TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

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The 2025 TravelAbility Impact Report

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The 2025 TravelAbility Impact Report highlights a year of growth and digital innovation in accessible tourism. By launching the world’s first accessibility influencer database and pioneering a dedicated film festival, TravelAbility continues to bridge the accessibility gap between the travel industry and the disability community.

7TH Annual Travelability Summit: Attendance Update:

  • Total Attendance: 189 (2025) vs. 208 (2024).
  • Influencer Attendance: 20 (2025) vs. 10 (2024) — +100% increase.
  • Destination Ally Club: Expanded to 24 members, including new partners – Visit Orlando, Visit Williamsburg, and Experience Grand Rapids.
  • Accessibility Playbook: Adoption by DMOs grew 25%, with 30 organizations now utilizing the guide.

The Influencer Project

Established the first global database of accessibility creators, identifying 555 influencers across more than 11 disability categories. These creators command a combined follower audience of 164 million across major social platforms (FB, IG, TT, YT, LI).

Research & Content Initiatives

  • Film Festival: Debuted the first-ever TravelAbility Film Festival in Oregon, showcasing 14 finalists.
  • Research Projects:
    • Longwoods America: Follow-up study on travelers requiring accessibility services.
    • Creator Study: Surveyed 425 content creators to refine authentic storytelling.
    • Rethinking Accessibility: Identified new features from 143 venues to enhance accessibility web pages.
    • Meeting Planner Study: Conducted in partnership with USAE News.

Media and Representation:

From: Conde Nast Traveler,

From: Travel Weekly :

From: Leisure Group Travel:

Podcasts:  Traveling Tribes:

On the Road: Travelability was represented at the following in 2025:

  • Washington DC: Met with AARP/ National Park Service/,US Travel
  • NYC: TravMedia Summit-NYC
  • Savannah, GA: Destinations International CEO Summit
  • Los Angeles, CA: Visit CA Marketing Outlook Forum
  • Los Angeles: Abilities Expo
  • Anaheim, CA: CSUN Disability Tech
  • Austin, TX: DI Marcom Summit
  • Portland, OR: Travel Oregon Governor’s Conference J.S.
  • Ottawa, ON: NTA Travel Exchange;  K.Durso
  • Chicago, IL. DI Annual convention
  • Morgantown, WV: Governor’s Conference (J.Allen)
  • Portland, OR: DI Partner Summit
  • Gulf Shores, AL: Alabama Governor’s Conference (K.Durso)

December 2025 Community News

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Phoenyx Travels | Traveling During the Government Shutdown: What to Expect

Wander Lust Tours, AdvenChair, GrayTV | Andy’s Adventures: Wanderlust Tours with AdvenChair in Central Oregon

Wonders Within Reach | The Ultimate Wheelchair Accessible Washington, D.C. Guide for Families 

ALMTA, TravelABility | Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association film on accessibility an award-winner at TravelAbility Festival

Be my Eyes | Be My Eyes, Hilton Executives Talk ‘World-First’ Partnership In New Interview

The Palm Beaches | Accessible Bicycling Locations in The Palm Beaches

From the Castle to the Galaxy: The Florida Rental Redefining Accessible Travel

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A collage showcases an accessible vacation rental with Star Wars-themed rooms, including adaptive equipment beside twin beds inspired by the franchise. Additional images show the home’s pool area with a lift, exterior entrance, living room, and entertainment room.

According to Vermont’s Short Term Rental Alliance, over 40% of all travelers prefer to use platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com for accommodation versus looking for a traditional hotel. Unfortunately, even with the rise in preference, accessibility tends to lag behind. Short term renters are often leery of mislabeling their home as accessible, or they don’t understand what that label should mean. The result is an extreme deficit in the availability of accessible short term rentals. Finding an accessible home can feel like wishing upon a star, but this Disney-themed fully accessible Florida home is where the wish actually comes true.

