A new Rutgers University study suggests that Airbnb hosts may be more likely to discriminate against those with disabilities. Researchers sent more than 3,800 varying requests to hosts and found that 75 percent of travelers who did not mention any disability were granted preapproval. Conversely, that rate fell to varying levels depending on the disability mentioned in the original request—61 percent for dwarfism, 50 percent for blindness, 43 percent for cerebral palsy, and 25 percent for spinal cord injuries. Airbnb said that it is partnering with disability organizations to provide hosts with education, and plans to release an accessibility listing this summer. These studies spotlight and emphasize the importance of applying regulations such as those under the Americans with Disabilities Act to newcomers in the lodging landscape. Read more.
