Q1. When did you begin focusing on accessibility in your destination and what was the impetus for wanting to make your destination more accessible?
The Oregon Coast Visitors Association (OCVA) has dedicated over a decade to access projects in our region, with a primary focus on enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities such as the Oregon Coast Trail and kayak launches. Our journey with Travelability began around 2021, when we supported Lincoln City’s local efforts to introduce a Mobi Mat to their beach. Subsequently, our team backed a cohort attending the 2022 Travelability Summit in Florida, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to accessibility and the launch of our own “Oregon Coast Travelability” group that meets regularly.
“Our team backed a cohort attending the 2022 Travelability Summit in Florida, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to accessibility and the launch of our own “Oregon Coast Travelability” group that meets regularly.”
Arica Sears
Q2. What are your main responsibilities and tasks in your organization?
As the Deputy Director of our nonprofit, I get to wear many hats! From cheering on my awesome teammates in their projects to leading programs focused on sustainability and accessibility, I’m always working on something. OCVA’s primary responsibilities revolve around inspiring travel and fostering collaboration on the Oregon Coast to cultivate a sustainable coastal economy. Regarding Travelability, we have the privilege of bringing together partners along all 363 miles of Oregon Coast to amplify regional accessibility projects throughout our entire destination.
Q3. Aside from budget, what are the most difficult obstacles or barriers that you face regarding the advancement of accessibility in your destination?
Beyond budgetary constraints, some of the most challenging obstacles for our accessibility initiatives involve securing city or county support for permitting and managing liability in physical infrastructure projects. Additionally, the inherent challenge lies in the rural and under-resourced nature of our communities, often lacking the immediate capacity or funding to initiate projects promptly.
Q4. What initiatives have you undertaken to improve accessibility in your destination, and which are you most proud of?
Several noteworthy initiatives have propelled accessibility improvements on the Oregon Coast over the past year. First, 12 of our local destination partners have completed, or are in the process of completing, assessments with Wheel the World to provide detailed and accurate information directly to disabled travelers. Additionally, the increased availability of mobi mats has expanded beach access for more visitors and residents. Our team has created a Mobi Mat toolkit to help communities understand what’s needed to successfully support a Mobi Mat, and we currently have a grant program open to fund communities without them. Lastly, I have the honor of regularly facilitating our Oregon Coast Travelability group, which is my favorite group to partner with on opportunities and navigate accessibility challenges together.
Q5. Who do you follow? Name an organization/company/individual you look to for ideas or inspiration.
I draw inspiration and learn from various influencers and brands, including Kelcie Miller Anderson, @thechronicexplorer; Disabled Hikers, @disabledhikers; and Liv Stone, @livstone.
Q5. What are your plans around accessibility in 2024?
Looking ahead, our focus involves highlighting the intersection of travelability and climate action. Recognizing a gap in stories within this space, we believe the Oregon Coast can play a pivotal role, with disabled travelers leading the way in sustainable travel initiatives.
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