TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Eliana Satkin

Best Practices: Visit Fort Wayne

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Accessible Landing Page of the Month

What we love on Visit Fort Wayne’s website:

  • Accessibility landing page is easy to locate with an option under the “Plan” tab, as well as an easy to find wheelchair icon on the main page
  • Disability representation is visible on pages other than the accessibility landing page
  • Accessible options go beyond a sample itinerary to include separate pages of options for hotels, attractions, restaurants, parks, trails, venues, and events
  • Map of accessible parking options in downtown
  • List of disability resources for transportation and services
  • Links to experiences of disabled travelers for trip planning inspiration

Check it out, here!

Innovation of the Month: Hero Door Opener

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By Jennifer Allen

What if you could make any door automatic in about 15 minutes? That’s exactly what Pierre Paul set out to do with the Hero Door Opener, an innovative device designed to transform how we access the spaces around us.

The problem:

Pierre pointed out that there are over 42 billion doors worldwide, less than 5% of which are automatic. The closed doors for people with disabilities are not metaphorical in this situation.

there are over 42 billion doors worldwide, less than 5% of which are automatic.

Jennifer Allen

The Solution:

When asked about the inspiration behind his invention, Paul shared, “It literally came from a dream.” He went on to add, “All of my innovations have come from manifestations or visions in my mind. The idea was simple: open doors more seamlessly.”

The Hero Door Opener fills a critical gap, particularly for people with disabilities. The device integrates with existing mechanisms and allows doors to be opened via a mobile app, a fob, or even voice commands like “Hey Siri.” It’s affordable, quick to install, and practical for businesses and homes alike.

Accessible and Affordable

Priced at $1,750, with options for a $400 push receiver, a $30 universal fob, and a free app, the Hero Door Opener is designed to be cost-effective. Paul’s team even helps businesses find grants and tax write-offs to offset the costs, making the device accessible to more people. Most businesses have been able to implement this game-changing accessibility technology at no cost, transforming inclusion in their spaces.

Organizations like Busch Stadium, Cardinal Stadium, Bradley University, and The Schoolhouse Hotel have already implemented Hero Door Openers, further proving its versatility and appeal.

Business and Personal Impact

The Hero Door Opener has proven invaluable in commercial settings – beyond accessibility and inclusion goals. At the University of Illinois, catering staff struggled with doors closing on carts and knocking over food. With Hero, they just ask Siri to open the door for them, making their jobs easier and safer.

The real magic of the Hero Door Opener lies in its ability to empower. Paul shared the story of a young boy named Zippy, who loves playing in his backyard but couldn’t open the door independently. Installing the Hero on his family’s door and giving him a personal fob transformed his world.

“Now, Zippy can open the door whenever he wants,” Paul explained. “He even helps his mom bring in groceries. It’s that autonomy, that ability to contribute, that’s huge for us.”

“Whether you’re young or old, whether you have a disability or not, we all need to open doors,” Paul emphasized.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

As a start-up, the biggest challenges have been in manufacturing and funding. With its practical design and life-changing impact, the Hero Door Opener is going to change the face of accessibility, but it’s a journey to get to that place where costs are covered before orders are placed.

A Note from Pierre:

You will only ever grow and succeed if you learn how to take feedback from both people who support you and people who don’t. We’ve been appreciative for the skeptics and for the cheerleaders because they both play a valuable role in our journey. We cannot thank Jake and the TravelAbility team enough for the opportunity to meet more of both of those individuals and to prove ourselves as we make the world more accessible.

Watch The Hero Door Opener Pitch at TravelAbility’s InnovateAble Showcase

Visit the Hero Door Opener Web-site

TravelAbility Named to Condé Nast Traveler’s “Beyond Barriers: 25 People Making the World More Accessible for 2025”

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We are beyond thrilled to share that Jake Steinman and TravelAbility have been recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious “Beyond Barriers: 25 People Making the World More Accessible for 2025” list! This honor represents so much more than a milestone—it’s a testament to the extraordinary work of our advisory board, summit leaders, and the entire TravelAbility community. Together, you’ve turned a bold idea into a movement that is reshaping the travel industry, proving that accessibility is not just a checkbox but a driving force for innovation, empathy, and inclusion.

From the advisory board members and those who helped conceptualize TravelAbility (you’ll notice some of them also made the list as individuals), to the noise makers and advocates, this recognition belongs to you. Your dedication to breaking barriers, sharing knowledge, and championing inclusivity has inspired a wave of progress, and we’re so proud to see the mainstream travel industry taking notice. This is not just a win for TravelAbility—it’s a win for each of you as you continue to work towards a world that’s truly accessible to all.

Let’s celebrate how far we’ve come while continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Together, we’re proving that accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a world where everyone belongs. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!

