Airbnb introduces ‘adapted’ category to create a better experience for users with disabilities
The rental accommodation platform Airbnb has introduced a new ‘adapted’ category to make its website and mobile app more accessible for people with disability requirements, enabling more people can discover accessible homes they never knew existed.
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.
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 it catch more issues.
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 an even 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 our 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, fill in its accessibility research form.
Additionally, the Motability website is also now more accessible, simpler to navigate, and features a host of new tools, such as a product selection questionnaire and an updated and enriched electric car hub to support customers who are considering the move to electric.
