Our
Vision
At Access Cottage Life, we envision a world where inclusivity and design intersect to create extraordinary vacation experiences for all. With almost 1 in 10 Canadians having a mobility disability, we recognize the pressing need for accessible accommodations that go beyond basic form and function.
Our vision is rooted in design thinking and innovation, where we push the boundaries of traditional design solutions to create spaces that are not only practical for those with mobility issues but create ease and comfort for everyone. We believe that beautiful architecture and interior design can elevate the human experience, transcending physical limitations and inspiring a sense of wonder and delight.
Inclusivity in travel is at the core of our values. We strive to create a space where everyone feels welcomed, regardless of their abilities. Our cottage will be designed to cater to the diverse needs of individuals, ensuring that every guest can fully participate and enjoy the wonders of cottage life, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experiences.
But our vision extends beyond our cottage walls. We are deeply committed to being a community-driven organization. We will aim to collaborate with local businesses, tour operators, healthcare providers, and public spaces to promote accessibility and offer a comprehensive ecosystem of inclusive services. Together, we will forge partnerships that extend beyond our property lines, creating a network of accessibility and inclusion that permeates our community.
Our vision is driven by the belief that accessibility should not be an afterthought but an inherent part of the cottage experience. We are dedicated to pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and setting new benchmarks for accessibility in the industry. Through constant innovation, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, we strive to be the catalyst for change in the vacation rental landscape, creating a future where accessibility is the norm, and no one is left behind.
In summary, our vision is to be a beacon of accessible design, providing a truly inclusive and unforgettable experience for all. With design thinking, innovation, inclusivity in travel, beautiful architecture and interior design, and a strong community focus, we aim to redefine what it means to create accessible retreats, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of our guests and inspiring a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Design Thinking & Innovation
Accessible design is a game-changer for everyone. By embracing the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities or mobility constraints, design solutions are born that improve usability, convenience, and comfort for people of all abilities. What's remarkable is that many products and adaptations initially designed with accessibility in mind end up being embraced and enjoyed by people across the spectrum. Take, for instance, electric toothbrushes, bendy straws, potato peelers, text messaging, speech-to-text, voice recognition, curb cuts, audio books, and countless other innovations that have enhanced our lives. They demonstrate how inclusive design benefits not only specific groups but society as a whole. Our vision is to incorporate design thinking into every aspect of the creation of this space to create ease and comfort for all our guests.
Inclusivity in Travel
In this captivating VRBO video, the essence of a vacation rental is beautifully portrayed—a gathering of loved ones coming together. This is precisely the vision we share—to create opportunities for people to connect and make cherished memories. We believe that this priceless experience should be accessible to all, irrespective of their abilities. VRBO's inspiring slogan, "Your together awaits," resonates deeply with us, and we believe it should include everyone.
In 2017, Airbnb made a significant move by acquiring Accomable, a company dedicated to facilitating travel for individuals with disabilities. This marked the beginning of Airbnb's Accessibility team. In 2021, Airbnb introduced accessibility features that enable guests to filter properties based on their specific accessibility needs. While progress has been made, there is still ample room for improvement. Availability remains limited, particularly in countries like Canada, where the options are not as abundant as in the UK and Australia. We aim to address this gap by starting with our own accessible vacation rental property and gradually expanding to offer more inclusive accommodations across Canada.
Our vision is to create a future where accessibility and inclusivity are the norm, where everyone can enjoy the freedom and joy of travel without limitations. Join us on this journey as we strive to make vacation experiences truly inclusive, opening doors to new possibilities and adventures for all.
Beautiful Architecture & Interior Design
If there's one thing that we've learned after more than a decade in the architecture and design world, it's that design has the potential to change our lives. Our vision is to redefine accessible design by seamlessly integrating it into stunning residential spaces. We believe that accessibility should not compromise on design quality - as illustrated by several award winning accessible design projects.
By working with talented architecture & design professionals, we aim to create a vacation experience that is both visually captivating and functionally accessible. Our goal is to challenge conventions, push boundaries, and exceed expectations, crafting environments where beauty and inclusivity go hand in hand. We envision a future where accessibility is seamlessly woven into the fabric of design, creating uplifting and inspiring homes for all.
Community & Charitable Drive
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to drive positive change within our community and city. While our focus begins with our wheelchair accessible cottage, we aspire to collaborate with neighboring businesses, tour companies, provincial parks, public spaces, healthcare providers, and more to create a comprehensive accessible travel experience.
We envision a seamless journey for our guests, where they can enjoy not only their stay at our cottage but also have access to a wide range of excursions, amenities, outdoor activities, restaurants, and personal care services that cater to their specific needs. By working closely with local establishments, we aim to foster a supportive network that amplifies the accessible travel experience.
Furthermore, we are passionate about incorporating a future charitable component into our efforts. Whether through partnerships or fundraising initiatives, we aim to offer an annual giveaway to a deserving family, providing them with the opportunity to create their own unforgettable accessible vacation. This charitable aspect allows us to give back to the community and make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families who may face barriers to inclusive travel.