WarHorse by FunStay Homes at Windsor Hills is the perfect destination for all families, especially those seeking affordable, handicap-accessible accommodations for a group of 8 or fewer. Less than three miles from Disney World, and filled with fun surprises like a Star Wars laser tag and game room and a Mickey bathroom, the home is fully wheelchair accessible and includes amenities like:

• Wheelchair ramp into game room

• Custom-built laser tag games designed to accessible standards

• Private, heated pool/spa (equipped with ADA Scout 2 lift and pool lift chair)

• ADA-compliant concrete ramp leading to the 36” front door

• ADA wet bath with roll-in shower

• ADA-height oblong toilet with two drop-down grab rails

• ADA bathroom sink

• 36” swinging “butler” door for bedroom access (from hall)

• 36” swinging “butler” door for bathroom access (from bedroom)

• Tile floor in accessible bedroom

• Flexabed 185 Hi-Low Series SL twin beds – fully adjustable bed with head, foot, and hi-lo height adjustability from 16.5” to 27”

• Threshold ramp for outside access to pool area

• Scout 2 ADA pool/spa lift

• Golden Technologies Cloud PR-515 MaxiComfort with Twilight infinite position lift chair

• Battery-operated Hoyer Advance e340 patient lift (must bring own sling)

• 36” doors for garage access

• Threshold ramp for access to garage Star Wars arena

Even better than accessible magic? All of this information is available right on their website, along with plenty of pictures to help you determine if the accessible amenities meet your needs.

Sweet Home Alabama: Discovering Wheelchair Accessible Gulf Shores

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When I arrived in Gulf Shores for the Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism, I knew I’d be talking about accessibility — but what I didn’t realize was how much Alabama itself would teach me about hospitality, community, and joy.

From start to finish, this trip was an incredible blend of meaningful conversation and unforgettable coastal adventure.

The Heart Behind Alabama Tourism

It’s impossible to talk about this trip without mentioning Patti Culp, whose warmth and leadership set the tone for the entire conference. Patti embodies Southern hospitality — thoughtful, genuine, and deeply committed to moving Alabama tourism forward in a way that includes everyone.

And then there’s Kay Maghan from Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, who created an itinerary that showcased the very best of the Gulf Coast. Every stop was intentional — not just beautiful, but accessible and inclusive. You can see our full itinerary here.

The Lodge at Gulf State Park: Where Accessibility Meets Sustainability

Our home for the week, The Lodge at Gulf State Park, is more than a hotel — it’s a model for what modern, accessible, and sustainable travel can be. Wide pathways, accessible rooms, and thoughtful beach access meant I could fully participate in every experience.

There’s something special about watching the sunrise from a place that feels designed with everyone in mind.

Accessible Adventures in the Sand

One of my favorite parts of the trip was exploring the beach with my Freedom Trax, and of course, my service dog, Gulliver, by my side. We built sand sculptures, made new friends, and even tried our hand at fishing (Gulliver was very interested in the catch!).

These moments capture what accessibility is really about — participation, joy, and choice. It’s not just being there; it’s being part of it all.

Creative Inspiration at The Hot Shop

Another highlight was our visit to The Hot Shop in Orange Beach — a glassblowing studio where we got to design and create our own pieces. Accessibility here wasn’t just physical; it was creative. Everyone was welcomed, encouraged, and guided through the artistic process. Watching my son, Timothy, focus intently on his colorful creation was one of those proud mom moments I’ll treasure.

Wild Encounters and Wonderful People

At the Coastal Alabama Center for Ecotourism, Timothy met an owl — and judging by the smile on his face, I’m pretty sure that moment made his whole trip. Experiences like these make travel not only educational, but transformative.

I had the chance to meet Miss America during the conference! Her grace and kindness were the perfect reminder that leadership and advocacy come in all forms — and that inclusion is beautiful at every level.

Reflecting on an Accessible Gulf Coast

This trip reminded me that accessibility doesn’t take away from the experience — it enhances it. When destinations make inclusion a priority, they don’t just open doors for travelers with disabilities; they enrich the entire community.

