lkarl

Innovation of the Month: Scan Me Home

September 8, 2025 by lkarl

ScanMeHome’s QR Code that Can Save Lives

The seventh annual INNOVATEAble highlighted groundbreaking ideas transforming how people with disabilities live and travel. The competition was close, with judges noting how tough it was to choose among such strong pitches. Taking second place was ScanMeHome, already making a huge impact for families living with autism. Below, founder Justin Behnke shares the story behind his innovation.

How ScanMeHome Came About

The idea for ScanMeHome came from my son, Jaxon. He’s nonverbal and autistic, and like many on the spectrum, he has intense sensory sensitivities. That meant wearables like GPS trackers or bracelets weren’t an option — he simply couldn’t tolerate them. Yet the fear of him wandering off and not being able to tell anyone who he was or how to reach me kept me awake at night.

I realized there was nothing in the marketplace that could meet his needs. Families like mine were left without a practical, immediate way to reconnect if their loved one got lost. That’s when I started building ScanMeHome: a simple, universal solution that doesn’t rely on batteries, devices, or apps — just a QR code that anyone can scan to instantly connect to a parent or caregiver.

The Problem it Solves

ScanMeHome bridges the dangerous communication gap when someone can’t speak for themselves. In those critical moments — whether it’s at an airport, a beach, a theme park, or even a neighborhood walk — a quick scan of the code gives first responders, staff, or good Samaritans immediate access to contact details and instructions to help reunite families.

Use Cases

Families: Parents of children with autism or other communication challenges.
Seniors: Those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Travel & Tourism: Airports, hotels, and attractions offering ScanMeHome to guests, creating safer and more inclusive travel experiences.
Schools, camps, and events: Adding a layer of safety in group settings where wandering risks are high.

For families
Memberships start at $9.95/month or $99/year, with a 7-day free trial. During the trial, families can immediately access ScanMeHome by printing their own digital QR code or ordering iron-on tags.

For destinations & organizations
ScanMeHome also offers bulk membership programs as well as flexible short-term visitor passes, making it easy for destinations and partners to provide added safety and inclusion to the communities and travelers they serve.

At its heart, ScanMeHome was built so families like mine can experience the world with less fear and more freedom — knowing there’s always a way home.

What Would You Do?

September 8, 2025 by lkarl

Each month we address various accessibility issues that may arise within the TravelAbility community.

What Would You Do?

Imagine you’re no longer allowed to use the words “inclusion,” “equity,” “DEI,” or “diversity” in any of your marketing or communications. How would you propose programs or initiatives that are designed to welcome and serve everyone? What alternative words or language would you use to describe those efforts?

Responses: Insider Editor, Jennifer Allen Responds

Surprisingly, we didn’t have many responses come in for this real-world problem. Perhaps it’s a little too real and a little too daunting. As someone who is actively facing this challenge, I thought I would share what I’m doing personally. It does seem strange to promote the idea that all are welcome, while deleting the terms that state it clearly, but it’s a necessity that many of us are facing.

I’m currently reworking a presentation that had been titled “Seeing the World Through Inclusion-Colored Glasses.” While it was a little tempting to replace each instance of “inclusion” with a “#!?!” to show that a “bad word” was being left out, I opted for a clearer message. I could have just replaced each I-word with “accessible,” but that isn’t what I mean. Inclusion isn’t just being able to get in and get around: it’s being made a part of all the action.

If a program is designed to welcome and serve everyone – that’s exactly what I’ll say. If I mean that there are no stairs, I’ll say there are no stairs. If a concert hall is being inclusive through their sensory options, hearing loops, and audio descriptions I’ll describe what they’re offering. The label may not be needed when we understand how people are being welcomed and made a part of all that is being offered.

In some ways, maybe being forced to use descriptions instead of labels will be helpful to the disability community. No one likes the hotel IG posts that praise an “accessible room” without saying anything about it, because accessibility looks different for everyone. “Inclusive” used to be a feel-good label that said all were welcome. Instead, it’s time to show just how we’re truly welcoming all.

September 2025 Around the Web

September 8, 2025 by lkarl

Vrbo’s New Accessibility Partnership Opens Doors to Everyone

A family gathers around a dining table for a meal, with a child in a wheelchair drinking from a cup while other family members, including children and adults, share food and conversation in a bright, welcoming home setting.

