TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

John Morris

People are Talking: TravelAbility Profiled in Accessibility For All

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We’re blushing. We are so grateful to Mélange Magazine which has featured TravelAbility in their current issue.

Screenshot of two-page magazine spread focused on Jake Steinman and TravelAbility Summit.

Mélange has a quarterly readership of nearly 900,000 worldwide. Since 2019, TravelAbility has been advocating for increased access for travelers with a disability. The TravelAbility community includes destinations, cruise lines, travel agents, hotels, attractions, and disabled travel influencers. Together, we are helping to remove barriers and increase awareness to ensure that travel is accessible for all.

Read the article on the Mélange website.

Navigating Accessibility in Airports and Rail Stations will be Easier with New Virtual Reality Simulator

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Oculus virtual reality headset.

A new ‘Serious Game’ Virtual Reality Simulation is being developed to support disabled people to better access travel on Northern’s services.

As the first of its kind, the technology will allow passengers to explore their journey and the support they require in advance, from the comfort of their own home. Users will be able to experience trains, stations, and interact with station and on-board staff in a realistic simulated environment on their own phones, tablets and PCs or even in low cost VR headsets for a fully immersive experience. They can take simulated journeys and experience the railway environment, as well as the support Northern staff will provide along the way.

To learn more, read the full article in Global Railway Review.

Research Guru Reveals 5 Trends That Will Impact Tourism Over the Next 5 Years

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Colorful lines across a white background.

What will the future look like for travel after the abrupt standstill in early 2020? With vaccinations on the rise and infections on the decline in the US, a growing number of consumers are eager to get away. Many have the financial wherewithal, having been hunkered down at home for much of the past year, with fewer-than-usual opportunities to spend money. 

To learn about 5 trends that will impact tourism over the next 5 years, read the report from PwC.

Visit Mesa Launches Aira, Guided Visual Interpretation for Visitors & Residents

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Visit Mesa logo.

New App-Based Resource One of Several Tech Tools to Aid Travelers with Enhanced Mobility in Mesa, Arizona

Oct. 11, 2021 – MESA, Ariz. – As part of Visit Mesa’s on-going mission to ensure Mesa, Ariz. is regarded as one of the nation’s most accessible travel destinations they are launching a partnership with Aira, an on-demand visual interpretation service. The launch of the service will be made available to visitors to Mesa, as well as residents, on Oct. 15, National Blind Americans Equality Day.

Aira is a new accessibility technology that serves people who are blind or have low vision. Prior to arrival, visitors can download the Aira app to their smart phone and get access to a trained Aira agent who can assist with trip planning. While in Mesa’s city limits, visitors can access the agent to guide them throughout public buildings, attractions, restaurants, hotels and more. Customers of Aira are referred to as Explorers and this instant access to visual information at the touch of a button will enhance everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence.

“We are thrilled to welcome Visit Mesa as an Aira Access partner. Their commitment to providing an accessible, independent visitor experience for the blind and low vision community is another example of their mission to provide never-ending inspiration and discovery,” said Troy Otillio, CEO of Aira.

In Mesa, this service is one of several initiatives the destination marketing organization is implementing to ensure all visitors are welcomed and travel to Mesa is enjoyable.

“Visit Mesa is on a journey to becoming a recognized leader in travel accessibility,” said Alison Brooks, director of destination experience and advocacy at Visit Mesa. “We are putting travel inclusion at the forefront of all we are doing in Mesa and this new service shares an important message to this customer base that their needs and requirements to better experience and explore our destination will be supported. We want every visitor, and ultimately resident of Mesa, to explore our city with ease and comfort.”

Aira’s visual interpretation services are currently available in all Starbucks and Target stores nationwide. The free service for Mesa, Arizona will be available starting Friday, Oct. 15. As part of Visit Mesa’s commitment to accessibility, any guest living or visiting Mesa who is blind or has low vision can use the Aira service while located within Mesa city limits. The service outside of Mesa’s borders is complimentary for up to five minutes and then fees apply. Both iOS and Android phones are supported.

“We want residents and visitors alike to know that Mesa is committed to inclusivity and accessibility, and the availability of Aira is another step in the right direction,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles. “Visit Mesa has become a leader in our region, in putting tools like Aira to work to create greater ease for both guests and residents.”

Visit Mesa helped establish the Mesa Regional Foundation for Accessibility, Diversity & Inclusion to enhance and implement equity, diversity and inclusion for youth and adults within the Mesa community. The Foundation will support programs that expand upon accessibility throughout Mesa with a special emphasis on technology. Additional programs supported by Visit Mesa include the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and the on-going efforts surrounding Mesa, Arizona’s designation as an Autism Certified City.

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Watch this video to see how Aira visual interpretation services impact the community:

Learn more about Visit Mesa and their mission to promote the value and vitality of Mesa’s visitor economy to create a better community at www.VisitMesa.com.

Accessible Travel Companion Service Launched for Travelers with Dementia

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Gomo travel image featuring headshot of company founder.

GOMO Travel (Go Or Miss Out, get it?)is a Florida-based company that provides trained travel companions, many of whom are active or retired nurses, for seniors who need to travel for medical care, family commitments or simply a leisure trip. Founded by Kerri Johnson in 2019, the company’s early success was fueled by a special relationship with the Mayo Clinic, which continued to have elderly and disabled patients traveling for treatments during the pandemic. GOMO Travel’s companions ensured patients from around the country made it to their appointments safely.

The company also provides a service to assist parents and their unaccompanied minors. Costs for the company’s services vary, depending on factors like the distance traveled, prices of airline flights and hotel stays and the amount of time a travel companion is needed.

To learn more about the company, see the full article in Business Observer Florida.