Around the Web

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From Food to Focus: Famous TV Chef Champions Dyslexia Awareness

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TriviAbility Tweaks the Fun to Welcome All

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Find More than Your Train with these UK Accessibility Maps

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3 Ways Amazon is Making Fire TV More Accessbile

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The Most Inclusive Marathon Ireland Has Ever Seen

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This Disability Training is a First for Tahoe

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Adaptive Yoga Offers a Different Type of Healing

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“Wicked”‘s Inclusion Behind the Scenes

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The Most Accessible Museum in the World

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TravelAbility Emerging Markets Summit: What to Expect in 2025

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Early Bird Registration is Open- Save Your Spot

TravelAbility Emerging Markets Summit 2025 isn’t just another industry conference—it’s your chance to gain the tools, insights, and inspiration needed to drive meaningful change. The Summit is designed with two key goals in mind: to energize you with actionable takeaways you can implement immediately, and to make you the smartest person in your organization when it comes to accessibility. With sessions that balance practical knowledge and visionary thinking, you’ll leave ready to lead the charge toward true inclusivity.

Mark your calendars! The Summit will be held October 12th-15th at Sunriver Resort in Oregon. This annual event is the premier gathering for travel industry professionals, featuring trailblazing leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are reshaping the travel landscape to ensure it’s welcoming for all.

A Master Class in Accessibility

One of the Summit’s highlights is the Master Class in Accessibility, designed to elevate your expertise and transform the way you approach inclusivity in travel. Attendees will dive into strategies for addressing accessibility challenges and have the opportunity to earn the coveted “Accessibility Leader” certificate.

This intensive session equips participants with practical skills and a framework to integrate accessibility seamlessly into their organizations. Not only will you gain the tools to make meaningful changes, but you’ll also position yourself as a thought leader in the accessibility space.

AI Companion to The Accessibility Playbook

Technology is at the forefront of accessibility innovation, and this year’s Summit introduces the AI Companion to The Accessibility Playbook. This cutting-edge tool combines actionable insights with the power of AI, allowing destinations, hotels, and attractions to tailor their approaches to accessibility.

From generating accessibility checklists to providing real-time solutions, the AI Companion is a game-changer for travel professionals. Attendees will get a firsthand look at how this tool can streamline efforts to create more inclusive experiences, making accessibility not just a goal but a reality.

Adventure Wheelchair Smackdown

Get ready for some friendly competition at the Adventure Wheelchair Smackdown! This engaging event brings together three wheelchair users who will test and compare three different adventure wheelchairs. Each participant will share their unique experiences, offering valuable insights into the pros and cons of each model.

Expect honest feedback, lively discussions, and perhaps even a few surprises as these adventurers put the wheelchairs through their paces. Whether you’re a DMO, an attraction, or simply curious about the latest innovations, this event will leave you with a deeper appreciation for accessible outdoor recreation.

The Accessibility Stack

Building an Accessibility Stack can seem daunting, but this session provides travel professionals with a clear roadmap. Experts will share practical tips for DMOs, hotels, and attractions to start their journey, overcome barriers, and make reasonable accommodations.

Through real-world insights from disabled travelers, attendees will gain a better understanding of how small, thoughtful changes can lead to significant impacts. The Accessibility Stack isn’t just a checklist—it’s a mindset shift that ensures everyone feels welcome.

Panel Discussions: Perspectives That Matter

This year’s panels are packed with diverse voices, each bringing unique perspectives to the table:

  • Blind Travelers: Learn how they navigate the world and adapt through creative “world hacking.”
  • Wheelchair Users: Discover the wide range of needs and accommodations essential for seamless travel.
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Travelers: Gain tips on creating better travel experiences for those with hearing loss.
  • Autism Parents & Their Travel Nightmares: Hear firsthand accounts and practical advice from parents traveling with autistic children.

These discussions offer invaluable insights for anyone striving to make travel more inclusive and accessible.

Spotlight on Content Creators and Influencers

The Summit’s Content Creator Panels bring together some of the most influential voices in accessibility advocacy. Topics include creating impactful campaigns, addressing challenges faced by disabled travelers, and sharing authentic stories that resonate with audiences.

The popular Influencer Speed Dating Sessions are back with a refined structure. These fast-paced networking opportunities allow destinations and influencers to connect, share ideas, and spark collaborations. Attendees will also learn best practices for working with disability influencers, courtesy of an agency representing over 80 creators.

Interactive Roundtable Sessions

Engage in meaningful discussions during the interactive roundtables, where participants tackle pressing topics alongside industry leaders. From brainstorming innovative solutions to sharing success stories, these sessions are an excellent platform for collaboration and idea exchange.

Creating Experiential Accessible Products

Accessible travel isn’t just about accommodations; it’s about creating memorable experiences. This session focuses on experiential products—think fishing excursions, adaptive boating, and more—that cater to diverse needs. Learn how to design activities that go beyond expectations and truly connect with travelers.

The InnovateAble Vendor Showcase

Innovation takes center stage at the InnovateAble Vendor Showcase. Attendees will discover groundbreaking products and services designed to enhance accessibility in travel. From assistive technologies to adaptive equipment, this showcase highlights the tools that will shape the future of inclusive tourism.

Why the TravelAbility Emerging Markets Summit Matters

The TravelAbility Emerging Markets Summit is more than just a conference—it’s a movement. By bringing together industry professionals, innovators, and advocates, it pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in accessible travel.

Join us at the 2025 Summit and leave energized, inspired, and equipped to lead the charge toward a more inclusive future. Together, we can create a world where travel is accessible to all.

Early Bird Registration is Open – Register Today