We sat down with Lorraine Woodward, CEO and founder of Becoming rentABLE, to discuss the growing importance of accessibility in the vacation rental industry. Becoming rentABLE is on a mission to make travel easier for everyone…

New Accessibility Tools Empower Inclusive Travel

Visitors with mobility aids, including a walker and a service dog, check in at a distillery's tour desk, with large wooden barrels and industrial architecture visible in the background.

Bundaberg Tourism has unveiled a suite of new accessibility tools designed to support travellers of all abilities in planning and enjoying their holiday in the Bundaberg Region, including new digital guides, audio storytelling and sensory-friendly initiatives…..

These Accessible Musicals Are for Blind People, Deaf People — and Also Everyone

A scene from the play ″Gyeon Gothic Girl″ featuring captions for deaf audience members.

As the curtain rose on Saturday’s matinee of the National Theater Company of Korea’s new Buddhism-themed metadrama play “Sammaekyung,” audio describer Seo Soo-yeon, positioned beneath the stage of the Myeongdong Theater, began painting the first scene through her microphone…

Increasing Accessible Outdoor Spaces is Good for Everyone

Two people wearing helmets ride together on a tandem adaptive bike through a tree-lined park path, smiling as they enjoy an outdoor cycling experience.

Outdoor environments, from local parks to nature trails, are vital to our physical health, mental well-being and social connection. Fresh air, spaces and places to play help us relieve stress and give us more choices to be active. Yet too many disabled people face barriers that keep them from…

Latest Airline Incident Reinforces Need for Better Accessibility in the Travel Industry

A Southwest Airlines aircraft with blue livery sits at an airport gate with a jet bridge attached. The plane is positioned on the tarmac with airport terminal buildings and infrastructure visible in the background under an overcast sky.

Earlier this week, we reported on how two blind women were the only two people onboard a flight from New Orleans to Orlando after an hours-long….

How to Attract and Retain Talent with Disabilities

A man in a wheelchair wearing a brown leather apron and white t-shirt operates a band saw in a woodworking shop. He's working at a wooden workbench while wearing black gloves, with various tools and equipment visible throughout the workshop in the background.

Although 1 in 4 adults in the United States has a disability, Disabled individuals remain underrepresented in the workforce. In 2024, the employment-population ratio was 22.7% among those with disabilities, compared to 65.5% for those without….

“Shakedown” lawsuits Over Website Access Torment St. Louis Restaurateurs

Portrait of two men smiling at the camera in what appears to be a restaurant setting. Dave Bailey, left, wearing a light blue button-down shirt, and Kevin Nashan, right, wearing a white chef's coat, are among the restaurateurs who've received legal notices from a Kansas City law firm.

It is seldom good news when your business hears from a lawyer you don’t know, and so it was for Kevin Nashan this past spring. The James Beard-winning chef, who owns Sidney Street Cafe and Peacemaker Lobster & Crab, got a letter from a Kansas City-based attorney representing a blind man….

How Can Beaches Be Made More Accessible to People with Reduced Mobility?

An older man in a beach wheelchair holds hands with a woman sitting on the sand beside him, with the ocean waves in the background.

In Belgium, the Inter agency launched the “Sun, Sea… Carefree” programme in 2006, to improve access to the coastline.

With her granddaughter in her lap, Monique is enjoying a trip to the North Sea in a…

Brain-Computer Interfaces in Accessible Tourism

The emergence of brain–computer interface technology is gradually influencing various aspects of human society. However, this innovative technology has yet to be meaningfully introduced into the field of tourism studies…

The Americans with Disabilities Act at 35: Recognizing the Important Work to Promote Equal Opportunity for People with Disabilities

A man wearing a navy OEM shirt speaks with a person in a wheelchair inside a shelter, where several people are resting on cots and Red Cross blankets.

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990, providing a legal framework to ensure people with disabilities have access to the same facilities and resources as the rest of the…

Have Wheels, Will Travel: Paralyzed Individuals Reveal Challenges when Hitting the Road

A person in a wheelchair looks out at a lake and mountains from a wooden dock, with travel map graphics and location pins overlaid above. Text reads, “Have Wheels, Will Travel — Paralyzed individuals reveal challenges when hitting the road.”

