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Is Your Bed & Breakfast Handicap Accessible? |
By:
Patti Rob |
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Is Your Bed & Breakfast Handicap Accessible?
Patti Rob
Unless you have a disability or you are closely associated with someone that does, it can be easy to overlook the needs of those with a disability. This is a common mistake with small businesses such as a bed & breakfast. However, you can quickly turn that around just by becoming more aware of what is going on with them.
If you are considering opening a bed & breakfast, then you still have time to implement the various needs those with disabilities may have. Keep it in mind when you are examining properties to purchase for the business. This way you can open the doors ready to serve those with the disabilities instead of having to make continued modifications.
You may find you don't have to make too many changes though. For example, you can set up one of the rooms on the bottom floor. This can be saved for someone with a disability that contacts you for a room. It is much easier than installing an elevator and you will definitely find it is a more affordable alternative.
If you aren't sure what elements of the bed & breakfast to consider, get some help from those with disabilities. They are definitely experts in the field and can give you excellent advice. You will also find a handful of organizations out there that will conduct a free evaluation for you. They are very dedicated to serving those with disabilities so you will be proud of your efforts.
The exterior of the bed & breakfast needs to be examined closely as well. Individuals with a special need will be looking at it as well. Make sure your online pictures show it as well. You will want to have a wheelchair ramp in addition to the front steps. They will be looking for all of the various features that are going to make your bed & breakfast location comfortable for them.
Since many people enjoy being outdoors, your bed & breakfast needs to accommodate this as well. Having a wheelchair ramp for them to access the front ramp won't be enough. It is a very good place to start though. Make sure they can also access the other areas that you have to offer including a garden or a porch area is important.
It is going to be to your advantage to offer a quality bed & breakfast that is handicap accessible. Even your guests that aren't in a wheelchair are going to like not having to climb stairs if they have bad knees. They may know someone else that does need the extra accessibility though.
It can be easy to overlook the needs of those that are handicap. Your awareness of the issues though can definitely help inspire you to do whatever it takes to make your bed & breakfast a haven for those that enjoy traveling but do have some special needs. You can be sure those that visit your bed & breakfast are going to be very happy to report to others that your bed & breakfast is the perfect place to visit.
Patti Rob writes about the http://www.bedandbreakfastprofits.com/industry.htm) Bed & Breakfast business. The challenges, myths and emerging trends for buying, running and operating a http://www.bedandbreakfastprofits.com/start.htm) successful B&B. Click here for other http://www.uberarticles.com/?id=16312&b=79 unique 'Bed and Breakfast business' articles.
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Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article61415.html |
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