the owner—he wanted to thank me for creating a place where his family could holiday comfortably and that this was the first time he had ever been able to take a shower on holiday.

LW: Oh, absolutely! There's a whole world of possibilities here. Here are my top three recommendations to get hosts started:

1. Educate yourself about accessibility.

You can use the new online training module we created in partnership with Vrbo to help hosts easily and efficiently enhance the accessibility of their properties.

What's great about the training is it walks you through the accessibility enhancements step by step. Also, it makes it clear that when it comes to accessibility needs, there's no one-size-fits-all approach.

For example, while we know wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and canes can be visual signs of disabilities, cognitive, hearing or sight impairments aren't so visible. After taking the training, hosts will learn not only about baseline accessibility upgrades but also how to think beyond the obvious and focus on ways they can accommodate each and every traveller.

2. Focus on the details.

Let potential guests know exactly what accessibility features you provide. Vrbo's new accessibility filters make it easier than ever to show off special features that make your space accommodating for travellers of all abilities. In addition to noting your property is wheelchair accessible, hosts can now specify whether their property is single-level, offers a stair-free path to entrance, includes accessible parking—and more.

Don't forget to spell out accessible features in your property's description. Go beyond saying you have a single-storey rental and clearly explain how your home accommodates people with thoughtful additions like grab bars, adjustable beds, roll-in showers, etc. The more features you mention, the more guests will know you're thinking about them and considering their needs.

3. Include high-quality photos and ADA-accessible descriptions.

Photos are essential for making your property stand out. Too often we see pictures of flowers or table settings but not the actual features of the property. High-quality photos that show the entire room (including steps, entryways, rugs and showers—not just waist-up shots) and accessible features will help renters tell if your property meets their needs or not. For those who may be visually impaired, it's equally important to include ADA-compliant detailed descriptions and website options like audio and visual prompts that will ensure everyone books exactly what they need.

LW: I am excited about the improvements in booking platforms, especially those enhancing their filters and verification systems to ensure accessibility features are accurately listed. The growth of inclusive travel options, like adaptive adventure sports and sensory-friendly museum experiences, is another trend I hope to see expand.

Technology is helping, too. A few standout brands supporting improved accessibility in the holiday travel space include Be My Eyes, Access Now, Wheel the World, Accessible Go, TSA Cares and Road Trippers.