Shaun Castle cannot imagine a life without travel….

How to Tell if You’re Really in a Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Room

A cozy log cabin bedroom with a large bed covered in a patriotic quilt, wooden furniture, and windows with white curtains letting in natural light. A sliding glass door opens to a deck with views of pine trees.

Thanks to modern technology it’s now possible to share your travel photos with friends and family with just a few swipes and a tap or two. And I absolutely love seeing those smiling faces enjoying cruises, beaches and luxury resorts…

Selma Blair Says She Is Often ‘Misunderstood as Difficult or Drunk’ Due to MS

Woman with short blonde hair, wearing a white collared shirt with black trim and a gold chain necklace, smiling in front of a lavender backdrop with partial event text visible.

Selma Blair is opening up about the challenges she faces traveling with multiple sclerosis.

“I have dystonia, which is often misunderstood as difficult or drunk,” the Legally Blonde actress…

First Disabled Athletes to Cross the Alps in Manual Wheelchairs

Two people in wheelchairs wearing matching bright yellow shirts that read “Wheelchair Across the Alps,” sitting on a path by a river with mountains and trees in the background, smiling at the camera.

On the banks of Lake Geneva in late June, Ben Spencer and Peter Smorthit looked out towards the Alpine peaks. Over the next 18 days, the friends would embark on a 262 mile-journey across one of Europe’s most extreme landscapes, reaching heights of…

Behind the Oscar-Winning Captioning Revolution: Intention

Black background with white text reading 'Behind the Work' in large serif font. Below is a simple white illustration of a person sitting in a chair with a question mark above their head, facing a computer monitor on a desk. At the bottom is a closed captioning symbol followed by the text 'Caption with Intention' with an underlined yellow accent

FCB Chicago’s Bruno Mazzotti says new ‘Caption with Intention’ system, created with Rakish Entertainment and the Chicago Hearing Society, gives inclusive design a long-overdue starring…

Triple A provides 11 Ideas for Aging Travelers Taking to the Road

Soon, summer will come to a close, and many Idaho families will resume the usual Fall schedule of school and activities closer to home. But for seniors, the fun may be just beginning. Today, AAA shares 11 of the best vacation ideas for seniors this year…..

NY State Now Offering Discount Offers for PwD’s, Most with Free Tickets for Caregiver

Three people walking away on a paved path or small road through green countryside. One person pushes a stroller while two others walk alongside. The scene shows rolling hills and trees in the distance under a partly cloudy blue sky.

A trip to New York State is both accessible and affordable thanks to discounted rates for visitors with disabilities and free companion/personal care attendant admission at many sites. From world-class museums and historic….

Seattle Airport Offering Support for Travelers with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Busy airport terminal interior showing travelers in motion with luggage. A large electronic flight information display board is mounted on a central column, showing departure and arrival information in white text on a dark background.

One in three older adults in the United States dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia — a staggering number that reflects the growing impact on families and communities…

September News from the TravelAbility Community

September 5, 2025 by lkarl

Sophie Morgan’s Visit to Bend Oregon Featured in Conde Nast | Outdoor Adventure Belongs to Everyone

A scenic view of Bend, Oregon, featuring the Deschutes River with people floating on rafts and kayaks. The river is lined with lush greenery and modern homes in the foreground, while the Old Mill District with its three iconic smokestacks and shops stands prominently in the background, framed by forested hills and a clear blue sky.

Bend, Oregon. It is one of those places people talk about with a kind of reverence. “Oh, Bend,” they’ll say, drawing out the vowel like there is a secret there that will only be revealed when you go. A renowned outdoor adventure capital, it draws climbers, kayakers, and powder chasers in droves. But as a wheelchair user….

A colorful grid pattern of pastel squares in various colors serves as the background for text reading "disABILITY PRIDE" in bold lettering

Access isn’t only about ramps and doorways. It’s about being able to move, speak, live, learn and belong with independence, safety and dignity. But in West Michigan…

A person in a wheelchair fishes from a boat, with other people nearby and water visible in the background, overlaid with "Kare 11 extra" text branding.

