Learning and Growing in Inclusivity on Airbnb

[Bea2137]

 

As an Asian woman and a person with disabilities (PWD), I've always been passionate about inclusivity. This personal connection makes me particularly appreciate Airbnb's efforts to foster an inclusive community. As a host, I'm inspired to reflect these values in my own space, but I realize that I'm just at the beginning of this journey.

I would like to hear insights and experiences from my fellow hosts.

How do you cultivate inclusivity in your hosting?

I'm eager to learn from your strategies and practices that accommodate the diverse needs of our guests. Whether it's about physical accessibility, cultural sensitivity, or other inclusive practices.

I'm particularly interested in the practical aspects of inclusive hosting. What small changes have you implemented that made a significant impact?  How do you ensure your communication is clear and welcoming to guests from different backgrounds?

Your experiences in tackling these challenges will be enlightening for me and many others who aspire to make their spaces more inclusive.

I believe that sharing our stories and learning from each other is crucial in this journey.

What have been your successes and challenges?

How have you adapted your spaces and services to be more welcoming to all?

[Rebecca]

Hey @Bea2137, this is a great and very prominent topic to talk about and a beautiful way to bring it up. 

Personally, I love to read and have spent a lot of time reading books that allow me to expand my perception of the world, cultures and the people that live in it. I've read a lot about mental health  (as someone who lives with a few) and I've recently read a book about ADHD and autism which has helped me to understand things more clearly. Books and educating myself are key for me! 📚

I'm wondering if @Lorina14, @Cheri354, @Eileen462, @Calvin173 & @Clara116 may be able to share their experiences or have anything to add? 

[Eileen462]

@Bea2137  Hello Bea!  what an awesome subject to discuss!  This past weekend I hosted a couple from Australia and it was the most fantastic experience for Dave and I.  We were so sad to see them go.. It was their first visit to America and because of where I live, close to the Mexican border, the Mexican culture is a part our our Southwest California culture.  I prepare them a homemade Mexican meal which they loved, and provided guidance in the local areas they visited.

I have yet to experience guests from diverse backgrounds but my plan is to try to make them feel at home any way I can.  If I provide a meal for future guests, I always ask if they have any kind of food allergy whatsoever.

The theme of my home is diverse.  It reflects antique and very old decor to give my guests a sense of going back in time or being at grandmothers house which most people notice right away.  The beds however are new.  I live very close to an Indian reservation and Casino.  People who frequent my home usually make their way  there.  One of my bedrooms is decorated in "Native American" motif and the other a "Mountain Cabin" theme since we are close to the mountain resorts.

Im looking forward to sharing my home and my culture with others of diversities and accommodating them in whatever way I can to ensure their comfort and happiness while they stay with me.

[Calvin173]

Hey @Bea2137 ! I believe we all have to do our bit to welcome and include people of all races, genders, sexual orientations and disabilities. However, I'm not a great expert on the subject, and I try to be as neutral as possible and treat everyone with respect. I recently put support bars for the elderly and wheelchair users in the bathroom. But I try not to hand out diversity-themed giveaways with symbols or pictures of the African culture or the pride flag, for example, because I don't want to look disrespectful or be inconvenient.

I promise I'll keep up to date on the subject when possible, this is a very important topic, not only for our business growth, but for the general development of our society.

[Lorina14]

Hi @Bea2137 and @Rebecca !

Growing up in Hawaii I’ve been exposed to many different cultures and customs. I also learned to be sensitive to differing points of view and always approach things from a place of curiosity. I ask questions, listen, learn, embrace experiencing different cultural celebrations, read a lot and love to travel.

As a high school student through the People to People Student Ambassador program, I traveled to England, France, Brussels, Germany, Holland and did a home stay for in Barntrup Germany, and received college credit for my travels. Former president Dwight Eisenhower believed that if people could get together and learn from each other and realize we share many commonalities and can appreciate our cultural differences, eventually governments and countries could do the same. I realized the world is a small place and people have more in common than they realize if we can get to know each other better. 

I feel that learning and appreciating our similarities and differences from a simple conversation, to hosting people from other countries or cultures, to sharing warm hospitality, to asking questions and showing a genuine interest in others experiences and perspectives helps to foster community and inclusivity. I actually don’t see inclusivity as something new as it’s just a way of living with kindness, compassion, treating others with respect, being open to learning about others and being sensitive, to being warm and welcoming regardless of background, race, culture, and disability. 

We once had a guest review that it would have been nice to have a shower stool for his friend who had a prosthetic limb. I would have been more than happy to accommodate but I was not notified or asked about this accommodation before or during the visit otherwise I would have tried to help them out. We can ask questions and try to be sensitive to our guests and at the same time, if you may need special accommodations, you should ask us and let us know before hand so we can try to support you and help in any way we can. 

[Bea2137]

Thank you so much for your sharing your insights @Lorina14 . I can really relate to ig, particularly because of my own experiences as a person with a disability. Like many, I often find myself hesitant to seek help, fearing that others might perceive it as a sense of entitlement. Your insight reminded me of how meaningful it is when someone recognizes our needs without us having to ask. For instance, a simple gesture like being offered a seat when standing becomes too much can make a significant difference in our day.

This has has sparked a realization in me. Despite my personal experiences, I hadn't thought to extend the same mindfulness to my guests. Thanks to your suggestion, I'm now inspired to make a conscious change. Moving forward, I will be updating my confirmation messages to inquire if my guests have any special requests or require specific accommodations.

I truly appreciate you bringing this perspective to my attention. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