In addition to the general accessibility attributes available to other tourism categories (see: Physical - Wheelchair attributes), Accommodation businesses also have the opportunity to nominate additional accessibility attributes specifically for Bedrooms and Bathrooms.
While you may not have all these features in place right now, we recommend prioritising the integration of as many as possible to ensure a positive and accessible experience for all visitors.
Wheelchair Attributes for Accommodation
The following list explains in further detail each of the Wheelchair Attributes that can be added to your Accommodation Profile.
Provide a choice of wheelchair-accessible accommodation rooms
Offering a variety of wheelchair-accessible accommodation options, such as single rooms, studio apartments, and cottages with quality amenities or scenic views, allows guests to select a room that best suits their preferences and needs. Wheelchairs require a 1600mm x 2200mm area to turn around and step-free access.
Have step-free access to the room
Ensuring that the entrance to rooms is wheelchair accessible with step-free access greater than 5mm or includes a doorway threshold ramp not exceeding a gradient of 1:8 for 450mm length allows guests using wheelchairs to enter their rooms easily.
Have a lever handle on the door
Installing lever handles on room doors makes them easier to open and close for guests with limited hand strength or dexterity, ensuring a more accessible experience.
Have enough space for a wheelchair to move around three sides of a double king-sized bed
Providing a minimum pathway width of 1200mm around three sides of a double king-sized bed ensures that wheelchair users can move freely within their rooms, enhancing comfort and independence.
Provide a bed with adjustable height
Offering beds with adjustable heights allows guests with mobility challenges to easily transfer to and from their beds, ensuring comfort and safety.
Have a kitchen area and desk which is accessible for a person at seated height or is height adjustable
Designing kitchen areas and desks to be accessible for individuals seated in wheelchairs, or including height-adjustable features, ensures that all guests can use these spaces comfortably.
Have a wheelchair-accessible bathroom
Providing a wheelchair-accessible bathroom with step-free access greater than 5mm or a doorway threshold ramp not exceeding a gradient of 1:8 for 450mm, dimensions of at least 2000mm x 2500mm, and a hobless (step-free) shower recess with a clear area of 1100 x 1100mm ensures that guests with mobility impairments can use the facilities safely and comfortably.
Have a lever handle on the bathroom door
Using lever handles on bathroom doors makes them easier to operate, providing greater accessibility for guests with limited hand function.
Have a shower curtain
Installing a shower curtain instead of a door in wheelchair-accessible showers allows for easier access and flexibility, accommodating a wide range of mobility needs.
Have grab rails in shower recess
Including grab rails in the shower recess, which can be removable or height adjustable, provides essential support for guests, helping them maintain balance and move safely.
Have a handheld shower hose
Providing a handheld shower hose with a length of at least 1500mm allows guests to easily direct water where needed, enhancing their comfort and independence while showering.
Allow space around the toilet for a wheelchair
Ensuring there is sufficient space around the toilet, with at least 900mm width beside and 1200mm clearance in front, allows wheelchair users to maneuver and use the toilet with ease.
Provide grab rails adjacent to the toilet
Installing grab rails next to the toilet provides critical support for individuals transferring from a wheelchair or those needing additional stability, enhancing safety and confidence.
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