TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Accessibility Awards

News From Around The Web

by

Australia: The Year of Accessible Tourism

Unlocking the economic power of accessibility: Queensland’s $12 million initiative is transforming tourism through accessibility grants and improved marketing representation, paving the way for businesses to tap into a $13.5 billion market.

MORE

Sesame Place San Diego receives Autism Certification

Sesame Place San Diego is leading the way in autism accommodations. Discover how their certified autism center renewal and expanded amenities is helping them reach neurodiverse visitors.

MORE

Adventure Sports; Diving for People with Disabilities at the Red Sea

Red Sea Global uses “commercial good sense” in creating Project Aurelia to ensure Red Sea is one of the most inclusive destinations in the world.

MORE

US Airlines Improve in their Handling of Wheelchairs

US airlines’ handling of mobility devices in 2023 exposed! Ranked by reports of mishandling, you may be surprised by which carriers are falling short and who’s making improvements.

MORE

Hyatt Outlines Support for Neuro Diverse travelers

Hyatt’s game-changing survey reveals how hotels can cater to neurodivergent travelers, enhancing every step of their journey from booking to check-out.

MORE

Accessibility Champion: Kathleen Harvey

by

Kathleen Harvey - Destination British Columbia | LinkedIn

Manager, Visitor Services Destination BC

Q1. When did you begin focusing on accessibility in your destination and what was the impetus for wanting to make your destination more accessible?

Accessibility has been an important consideration in British Columbia for many years, including during the lead up to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games hosted in Vancouver and Whistler, BC. Destination BC began focusing on accessible tourism in earnest in 2018 when we launched our three year Accessible Tourism Framework and Action Plan, followed by our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Strategy. This focus continues now in support of the BC Accessibility Act in 2021. We believe that everyone, regardless of their abilities, should be able to participate in BC’s tourism experiences.

I’m personally driven to help create a more accessible destination because of a young family member with complex cognitive and physical disabilities. Traveling with my nephew has underscored the significance of establishing a destination that embraces inclusivity and hospitality for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. Fostering an environment where everyone feels welcomed and secure while traveling and experiencing tourism offerings is a goal I’m passionate about.

“I’m personally driven to help create a more accessible destination because of a young family member with complex cognitive and physical disabilities. Traveling with my nephew has underscored the significance of establishing a destination that embraces inclusivity and hospitality for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.”

Q2. What are your main responsibilities and tasks in your organization?

As the Manager of Visitor Services, my role involves overseeing a program that assists more than 130 community Visitor Centres across British Columbia. Additionally, I take charge of project managing Destination BC’s accessibility initiatives, lending a hand in executing our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategy, and facilitating our Accessibility and Inclusion Committee. 

Q3. Aside from budget, what are the most difficult obstacles or barriers that you face regarding the advancement of accessibility in your destination? What initiatives have you undertaken to improve accessibility in your destination, and which are you most proud of?

Raising awareness and providing education are crucial steps in making the tourism industry more accessible. We need to spread the word about the importance of accessibility and equip businesses with the knowledge and resources they need to make meaningful changes. By fostering understanding and sharing best practices, we can create a more inclusive tourism experience for everyone.

Providing educational resources for our tourism industry and incorporating accessible tourism information on our consumer-facing website are essential steps towards inclusivity. Together, these efforts contribute to a more welcoming and inclusive tourism experience for everyone and I am very proud to have been part of the team at Destination BC to make this happen.

Q4. Who do you follow? Name an organization/company/individual you look to for ideas or inspiration.

The Rick Hanson Foundation, Spinal Cord Injury BC, Destination A11y members and the passionate members of our Accessibility and Inclusion Committee.

Q5. What are your plans around accessibility in 2024?

We are committed to further strengthening the capacity of the tourism industry by equipping stakeholders with additional tools and resources to foster inclusion. Through collaboration with partners across the tourism ecosystem, government agencies, and our Accessibility and Inclusion Committee, we aim to identify, eliminate, and prevent barriers that hinder accessibility. Moreover, we strive to showcase the commendable accessibility initiatives undertaken by tourism businesses and individuals throughout British Columbia. Together, we can create a more welcoming and inclusive tourism landscape for all.

Accessibility Champion: Patrick Harrison

by

Visit Tampa Bay Names Chief Operating, Marketing Officers

Marketing Director, Visit Tampa Bay

Q1. When did you begin focusing on accessibility in your destination and what was the impetus for wanting to make your destination more accessible?

Visit Tampa Bay began intensifying its focus on accessibility as part of a broader inclusivity initiative, which recognized the growing need and ethical imperative to serve all travelers, regardless of their physical abilities. This commitment was further motivated by the understanding that improving accessibility not only benefits travelers with disabilities but also enhances the overall visitor experience, which makes  the destination more welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

Q2. What are your main responsibilities and tasks in your organization?

Working with a dedicated internal team and external representatives and agencies, I direct all marketing and communications channels including advertising, public relations, branding, activations, targeted niche campaigns and creative out-of-the-box ideas.  Additionally, I oversee our leisure sales team and work closely with our partnership and convention sales team to ensure brand integrity and consistency.

