TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Debbie Austin

The Evolution of TravelAbility 2020-2022

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Since 2019, when we formed TravelAbility, our efforts have focused on creating an industry hub that provides research, tools, tips and innovations that the travel industry needs to be accessible for people with disabilities.  Below you will find a summary of the progress we’ve made on the portfolio of projects we’ve undertaken over the last three years. 

New for 2023:

  1. TravelAbility has signed an MOU with the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, part of the University of Central Florida , to develop a weekly one hour Accessibility in Travel learning module that will be a requisite for graduation for all 3300 students.
  2. TravelAbility for Hospitality, targeted to our proprietary database of 3300 hotel management company executives covering accessibility and sustainability
  3. Testing Ideas that can scale: Develop a series of beta/ pilot programs that will be introduced at EMS 2023 in Savannah
  4. Expand Accessible Destinations landing project top 20 tourism destinations in Europe
  5. Re-branding TravelAbility’s Launchpad pitchfest to the InnovateAble Showcase

Seven Unintended Consequences of Being an Accessible Hotel

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This is the second installment in our “Unintended Consequences…” series which focuses on the upsides that are experienced when accessibility is a priority. The first in the series, Unintended Consequences of Being an Accessible Destination, was introduced to the industry through Destinations International. The second installment, published as an op-ed in Travel Weekly, summarizes the unforeseen benefits hoteliers derive from simply being more inclusive for people with disabilities, foremost of which is that they will be prepared for the tsunami of aging travelers that will evolve into a disability in the very near future.  Read More.

Ten Most Accessible Cities For Travelers With Disabilities  

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Amsterdam, Paris and London have been named among the most accessible cities in the world for disabled travelers in a new survey.

Research by Valuable 500, a global collective of 500 CEOs and their companies advocating for inclusion, asked 3,500 respondents with disabilities across the UK, US, Australia, China and Japan what they believed was the most accessible city in the world.

It then compiled a list of the top 10 globally (in alphabetical order), rating them on criteria including accessible transport links, clear signage, accommodation being close to cultural attractions and inclusive attitudes. Read More.

UK Operator, Ocean Holidays, Redefines “All Inclusive” With Accessible Florida Program

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Following investment in rigorous staff training, customers can now book holidays knowing that every additional need is taken care of – whether at the airport or in resort – by staff with an unrivalled knowledge of accessible options in the Sunshine State, all at no extra cost. The program takes a holistic approach, covering everything from mobility, visual and hearing impairment through to cognitive challenges with accessibility champions in all areas of the business.

The new Ocean Holiday Accessibility program is also designed to be a resource for disabled travelers and their families, with information on everything from accessible restaurants to wheelchair-friendly sightseeing options while abroad. Read More.

A Dating App For People With Disabilities Looking For Love

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Dating while disabled comes with a unique set of challenges. It’s something Jacqueline Child, 28, knows all too well as she deals with chronic illness. She and her sister Alexa Child, 32, hope to combat stigma with their new dating app Dateability. By and for the disabled community, it launched Oct. 21. Will it bridge some gaps? Read More.