Great challenges sometimes inspire great ideas.

That’s the case at one of Ely’s newest resorts, which offers a more accessible gateway to Minnesota…

A person in a wheelchair wearing a red cape poses heroically against a city skyline backdrop, embodying strength and empowerment.

Ahead of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined Council member Imelda Padilla, International Paralympic Committee Chief Paralympic Games Officer Colleen Wrenn, LA28 Chief…

A woman in casual clothes walks outside an airport terminal, pulling a wheeled suitcase and looking at her phone.

We’re proud to share that XRAI Glass has been selected to pilot our real-time captioning and translation technology at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) this summer, helping to improve communication at some of the airport’s most critical touchpoints….

A man in a wheelchair sits by a wooden bench in a grassy coastal area overlooking the ocean. He is wearing a white cap and light-colored clothing, facing away from the camera toward the blue sea and horizon.

Visit California is making it easier for travellers with disabilities to plan their perfect Golden Coast getaway with the launch of its new Accessibility Hub, an online platform designed to streamline accessible travel across the state, without wading through scattered sources….

A decorative wooden sign reading 'SI♥UXLAND' sits on a wooden table. The letters are painted in white and blue, with a red heart symbol replacing the 'O' in 'Siouxland'. Blue chairs are visible in the background around the table.

Explore Siouxland has earned ‘Destination Verified Status’ from Wheel the World’s Accessibility Verified Program.

Wheel the World is a travel platform that verifies and catalogs accessible and…

Aerial view of a white sand beach with clear turquoise water and a long wooden fishing pier extending into the Gulf. Beachgoers are scattered across the sand with umbrellas and chairs, while sand dunes with sea grass are visible in the foreground.

With 320 days of sunshine, plenty of parks, and no state income tax, Panama City Beach (PCB) is an affordable small-town gem (population 19,393) on Florida’s Panhandle that’s increasingly capturing the attention of retirees…

A man in a light blue t-shirt stands against an ornate historic wall featuring elaborate Renaissance-style frescoes with painted panels in warm oranges and reds, circular medallions, arched windows with metal grillwork, and a central painting of a figure on a white horse.

What does it really mean for a place to be accessible? As a wheelchair user, I’ve spent the past 20 years travelling, writing, and speaking about accessible tourism. I’ve crawled off trains when assistance hasn’t…

A pair of blue wireless earbuds sits in an open white charging case on a gray desk surface, with one earbud inside the case and the other resting beside it. In the background are blurred desk items, including a smartphone, a gold pen, a laptop, and what appears to be a blue and brown desk accessory.

In a positive move towards inclusion and accessibility, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas has introduced a complimentary service designed to assist hearing-impaired travelers….

Advice Line: Lessons with Kristy Durso Part Four

September 5, 2025 by lkarl

Lesson 4: Accessibility Sells

What’s an example of a destination that saw a clear return on investing in accessibility?

Absolutely. One of my favorite examples is Beaches Turks & Caicos, a resort that truly listened, made a change and saw immediate results.

They addressed something many destinations overlook: guaranteed accessible room bookings. In the Caribbean, it’s especially difficult to reserve an accessible room with certainty. Unlike categories like ocean-view or suites, accessibility often isn’t treated as a priority.

But Beaches made it one.

After hearing me speak about this gap, they created a new booking category for accessible rooms in 2021. That small change, simply naming the category and guaranteeing it, was transformational. The result? It became so popular that it was harder to book than their top-tier suites.

They eventually had to double the number of accessible rooms on the property to meet demand.

Now, they’re building a new wing, and while I don’t know the exact number of accessible rooms it will include, I do know they’re adding more. That’s what happens when you truly meet a need. You see a return, not just in guest satisfaction, but in occupancy and loyalty.

They didn’t stop at basic accessibility either. At one of their Sandals properties, which caters to adults, they began offering accessible suites with luxury-level services. Those rooms are constantly booked. And that proves an important point: people with disabilities span every demographic. Some are wealthy, some are not. Some are parents, newlyweds, solo travelers. We all want options.

Too often, hotels treat accessibility as an afterthought. ADA rooms are usually the lowest tier, with sterile decor and bathrooms that feel more medical than welcoming. Even in countries like the U.S., where laws require accessible rooms across categories, enforcement is uneven. Many accessible rooms still only offer one bed, forcing families to book multiple rooms or settle for poor accommodations.

