12 Aug 7 Things You Can Do to Make Your Airbnb More Handicap and Wheelchair Accessible, Part One
A Special Month…
A friend of mine on Instagram, LeAnne Lavender, messaged me and asked if I knew of any accessible Airbnbs in our area.
I usually always have an answer to a question about Airbnb but this stumped me.
I did a quick search on Airbnb -and couldn’t find much.
LeAnne told me that her and her hubby needed an accessible place to stay while work was being done on her home and nothing was coming up. The only thing she could find was something in Canada, California…and someplace else that is crazy far away from our midwest location.
I couldn’t believe it. And decided since I could, I wanted to do something about it.
September is National Spinal Injury Cord Awareness Month!
In honor of this month, we are featuring a life story of Derek and LeAnne Lavender. While you might not be personally affected by a spinal cord injury, millions of people worldwide live through it in their daily life.
As Airbnb hosts, we have a responsibility to serve our guests. Is your space handicap or wheelchair accessible? Well, maybe not in its current state. However, here are 7 things YOU can do right now to check and see if you could offer your space as such.
We’re not talking about major renovations…
Read on to see why it is so important and helpful for you to make some minor changes and to be crystal clear about your listing.
*this post is a continued conversation from season three episode nine of the Thanks for Visiting podcast. For more information, check out the episode linked here.*
The Lavender’s Story…
Leanne and Derek got married in 2013 and began their journey living in a tiny house in Indianapolis.
Motorcycle Accident…
In 2016 LeAnne’s husband, Derek, was in a motorcycle accident on the way to work… he broke his back at a T4, the armpit level. He is now paralyzed at the armpit down.
They were in the hospital setting for five months. When they returned home, they did not have a house that was accessible to Derek.
From Tiny House to New House…
This changed everything about the life they once had known. They were all in the tiny house movement but bought a new house and renovated it so that it would be fully wheelchair accessible.
And…you guys…it’s gorgeous!
Taking Steps Back to Normal…
Their therapist said to start traveling to get back to a normal life. They first traveled seven months after the accident and didn’t even know what questions to ask when it came to accessibility.
Thankfully, the first trip turned out fine… but since then they have come across snags in the road with Airbnb’s.
Why Look at Airbnb if a Hotel is ADA Compliant?
They want to travel with family but no one wants to stay in an expensive or regular hotel when they do not provide common spaces where they can all hang out.
LeAnne and Derek usually stay at a hotel… But Airbnb provides such a unique experience that they want to be able to enjoy.
Shocking Realization About Airbnb’s…
Only three Airbnb’s are handicap and wheelchair accessible… THREE!!! That doesn’t show for many options, right?!!
LeAnne could only find three Airbnbs that are handicap and wheelchair accessible… THREE!!! They are located in Canada, Texas, and Mexico.
That’s crazy town.
And our bet is that there are more out there – but hosts either don’t know the value of their accessible space or how to properly list their accessible features.
They are then limited in where they can travel if they choose to stay in an Airbnb and are forced to stay in a hotel that will accommodate Derek’s needs.
One time a space was supposed to be ADA compliant and when they got there it was not.
Derek had to go without a shower for a week!!!!
You don’t have to be completely ADA compliant… there are simple things you can do so that you don’t have to renovate your entire home.
So, what can we as hosts do and say on the listing that might be helpful for someone needing a wheelchair accessible space? Here are 7 things that would make a huge difference to families like LeAnne and Derek!
One – Doorway Entrances…
Doorway entrances are vital because…well… the only way they can enter the space and other rooms is through a doorway.
ADA requirement is 32 inches of width. However, Derek can fit through doorways that are 29-30 inches wide.
Can your doorway clear 32 inches? You should check! As long as they can enter the front door, bedroom, bathroom, and living room YOU could provide your space as handicap and wheelchair accessible!
Two – The Bathroom…
In your space, choose the best bedroom and bathroom situation that you have that provides the easiest access and most open layout…
If you are not renovating, clear out everything that could be in the way. Minimalism is the way to go! Less stuff on the floor and clutter is the easiest for someone to move around.
Have clearance around the toilet.
Having a roll-in shower and minimal glass provides the best and easiest experience!
Remember, if you have a glass door, double-check and see if you have a clearance of 32 inches!
Adding a showerhead extension is super helpful and easy to add to your bathroom.
Provide an extra trash can to specifically dispose of medical supplies.
Instead of having knobs, go the handle route on drawers and cabinets. Handles are easier to control!
Three – The Bedroom…
Beds are usually around 25” high -which is perfect. Steering clear of furnishing your Airbnb with beds that are any higher than that will make it difficult to access.
Some spinal cord patients use a Hoyer lift to assist getting in and out of bed. The life needs a three-inch clearance under the bed in order to use it! Double-check to see if you have that clearance!
Bonus points if you haven’t furnished your Airbnb yet -this is something super easy you can do to make it easier for all people to get in and out of bed!
Four – The Kitchen…
If you’ve got an open layout in your kitchen -mention it in your listing! The more open the easier it is for people to maneuver!
Placing plates and cups in the base cabinets is also an easy way to make a small accessible adjustment to your Airbnb.
Five – Table Height…
Having a table around 30 inches works great. If a person is in a wheelchair their knees sit higher than that of someone in a chair. If your table is less than 30 inches, you can get casters and pop the table up on wheels to provide the right height!
And now the table can be moved around to make your entire space more flexible too!
Six – The Living Room…
Minimalism is key again. Make sure there is a 30”-32” pathway throughout the living room so everyone can get around with ease.
If you have a throw rug, make sure that it is thin so a wheelchair can easily go over it!
Seven – Portable Ramps and Accessories…
Ok…this one blew my mind…
Do you have steps in front of your property? No need to build a ramp!!
Walmart sells telescope ramps for $100. They fold up and can clear 5 steps. Providing this product would ensure a safe entrance to your space!
You DO NOT need grab bars! LeAnne and Derek do not have them in their home. However, if you want to be ADA compliant they are needed.
You can buy suction grab bars and provide them in your space if they are needed. However, if someone needs them they would typically need them.
Host tip – before your guest arrives, reach out and ask them if there are any accessories or changes you could make to your space to ensure they have a great stay!
Renovation?! Not needed!
You might be able to host someone in need of a wheelchair or handicap accessible space AND you might not even realize it! We encourage you to analyze your property to see if it would support someone who would love to stay in an Airbnb, but can’t because there are only THREE currently.
Any effort you make we truly appreciate it!
One to Follow…
Find LeAnne on Instagram and give her a follow! You can send her the link to your space so she can evaluate it! Or if you think your space would support Derek’s needs, let her know! I am sure they would love to stay in your space!
Lastly, bring this up to any groups that have a short term rental! Your voice can make a difference in the lives of our friends who have wheelchair and handicap needs.
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