In a world filled with vacation rental listings, there was one woman who dared to redefine accessibility. What started as a personal journey for Lorraine Woodward became a mission to create lasting change. She discovered the unexpected twist in the vacation rental industry, where accessibility went far beyond the confines of wheelchair ramps. With her platform, she is inspiring hosts and owners to make simple changes that can transform the lives of countless individuals. But what kind of impact can these changes truly have? Stay tuned as we unravel the incredible story of Lorraine Woodward and the power of accessibility in vacation rentals.

Our goal is to provide a one-stop shop for finding accessible vacation rental properties, so that everyone, regardless of their disability, can have the opportunity to create lasting memories with their loved ones. - Lorraine Woodward

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Enhance the experience for all guests by improving accessibility in your vacation rental accommodations.
• Increase bookings and attract a wider range of guests by providing descriptive filters for accessible accommodations.
• Create a more welcoming environment for guests with cognitive disabilities by implementing simple changes in your vacation rentals.
• Boost your rental's appeal and make a positive impact by prioritizing inclusivity in your vacation rental accommodations.
• Stand out from the competition and cater to a growing market by offering vacation rentals that are accessible for everyone.

My special guest this week is Lorraine Woodward. Lorraine is the Creative Energy Officer and founder of Becoming rentABLE. With a lifelong passion for advocacy and a personal experience with muscular dystrophy, Lorraine has dedicated her career to improving accessibility in the hospitality industry. Her expertise shines through as she works tirelessly to educate and empower vacation rental owners and hosts on making simple changes for improved accessibility. Lorraine's unique perspective and commitment to inclusivity have made her a trailblazer in the field, and her platform, Becoming rentABLE, serves as a valuable resource for those looking to create positive and memorable experiences for guests with disabilities. Get ready to be inspired by Lorraine's story and gain valuable insights on how to make your vacation rental more accessible on this episode of the Direct Booking Success podcast.

Connect with Lorraine at: https://www.becomingrentable.com

Take the quiz: https://3pn8okhlw7d.typeform.com/to/QaUExF3R?typeform-source=www.becomingrentable.com

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:08 - Introduction

00:01:23 - Lorraine's Background

00:03:19 - Becoming Rentable Platform

00:06:09 - How Becoming Rentable Started

00:11:59 - Expanding Accessibility

00:16:26 - Airbnb's Filter Changes

00:17:33 - Expanding Accessibility with Other Booking Platforms

00:18:40 - Understanding the ADA and its Application

00:20:59 - Taking a Quiz for Accessibility Certification

00:25:26 - Expanding Accessibility to Cognitive Disabilities

00:33:33 - Accessibility in Hotels vs. Short-Term Rentals

00:35:03 - Making a Difference with Accessible Rentals

00:37:17 - The Importance of Recognizing Accessible Rentals

00:38:22 - Going Global with Accessible Rentals

00:39:57 - Creating Social Change through Direct Booking

Show notes are available at: https://directbookingsuccess.com/podcast/

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