Q3. Aside from budget, what are the most difficult obstacles or barriers that you face regarding the advancement of accessibility in your destination? What initiatives have you undertaken to improve accessibility in your destination, and which are you most proud of?

One of the primary challenges in advancing accessibility in Tampa Bay is transforming the mindset of local stakeholders and partners. Too often, accessibility is seen merely as an ADA compliance issue rather than a broader commitment to inclusivity and enhancing the guest experience. At Visit Tampa Bay, we aim to lead by example, demonstrating successful accessible initiatives and sharing findings and best practices with our partners.

A critical early step was the appointment of Jamie Santillo as an accessibility ambassador to Visit Tampa Bay. As a local travel agent with a disability, Jaime brought a valuable perspective, ensuring that our accessibility efforts were not only well-informed but also genuinely reflective of the needs of travelers with disabilities. Her appearance in an accessibility video, along with her Tampa Bay itineraries, underscores the importance of getting input from the community on the initiatives aimed to serve. We are proud to showcase her as an expert in creating inclusive travel experiences. In the past few years, Jamie’s own travel agency, Adventures by Jamie, has been voted a top travel agency in Florida and the Southeast. 

We showcase the value and impact of accessible tourism through pilot programs and strategic partnerships, demonstrating that thoughtful accessibility improvements lead to increased guest satisfaction and repeat visitation. We are particularly proud of our recent initiatives that collectively aim to position Tampa Bay as a leader in accessible tourism. 

Recent initiatives include:

  • EnChroma: We’ve introduced EnChroma glasses at key cultural venues like the Tampa Museum of Art and The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. These glasses allow visitors with red-green color blindness to see a broader spectrum of colors, enhancing their experience of the visual arts.
  • Wheel the World: Visit Tampa Bay was the first DMO in Florida to highlight accessible trips with Wheel the World. We are expanding this partnership to enhance accessibility at more hotels and tourist attractions.
  • AbleVu: We’re working to make Tampa Bay the first “AbleVu Accessible City” in Florida by enhancing accessibility at a variety of partner businesses, including attractions, hotels, and dining establishments.

By sharing the successes of these initiatives, we position ourselves as a model for others in the hospitality and tourism industry, advocating for a more inclusive approach that benefits all visitors.

“Too often, accessibility is seen merely as an ADA compliance issue rather than a broader commitment to inclusivity and enhancing the guest experience.”

Q4. Who do you follow? Name an organization/company/individual you look to for ideas or inspiration.

Visit Tampa Bay often looks to Destinations International, specifically their Social Inclusion program, for ideas and inspiration. Destinations International has established itself as a leader in advancing equity and inclusion within the tourism industry, providing a framework that helps destinations like Tampa Bay develop more inclusive practices. By aligning with forward-thinking frameworks and incorporating their recommendations, Visit Tampa Bay continues to reinforce its commitment to being a leader in accessible travel and tourism.  

Q5. What are your plans around accessibility in 2024?

In 2024, Visit Tampa Bay plans to further enhance accessibility through several strategic initiatives:

  • Expansion: Extending accessibility training to improve service delivery across the board. We are also expanding our listings on sites such as Wheel the World, showing off the destination’s accessible offerings.
  • Technology Integration: We are leveraging technology to create more accessible online resources, including virtual tours and interactive guides that are ADA-compliant. We continue to elevate our landing page.

Enhanced Community Engagement: Increasing engagement with local disability advocacy groups to ensure their input and feedback are integral to accessibility initiatives in development. Working closely with county and city officials to be sure that we are highlighting all of the work done in our community.

Announcing the 10 Finalists for InnovateAble 2024

by

Dive into InnovateAble 2024, The Shark Tank of Accessible Travel Tech, on ADA’s 34th Anniversary

Get ready for an inspiring virtual showcase like no other! On July 26, 2024, we’re celebrating the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a groundbreaking event that’s all about empowering travel for those with disabilities. “I’m thrilled to announce InnovateAble, a unique pitch fest that’s reminiscent of Shark Tank, but with a twist,” said Jake Steinman, Founder of TravelAbility. “It’s dedicated to showcasing assistive technology, services and innovations that promise to revolutionize travel for people with disabilities and seniors.”

Event Details:

  • Date: July 26, 2024
  • Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Pacific Time on Zoom
  • Format: Quick-fire 3-minute pitches with a 7-minute Q&A

This event is not just a competition: it’s a beacon of innovation, organized by the forward-thinkers at TravelAbility. The TravelAbility team spent hours researching over 45 companies/products and after an exhaustive process selected 12 finalists to present to our panel of judges. We’re proud to share that past participants have raised a staggering $563.4 million in funding, proving that these innovations are not just visionary but also viable.

