Hi, @Lizzie, the key here is the amount of mobility( ability to walk) that an individual has.
I think we could call it "Accessibility Needs":
1- Uses wheelchair all the time.
a) Power Chair- requires highest level of accessibilty..
b) Manual chair- this person may be a bit more flexible.
This category has restricted mobility( cannot walk) & needs home that has roll-in shower, side access to toilets, no steps, ramp, wide doorways,etc.
2- Uses wheelchair or assistive device like walker most of the time, but can walk short distances with help. Here a person is more flexible to the level of accessibility.
This is me. Use wheelchair so no steps, need ramp, but can stand to reach things, can manage small step in to shower, but needs guard rails, shower chair preferred, hand held shower preferred, tub use only with shower chair with bench. Can do a few steps with hand rail.
Note: again, the person who uses a power chair must have no steps, ramp, wide clearance,etc. You can't lift a power chair over steps.
b) manual chair- can be lifted & moved easily if person needs to walk up a step to get inside.
#3) Can walk short distances using an assistive device like a walker or rolling walker.
** I just found out that bed heighth is key even for this category. My current guest with MS had to have the bed frames removed so she could use my bed. She needs guard rails in the bathroom by the toilet/loo & hand rails inside shower; she needs hand held shower and a shower chair ( without the bench), and needs an elevated toilet seat.
We also bought a transport chair for them to use on excursions.
Key here is lots of communication prior to check in about her needs.
Anyone using an assistive device needs a certain level of accessibilty. Key is to have communication with host to further define a person's needs.
Leave the ADA & laws out of the equation. Make sure that the guest knows it's his/her responsibility to communicate with the host prior to booking to make sure that the place suits his/her needs. It's called personal responsibility. If a guest doesn't communicate needs with host PRIOR to booking then they abide by the host's rules of cancellation. Period. We're all adults. If you don't add this level of expectation then you leave yourself open to frivolous cancellations & the host loses out. I'm a host & whellchair user.
phew, that's all for now...thanks for listening.
It's a learning experience for those who are not disabled.