Airbnb adds accessible travel filters to improve service for travellers with disabilities

Searchable features including step-free access, wide doorways and hallways, lighting, specialist bathroom facilities and parking Continue reading →

Airbnb has added filters to its website to allow users to find properties that cater for visitors with disabilities.

The sharing economy site has identified 21 features including step-free access, wide doorways and hallways, lighting, specialist bathroom facilities and parking.

Previously, Airbnb users were only able to search for wheelchair accessible listings, which the site says did not always meet travellers’ individual needs.

Airbnb said the focus on accessibility will be championed by Srin Madipalli, accessibility product and program manager at Airbnb.

He will meet with Airbnb hosts and guests to ensure the site meets their needs. Last week, after meeting with hosts and guests in Korea, Madipalli joined the Paralympic Torch Relay.

Madipalli said: “As a disabled person and passionate traveller, I am hugely excited by the changes we’re making at Airbnb.

“With these new filters, we are making it easier for everyone to share their adapted homes with disabled travellers around the world. Our mission is to enable anyone to belong anywhere, regardless of disability.”

The introduction of the new filters comes after Airbnb acquired London-based accessible travel start-up Accomable that was founded by Madipalli and his friend Martyn Sibley.

Airbnb said it will work closely with its community of hosts and guests to ensure the new filters offer information which is as useful and accurate as possible.

“The introduction of the new accessibility features and filters to all hosts and guests is just the first stage in our journey to improve accessibility at Airbnb,” added Madipalli. “We encourage everyone to use them and send through their feedback.”

More: Airbnb acquires accessible travel website