GlidanceThe world’s first self-guided mobility aid combines AI and sensor technology to create the first robotic guide dog.
Travel GeniusLocation intelligence platform that detects accessibility features using AI technology.
Hero HingeBattery operated units inserted in door hinges to automate doors so they can be opened with push-button, by app or by voice.
RollzCreates colorfully innovative rollators that can be converted to wheelchairs.
360 EmpowerAI enabled ASL interpreters in multiple-language avatars that come in via video to provide ASL interpretation.
KultureCityThe leading non-profit for training on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with hidden disabilities.
Be My EyesConnects blind or visually impaired individuals with AI mobile app for real-time video interpretation via video calls.
ContactaA network of hearing loop installers throughout North America and Europe.
True OmniAdding accessibility to kiosks at visitor centers, welcome centers and information desks.
CTI One Corp:AI enabled rollators for that can be summoned from your phone.
Ostrum TechAirport assistance platform which brings all aviation stakeholders and passengers together.
WhimbleProviding trained companions for travel and accessibility concierges for events and festivals.

Meet Our Esteemed 2024 InnovateAble Judges: 
Chris Maher, Founder, Samaritan Partners Investment Fund
Caryl Stern, Chief Impact Officer, LionTree Capital (formerly Executive Director of The Walton Family Foundation and Unicef)
Betty Siegel, Director of Office of  Accessibility, the Kennedy Center for the Arts and founder of the LEAD Conference, accessibility solutions for cultural and arts institutions
Adam Burke, President and CEO, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board
Olivia Thomaszewski, Age Tech Collaborative, AARP
Zach Curry, VP Rooms Operations and Guest Experience, Marriott Corporation
Katy Roberts, Portfolio Manager, Racoon Media Group/Abilities Expo
 
 
About TravelAbility
TravelAbility provides thought leadership in accessible travel to improve the lives of people of ALL abilities and ALL ages, and aims to inspire and educate the travel industry to provide accessible experiences to help people with disabilities enjoy travel as much as everyone else. TravelAbility is also the host of the Emerging Markets Summit, the premier industry conference on accessible travel. The 2024 Summit will be held in San Francisco on Nov.13-15th at the Argonaut Hotel. For more information, visit www.travelability.net.
 
Contact: Jake Steinman, Founder, TravelAbility. jake@travelability.net. +1 415-339-0578

Accessibility Champion: Alan Fyall

by

Associate Dean, Academic Affairs, UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Head shot of Dr. Alan Fyall

“The experience enables our students to really come to grips with the opportunities and challenges of accessible travel in their workplace.”

Q1. What motivated you to become involved in accessibility and do you have a personal connection to disability?

My first engagement with accessibility in travel was through work with colleagues in the U.K. exploring ways in which destinations could/should become more dementia-friendly. This experience inspired me ask many questions here in the U.S. about what is being done and with what level of success. In many ways, I was pleasantly surprised at the energy driving the accessibility agenda in travel, with most people driven by a personal connection to disability–including me. My teenage years were heavily shaped by severe scoliosis and the need to wear a “Boston Brace” 23 hours a day. Although not classified as disabled, my restricted movement caused by the brace opened my eyes to what other people less fortunate than me were experiencing. That generated in me a deep empathy for people with disabilities and the need to create an environment as supportive as possible so that they could lead meaningful and productive lives.

Q2.  What is the goal of your organization?

As a college, our goal is to “educate and develop future generations of global hospitality leaders through innovative programs, knowledge creation through research, and dynamic worldwide industry and community partnerships”. Through our extensive internship program, every student on campus is obliged to complete a module on travel accessibility. This module builds on their classroom knowledge and introduces them to the core lessons of the TravelAbility Playbook in their in-person, industry internship environment! Rather than being a textbook exercise, the experience enables our students to really come to grips with the opportunities and challenges of accessible travel in their workplace. Our students have also started to complete accessibility assessments with Wheel The World. They are getting an inside look at the work that underpins their success of one of the most comprehensive providers of accessible travel experiences in the world.

Q3: Aside from budget, what are the most difficult obstacles or barriers you face around accessibility and what actions/initiatives are you taking to address them?

The biggest obstacle is the size of the travel industry itself and the sheer number of stakeholders to engage and educate! TravelAbility is doing an amazing job in spreading the word with the Federal Government pushing the need for the industry to address the three pillars of accessible travel, namely: accessible facilities; accessible customer service; accessibility information. From a place perspective, Destinations International are leading the charge with accessibility as a key component of their social impact agenda while Visit Florida have set a laudable goal for Florida to be the most accessible state by 2030!

Q4. What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Although we remain at the beginning of our journey of introducing our students to accessible travel, to date more than 1,000 have completed their accessible travel module and so have the necessary foundational knowledge to be accessible changemakers of the future.

Q5: Who do you follow?  Name an organization/company/individual you look to for ideas or inspiration. 

For 100% inspiration I follow Cory Lee, “curbfreecorylee”. His incredible journeys around the world just prove what can be achieved with single-minded determination to enjoy life to the full, no matter what the challenge or impairment. This also holds true for Alvaro Silberstein who out of personal adversity formed Wheel The World, which is changing lives in the space of accessible travel!