Debbie Austin

In Costa Rica, Social Tourism is set up as a universal right that guarantees access to rest, recreation, leisure, and free time for segments of the population that are socially and economically vulnerable.

Therefore, in 2018, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute created the “Social Tourism with Integrity Program.” It intends to encourage citizen participation in social and accessible tourism through the involvement and strengthening of alliances between the living forces of the communities.

The Program has enabled many vulnerable populations to experience tourism through national projects and public and private activities. It currently has 36 tourism companies, foundations, NGOs, and public organizations, which develop programs, projects, and activities to improve citizens’ quality of life.

People with disabilities are also included in the Program, as the provision of optimal services is encouraged. For instance, accessibility is promoted in services, products, signage, and communication. The idea is that no one is left behind.

Although there are still many areas to improve and a lot of work needs to be done, Costa Rica is on the right path towards consolidating a tourism model that embraces everyone and positively impacts society. Read more.

Sony Electronics has announced the availability of its first over the counter (OTC) hearing aids for the U.S. market. Sony is re-imagining the hearing device space with focus on innovation, accessibility and personalization. With the unique products, developed in partnership with WS Audiology (“WSA”), a leading innovator in hearing aid technology for more than 100 years, Sony will enhance the lives of consumers by combining its unique premium technology, ultimate ease of use, and uncompromised comfort and wearability, to deliver an unprecedented hearing experience that easily bridges the gap between the wearer and their environment.

As Sony works to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology, these new hearing devices are expected to make the conversation more accessible while offering a premium over-the-counter hearing experience at a more affordable price point than current prescription-based devices. Read more.

French Minister of Transport Clément Beaune has admitted that “we are behind on our accessibility objectives in transport” with less than two years until the start of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

A lack of station accessibility on Paris’ public transport network is among the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) key concerns in the build-up to the Games, and Beaune has acknowledged that more needs to be done.

He argues that Paris 2024 offers an opportunity to improve accessibility on the French capital’s transport network and recognised that the rate of progress must ramp up.

While it is not expected that public transportation be 100 per cent accessible in time, it is unrealistic to think otherwise, Paris has vowed that the biggest hubs on its metro will be accessible to people with disabilities by the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony on August 28. Read more.

One of the best things about staying in a hotel is the chance to try soaps and shampoos that might be a bit more luxurious than the 3-in-1 cocktail you use at home. Be honest: you’ve slipped a couple of those toiletries in your bag before check-out. I know that I have and, when it’s a truly luxurious product, I may have asked for a few extra to pack in my suitcase.

Many hotel brands have sought to differentiate themselves by investing in higher quality bath products, with some of the most luxurious amenities retailing for as much as $10 per ounce! Check out this list of 10 of the best soaps, shampoos and conditioners found in hotels, presented in alphabetical order, with details on where to find them. Read more.

Capt. Jack Finnegan has offered fishing trips in Ketchikan for many years. But Finnegan also has years of experience working with adults experiencing a variety of disabilities.

These two skill sets finally mashed up in Finnegan’s head when it became obvious that his fishing boats were not wheelchair accessible. The idea for “Fishability Alaska” was born.

Finnegan’s quest is to construct a custom boat with accessibility as a core design component. Travelers using wheelchairs are just one set of visitors. “Not all disabilities are visible,” said Finnegan. “Sometimes visitors with disabilities includes hearing or vision impediments, or PTSD,” he said.

Finnegan has some good stories about helping blind visitors catch fish. But with the bow lander on his boat-of-dreams, he could run up on the beach so folks could go beachcombing, tide-pooling or explore wilderness trails on a far-off island. Read more.