Airbnb revamps accessibility search filters for its accommodations

Airbnb has updated its search filters and accessibility review process with the goal of making it easier for people with disabilities to find accommodation on its platform, the company announced in a blog post.

Hosts can now submit photos of accessibility features in their homes, and "a special team of Airbnb agents" will review them to determine if they are suitable for people with disabilities. On its accessibility review page, Airbnb says that this team works "with engineers, designers, and others in the company," but does not specify specifically whether they are trained or how to identify accessibility features. are eligible. It notes that its employees have reviewed and approved 100,000 accessibility features in 25,000 different homes globally, noted CEO Brian Chesky on Twitter.

Airbnb has also updated its search filters for accessibility features. Some filters, such as step-free bedroom access and accessible parking spaces, will now be shown more prominently on the search screen. Airbnb made the filter a bit more specific with respect to wide entryways by adding a specific measurement. For example, instead of "bedroom entryway," Airbnb changed it to "bedroom entryway more than 32 inches wide." As it stands, these 13 filters are still pretty limited.

Airbnb also announced that it's making it easier to find accessible experiences, improving its 11 accessibility filters so guests can find activities near their rental that offer sign language, access to accessible bathrooms, and more . Huh. do, take up space on a flat surface, and more. Airbnb also requires hosts to submit detailed information about the accessibility measures they are taking, which are then subject to review for "extension quality." Its available accessibility features will also be clearly visible in each experience list.

In 2017, a study found that Airbnb hosts were more likely to reject guests with disabilities, and in 2018, the company rolled out an accessibility update by adding 21 filters that allow guests with wide entrances, accessible bathrooms, and more. gives. gives. Allows you to search for homes. The number of filters has since dropped to 13, which is a bit strange. Previous filters, such as "wide clearance for bed," "accessible-height toilet," and "handheld showerhead," are now missing from the current list. It's not clear why Airbnb decided to remove items from its list instead of adding more. We contacted Airbnb with a request for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.

Airbnb first began requiring hosts to upload photos of accessibility features during their stays in 2019, but it's long overdue for an update.