Thank you, Alabama, for showing what’s possible when hospitality meets heart.

Thank you, Patti, Kay, and everyone who made this trip unforgettable.

And thank you, Gulf Shores — for the sunshine, the memories, and the hope that every beach can be for everybody.

INNOVATEAble Winner, BoardSafe Docks, Is Making Waves with Its Adaptive Kayak Launch

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BoardSafe Docks, a first place winner in TravelAbility’s 2025 INNOVATEAble Pitchfest,  has built its reputation on designing and manufacturing specialized, accessible waterfront products. Among its most notable accessible innovations is the Adaptive Kayak Launch, first developed in 2014 at Leaser Lake in Kempton, PA.

Watch project video here: 

Today, BoardSafe offers a full range of customized products, including adaptive kayak launches, courtesy boat docks, accessible fishing piers, gangways, pedestrian bridges, and rowing centers. With more than 20 years of experience, the company is recognized as a trusted leader in the commercial dock-building industry, providing turnkey solutions from design through manufacturing and installation for projects nationwide.

BoardSafe’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its craftsmanship, customer service, and ability to solve complex accessibility challenges.

The Adaptive Kayak Launch was born out of collaboration. In 2014, the Kempton Area Lions Club, Leaser Lake Heritage Foundation, and Team River Runner, an adaptive paddling organization, approached BoardSafe seeking a safer, more accessible way to get paddlers with mobility challenges onto the water. Their group was growing, their needs were becoming more diverse, and they were challenged in finding a safe way to access the water for paddling.

Working closely with paddlers in wheelchairs, BoardSafe’s engineering and manufacturing team refined design features, tested ideas, and eliminated barriers. The result was an innovative launch system that made safe, independent, and inclusive access possible. That project set the foundation for BoardSafe’s line of ADA-compliant gangways and universally accessible products.

The Problem a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch Solves

Traditional docks and launches often present barriers for people with mobility challenges. BoardSafe’s Accessible and Adaptive Kayak Launch addresses these obstacles with features such as:

  • ADA-compliant aluminum gangway
  • Parallel boat slide for stable entry
  • Tiered boarding bench with pull-out seat
  • Roll cage with overhead grab bar and hand straps, and pull bars
  • A cradle that keeps the kayak steady when entering and exiting

These elements ensure safe, independent, and universal access for all paddlers, including those who use wheelchairs, older adults, children, and beginners. The inclusive design makes it possible for everyone to enjoy the freedom and recreation of paddling.

Common Uses

BoardSafe works with landscape architects, city planners, and engineers to create or enhance access to lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal areas. Their primary customers include:

  • Municipalities, counties, and state parks
  • Water trail organizations
  • Urban and commercial waterfront revitalization projects

Because the docks and gangways are floating systems, they adapt to fluctuating water levels caused by flooding or tides, making them well-suited for a wide variety of environments.

Factors That Influence Pricing

The cost of a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch depends on several variables:

  • Size and complexity – Larger or more advanced systems require additional materials and labor.
  • Materials – Durable, commercial-grade aluminum adds long-term value but increases upfront costs.
  • Custom options – Adaptive features like grab bars, pull straps, or tiered benches are tailored to user needs.
  • Gangway and chute length – Length depends on site conditions and ADA slope requirements; some reach 100 feet.
  • Installation site – Geography, water conditions, and anchoring needs determine overall system design.
  • Foundation requirements – Options range from precast foundations to poured concrete for high-current or tidal areas.
  • Installation process – Labor, equipment, tools, and insurance are included in project costs.

BoardSafe offers a wide range of modular components that can be customized to site-specific conditions. Project costs vary greatly—from as little as $20,000 for a simple clip-a-launch to several hundred thousand dollars for complex, large-scale systems. Because of the many variables, precise pricing requires a site evaluation and engineering. Boardsafe offers an initial consultation free of charge.