The Intersection of Travel and Disability
Snail pace progress, but at least it’s progress.
The recent court ruling on elevator maintenance is a win, but seven years seems like a long time to the 12% of the population who can’t utilize most of the current Metro system. Wheelchair users are grateful for the 2023 settlement to build more elevators, but it still feels like riding an elevator lottery. Read the full scoop here.
Each month we try to address various accessibility issues that may arise within the TravelAbility community.
November’s scenario:
You see a guest approaching the door in a wheelchair with packages in her lap. It looks like opening the door may be a struggle. Do you:
Responses:
This question revealed a lot of uncertainty in how to respond to the disability community. Comments like, “I’m actually not sure. I know if it was a pregnant woman or elderly person I’d probably just open the door because it’s nice and polite. But sometimes I feel like with a person with a disability, in a wheelchair, blind, etc., that I’d need to ask if they need a hand first” remind us that a lack of awareness is stunting our kindness.
Our own Tricia Roth, DIrector of Marketing and Engagement for TravelAbility recommends you, “don’t assume the guest needs help – ask. If a package does drop down, offer to pick it up – just as you would with someone not in a wheelchair.”
While responses from the hospitality community and other would-be door openers were split pretty evenly between just opening the door and asking to open the door, responses from within the disability community were a little more diverse.
While responses from the hospitality community and other would-be door openers were split pretty evenly between just opening the door and asking to open the door, responses from within the disability community were a little more diverse.
Overall social media responses
Comments ranged from, “PLEASE OPEN THE DOOR. it’s not about being in a wheelchair, (which I am) it’s human decency” to “the assumption that we need help can be off putting.”
Other responses included:
From a wheelchair user’s perspective, I always appreciate when people ask and don’t assume. I can tell you that in my wobbly walking days, I often used doors for balance, and if someone opened one without asking, I’d fall.
As an ambulatory wheelchair user – ask – whether I’m in the chair or if I’m walking. It helps give us autonomy and independence if we want it
I would be happy with them opening the door for me as a wheelchair user, especially with packages in my lap. They don’t need to rush like it’s a 911 emergency because sometimes then I feel pressure to rush through the door and then risk dropping the package and also I feel like I’ve inconvenienced them more. And then there’s the question about how the door is held open. Standing in the doorway to hold it open is always awkward. Making a casual comment like you would to anyone else who has their hands full could be nice too, “Can I get the door, you’re carrying quite a bit!” Also, if there is an automatic door opener, they can just hit that for us so the door is already opening when we approach and the path is wide open (but wait for a second to make sure the button actually works).
If this is for the hospitality industry, then I’m wondering why the front door to the establishment isn’t accessible in the first place. I mean, it’s fine if someone politely asks to open the door for me, but an automated door would be accessible to anyone carrying packages, whether they are a wheelchair user or not. And those heavy outside doors? Very difficult to open from a wheelchair even without packages in your lap.
In SummaryThere is no one-size approach. Personality and preference impact the players on both sides of the door. Overall, it seems best to offer assistance and graciously accept whatever response is received. You can read more of the conversation, here.
Each month we feature the 3-minute pitch from an innovation, technology or amenity presented at the 2024 InnovateAble Showcase held on July 26th.
Hero Door Opener took second in both Judge’s Selection and People’s Choice. The Hero Door Opener is an ingenious adaptive hinge mechanism that automates doors in hotels using a battery operated unit in the door hinge. You can check out their winning pitch, here.
Information and inspiration from around the web.
By Jake Steinman
Sensory travel is getting a whole lot easier, thanks to these strides through KultureCity
Sausalito, CA — TravelAbility is excited to announce a new partnership with KultureCity, a leader in sensory inclusion, to scale initiatives across the travel industry. This collaboration aims to create more inclusive environments for individuals with sensory processing challenges, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their travel experiences on any given calendar date.
“If we’re truly chasing an equitable and inclusive world for individuals with invisible disabilities, then sensory inclusive travel must be prioritized. At KultureCity, we want those who often go unseen to know that they belong and that nothing is off limits–certainly not a beach vacation with grandparents, an overnight staycation in a hotel or a cruise with friends and family. It ALL must be accommodating, and with our partnership with TravelAbility, we’re making huge steps to make that happen.” -Meg Raby of CultureCity
“If we’re truly chasing an equitable and inclusive world for individuals with invisible disabilities, then sensory inclusive travel must be prioritized.”
Meg Raby
KultureCity has made significant strides in promoting sensory inclusion, having trained over 5,000 locations, including all NFL stadiums, NBA arenas, Major League Baseball stadiums, and LEGO theme parks. Their proven track record demonstrates a commitment to creating welcoming spaces for individuals with sensory processing challenges and needs.
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
TravelAbility is committed to fostering an inclusive travel experience for all individuals, and this partnership with KultureCity is a significant step toward achieving that goal. By working together, we aim to set a new standard for sensory inclusion in the travel industry.
For more information about TravelAbility and our partnership with KultureCity, please contact Jake Steinman.
About TravelAbility
TravelAbility is dedicated to making travel accessible for everyone, focusing on innovative solutions and partnerships that enhance the travel experience for individuals with disabilities and sensory processing challenges.About KultureCity
KultureCity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sensory inclusion and acceptance. Through training and resources, KultureCity empowers businesses and organizations to create welcoming environments for individuals with sensory processing challenges and needs.
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