Introducing Online Experiences by Hosts with neurodiverse guests in mind
As part of Airbnb’s work to make travel more inclusive, the company is highlighting a collection of 12 new Online Experiences designed by Hosts with neurodiverse guests in mind.
From an inclusive dance class to improve coordination and fitness, to interactive music lessons, to a painting lesson that virtually transports guests to California, guests can now book Airbnb Online Experiences designed to be inclusive by experts within the neurodiverse community. To help guests enjoy these new Online Experiences, guests can receive $15 off their first booking through May 1, 2021, by entering the code EXPLORE at checkout.*
Neurodiversity refers to variations in the way brains function, process and learn information, and includes individuals with autism, dyslexia, and attention deficit disorders, among others.
Over the last year, the isolation and disruptions to regular routines caused by the pandemic has impacted many members of the neurodiverse community.
From a virtual trip to Los Angeles for an inclusive skateboarding lesson, to an inclusive soccer class led from the UK (where the sport is known as football), Online Experiences provide a way to learn new skills, connect with others and travel the world from home. The opportunity to try new activities and explore new places without leaving your living room may be particularly meaningful for many neurodiverse guests. Other Online Experiences can help offset some stressful impacts of the pandemic, including visiting a herd of therapy llamas, mindfulness designed for neurodiversity and meditation to help manage anxiety.
“The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone. Shelter in place has disrupted the routines of many neurodiverse individuals. The disruption has caused some tremendous distress. How can you fix the disruption during the pandemic? Consider pursuing new interests and hobbies in some creative ways.”
Dr. Lawrence Fung, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, and Director of the Stanford Neurodiversity Project
Designed by hosts to meet the varying needs of many neurodiverse guests, these Online Experiences are bookable by everyone. Catering to a variety of individual tastes, requirements and ages, they provide a way for friends and family to connect from afar whether joining the same session, or through private bookings. Many are Social Impact, meaning all of the proceeds go to a non-profit.
- Inclusive Dancing with DanceSyndrome (Lancashire, United Kingdom)
- Inclusive Skateboarding (Los Angeles, CA, United States)
- Healing Soul Transformation Meditation (Sedona, AZ, United States)
- Sing and Play with the Music Man Project (Southend-on-the-Sea, United Kingdom)
- Sing-a-long on a Ukulele (Sydney, Australia)
- Travel to California Through Painting (Los Angeles, CA, United States)
- Meet a Herd of Therapy Llamas (Portland, OR, United States)
- Travel the World through Music (Leeds, United Kingdom)
- Embracing Unconditional Love of Animals (Phoenix, AZ, United States)
- Interactive Rhythm Workshop (Sydney, Australia)
- Mind-Body-Breath for Neurodiversity (Seal Beach, CA, United States)
- Inclusive Football (Soccer) (London, United Kingdom)
In recognition of the work organizations SeeAbility, The Tower Project, The Institute for Effective Education and Disability Sports Coach are doing to support the neurodiverse community, Airbnb is providing coupon codes to the organizations to help more people be able to enjoy Online Experiences.
“As SeeAbility’s Head of Engagement, people with lived experience of disabilities tell me every day how isolating the pandemic has been. I welcome this new initiative and am delighted that a more accessible online world is now available for the thousands of people with disabilities through Airbnb’s global community.
This is a great example of inclusion and I hope that with Airbnb and SeeAbility continuing to work together, we can create even more opportunities for people to participate and contribute around the world.”
Scott Watkin BEM, SeeAbility’s Head of Engagement
“We are excited to offer Online Experiences designed by hosts with Neurodiverse guests in mind. Our hope is these activities will help guests become more comfortable with a new activity or use them to connect with loved ones,” said Suzanne Edwards, Airbnb Head of Hosting Accessibility Standards. “Airbnb is committed to improving accessibility across our platform and we continue working toward our goal of making Experiences as inclusive of as many needs as possible.”
To book these Online Experiences, visit the Inclusive Exploration section at airbnb.com/wanderlust.
*One-time use, non-refundable. Expires on May 1, 2021 at 12:01am GMT. Valid on one (1) Online Experience reservation made by a first time guest only. Redeemable only for applicable “Inclusive Exploration” Online Experiences. Max discount $15USD. Not redeemable for cash or gift cards. Cannot be applied to previous purchase, transferred or combined with another offer, coupon, or discount. Airbnb reserves the right to remedy, including voiding the coupon for suspected fraud, misuse, violation of Airbnb Terms of Service or Payments Terms of Service, or technical errors.