TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Debbie Austin

Autonomous Shuttles with Accessibility Coming to US Cities

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photo of autonomous accessible shuttle -grey color with red acc ents large windows

The rise of electric vehicles has resulted in increased communication within the vehicle; everything from opening and closing windows to automated driving features to infotainment to passenger comfort is controlled via computers. Instead of piling electronic control units (ECU) — which historically have handled one function at a time — on top of each other, suppliers are converging them into so-called supercomputers. ZF’s Pro AI supercomputer combines multiple systems-on-a-chip (SoC) from different suppliers into one hardware unit that’s more efficient, takes up less space (the new ProAI is 12 by 6 by 6 inches) and eases supply constraints.

TravelAbility Insider Insight: Accessible ground transportation is one of the primary barriers for wheelchair travelers. While these beautiful and futuristically designed shuttle vans are primarily being released in Europe right now, they will have a ready market in the U.S. as accessible Airport shuttles. Read more.

14 Winners of Accessible Innovation Awards at CEO 2023 in Las Vegas.

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photo of #CES 2024 sculpture

A helpful toilet lifter, stabilizing smart makeup applicator, wearable navigation system for visually impaired individuals, and self-driving powerchair service have all been recognized at the prestigious CES 2023 Innovation Awards.

Taking place annually, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is one of the largest global stages for companies to showcase their latest and greatest technology innovations. The show covers a wide variety of sectors including automotive, robotics, gaming, wearables, sports technology, and accessibility. CES is organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).

AT Today has rounded up all 14 Honorees and Best of Innovation award winners in the accessibility category at the CES 2023 Innovation Awards. See the list here.

Ciao! Blogger Cory Lee Spends Five Wheelchair-Friendly Days in Rome

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Photo of Blogger Cory Lee dressed in blue jeans and a blue shirt sitting in his wheelchair in front of theColiseum

Since he ate his first slice of pizza, Cory Lee Woodard dreamed of visiting Italy. In September 2021 during the Omicron era of COVID-19, Cory, and some friends, made their dream trip reality, beginning in the Eternal City of Rome, then continuing on to Venice for a few days.  Over the course of five days in Rome, they toured historical sights, saw more beauty than they could imagine, and ate a lot of great Italian food. Despite Rome being an older city, they found it surprisingly accessible as well. To discover all the accessible Rome attractions that Cory experienced view his day-by-day itinerary here.

TravelAbility Insider Insight: What we love about Cory Lee’s blog posts is the indomitably positive approach he uses to cover travel. Here he uses an in-country accessible travel specialist, Rome and Italy Travel, one of many such services around the world that have made wheelchair travel to ancient cities possible.

Accessible Destination of the Month: Lancaster

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Photo of old brick building in Lititz, PA with flowering tree and old fashioned outdoor clock
Lititz, PA in Lancaster County

Lancaster, PA, is the epicenter of Amish Culture in the United States and there’s so much to do for visitors with disabilities.   Click here Discover Lancaster County, PA

Video of the Month: Hell in the Air from Vice Media

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bottom view of an airplane in the sky

Flying Has Become Hell for Passengers in Wheelchairs. 

Travelability Insider Insight: The most powerful video we’ve found to date:  For millions of wheelchair users, flying on an airplane means undergoing a series of indignities, and sometimes even dealing with a broken chair upon arrival.  View the video here.