My solution? Make every bathroom accessible. Install grab bars. Widen doorways.

These changes aren’t expensive, and they help everyone. The athlete recovering from a workout. The couple celebrating with champagne. The parent bathing a child. If you design for inclusion, those features enhance the experience instead of standing out.

So yes, Beaches Turks & Caicos is a great case study. They didn’t need a massive budget. They simply restructured their booking engine, identified a real need and saw results. That’s the takeaway. Accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s smart, scalable business.

Check back next month for Part Four! Noble Studios conducted a thorough interview with Kristy Durso going over the many facets of creating a destination that is truly for everyone. This series is pulled directly from the interview. Check out the archives for the rest of the series. Click here for the full interview.

Kristy Durso is sitting in her wheelchair on the beach, smiling over her shoulder with the beautiful turquoise ocean in the background.

Featured public speaker, accessibilities advocate, entrepreneur, Army veteran, and military wife Kristy Durso is Travelability’s Ambassedor and owns and operates Incredible Memories Travel, a full-service travel agency that assists everyone, including those with accessibility needs. She has three children, one who has autoimmune issues and food allergies, another on the spectrum, and another with cognitive and intellectual disabilities.

lkarl

ScanMeHome’s QR Code that Can Save Lives

How ScanMeHome Came About

The Problem it Solves

Use Cases

Share this:

What Would You Do?

Responses: Insider Editor, Jennifer Allen Responds

Share this:

Vrbo’s New Accessibility Partnership Opens Doors to Everyone

New Accessibility Tools Empower Inclusive Travel

These Accessible Musicals Are for Blind People, Deaf People — and Also Everyone

Increasing Accessible Outdoor Spaces is Good for Everyone

Latest Airline Incident Reinforces Need for Better Accessibility in the Travel Industry

How to Attract and Retain Talent with Disabilities

“Shakedown” lawsuits Over Website Access Torment St. Louis Restaurateurs

How Can Beaches Be Made More Accessible to People with Reduced Mobility?

Brain-Computer Interfaces in Accessible Tourism

The Americans with Disabilities Act at 35: Recognizing the Important Work to Promote Equal Opportunity for People with Disabilities

Have Wheels, Will Travel: Paralyzed Individuals Reveal Challenges when Hitting the Road

How to Tell if You’re Really in a Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Room

Selma Blair Says She Is Often ‘Misunderstood as Difficult or Drunk’ Due to MS

First Disabled Athletes to Cross the Alps in Manual Wheelchairs

Behind the Oscar-Winning Captioning Revolution: Intention

Triple A provides 11 Ideas for Aging Travelers Taking to the Road

NY State Now Offering Discount Offers for PwD’s, Most with Free Tickets for Caregiver

Seattle Airport Offering Support for Travelers with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Share this:

Sophie Morgan’s Visit to Bend Oregon Featured in Conde Nast | Outdoor Adventure Belongs to Everyone

Pure Michigan | disABILITY PRIDE: How Accessible is West Michigan?

Explore Minnesota | New Ely Resort Features Fully Accessible Lodging and Activities for All to Enjoy… Together

Discover Los Angeles | Los Angeles Reaffirms Accessibility Goals Ahead of 2028 Paralympic Games

XRAI and Dallas Fort Worth | XRAI Glass to Pilot Real-Time Captioning and Translation at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Visit California | Visit California Launches Accessibility Hub to Support Travellers with Disabilities

Wheel the World | Explore Siouxland Is Now ‘Destination Verified’ for Accessible Travel

Visit Florida | America’s Best Small Retirement Town Has Pristine Beaches, Accessible Activities, and 320 Days of Sunshine a Year

Sassy Wyatt and Alex Stratikis | 8 Disabled Travellers Reveal What Makes a Destination Truly Accessible for Them in Conde Nast

Las Vegas’ Harry Reid Airport Unveils Free ASL App to Aid Hearing-Impaired Travelers, Enhancing Accessibility and Communication

Share this:

Lesson 4: Accessibility Sells

What’s an example of a destination that saw a clear return on investing in accessibility?

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