The Intersection of Travel and Disability
Last month, USAE News interviewed TravelAbility Founder Jake Steinman about the Accessible Landing Page project, which encourages DMOs to produce information resources that will attract travelers with disabilities.
To get the full story, click here.
Kelly Mack, a wheelchair user, recently traveled with her husband to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and wrote about her experiences for the Disney Information Station blog.
Mack says she traveled to Disney because she “felt very good about the precautions” taken to keep guests safe and because “it’s a place we can travel where we don’t worry as much about accessibility of the hotel, the transportation, and the overall fun because Disney has planned it all out.”
OUR TAKE: Accessible travel can be done safely during the pandemic and Kelly’s story highlights some of the steps Disney has taken in their parks and hotels that provide travelers with a sense of security.
To learn more about how Disney has safely reopened its parks and what visiting a theme park during the pandemic is like for a wheelchair user, click here.
After developing a motor neuron disease that paralyzed her arms, Christina Mallon began to adapt the way she approached life and got things done. With her newfound disability, she felt pressure from people’s preconceived notions that her life was “over” or lacked value. Committed to dismantling those false assumptions, she focused on changing the image of disability through fashion.
Christina has become a leader in accessible fashion, helping brands like Tommy Hilfiger create adaptive clothing lines and working with organizations to show disabled people how they can make use of fashion and beauty products. Her demonstration videos show disabled people what is possible and how to do it, even if you don’t have use of your arms.
To read more about Christina’s career, click here.
Ruby Sue was born with her back legs fused together and unable to walk. Thanks to the people at the “Safe in Austin Rescue” ranch and the company Walkin’ Pets, Ruby Sue was hooked up with a custom wheelchair to support her behind and grant her the freedom of movement.
To read the full story about what went into saving this baby calf, click here.
Each member of the TravelAbiliity Summit community is an agent of change, bringing the message of accessibility and inclusion to their respective communities and the world. This month, we’d like to recognize a recent accomplishments of one member of our summit community, who is doing great work to mainstream accessibility.
TravelAbility advisory board member and 2019 speaker Josh Loebner was recently profiled in Adweek. Loebner’s distinguished career in advertising has taken him to a number of widely respected advertising agencies. He’s also dedicated himself to opening up new opportunities for people with disabilities in the industry, and he was awarded a silver medal for serving on the American Advertising Federation’s Mosaic Council, a think tank for diversity in the industry.
Congratulations Josh!
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