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The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Accessibility Funding

July 2025 Around the Web

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Meet the Hiker Bringing Off-Roading Wheelchairs to L.A.

Austin Nicassio in an all-terrain wheelchair poses on a train with a lake and mountains in the distance

It’s a crisp, clear Southern California day, and I’m at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park with Austin Nicassio. He’s ripping up a steep dirt trail covered in rocks and roots in what looks, at first blush, like a miniature bulldozer. Until…

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Adaptation Ventures: The First US Angel Group for Disability Tech Startups

Two people in white t-shirts and Jeans sitting with a large dog in-between them and smiling broadly.

Despite these staggering numbers, disability tech companies attracted only around $4 billion in early-stage investments in 2022 — a fraction compared to… 

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Time to Check-Out… the European Accessibility Act and Its Impact on Travel, Hospitality and Leisure

EAA 2025 logo on blue background featuring yellow stars

The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) or EAA is a significant legislative measure aimed at improving accessibility for consumers… 

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Virgin Australia and Adelaide Airport Launch Australian-First Accessibility Program

A flight attendant and a pilot with three children smiling broadly inside of an airport

Virgin Australia and Adelaide Airport have today announced the official launch of the ‘Try Before You Fly’ (TBYF) program, committing long-term to… 

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One Blanket Accessibility Pass for Theme Parks Isn’t Cutting It

A split image shows two scenes at an amusement park. On the left, a young woman wearing a dark green hoodie covers her mouth with her hand and appears emotional or overwhelmed. On the right, she is seen from behind holding hands with a man in a dark hoodie as they walk together along a cobblestone path toward a roller coaster in the background. Trees and colorful buildings line the walkway.

Every summer for the better part of a decade, Monica Matheson would take her daughter Jessica to Canada’s Wonderland. But Jessica’s mother says a recent… 

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Six Dimensions of Accessibility: Zelenska Launches ‘When You Can’ Campaign

Olena Zelenska in a clean white blazer against a purple background

First Lady Olena Zelenska has announced the launch of the national social change campaign “When You Can, “aimed at raising awareness about six key…. 

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New Grant for California Beaches!

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Orange County Coastkeeper and the California State Coastal Conservancy are teaming up once again to make California’s beaches and coastal spaces more accessible to all, according to a recent news release.

These new grants will offer up to $30,000 per project, according to Ouyang.

Funding is available to tribes, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies that provide free access to adaptive equipment on the coast and near lakes, rivers, and bays.

Read The Full Article Here 

Apply Here!

Investing in Accessibility: Chris Maher’s Podcast Unveils Venture Capital’s Accessibility Blind Spot

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By Jennifer Allen

What do a deaf-blind potter and an accessible travel booking platform have in common? 

High return investment potential.

In the world of venture capital, accessibility has often been overlooked. But Chris Maher, founder and general partner of Samaritan Partners, is working to change that. His new podcast, Investing in Accessibility, delves into the intersection of accessibility, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and impact investing, highlighting the ways in which innovation can drive both social change and financial returns.

The Mission Behind the Podcast

Like many in the disability inclusion space, Chris Maher became an advocate through personal connection. As dad to two girls with disabilities, his perspective expanded to take in the gap in opportunities for people with disabilities. 

Samaritan Partners, is a social impact venture fund that exclusively supports early-stage, for-profit companies serving the disability community. These companies range from accessible travel businesses like Wheel the World to AI-driven ASL interpretation platforms.  Recognizing the vast potential of the disability market—comprising over 1.5 billion people globally—Maher launched Investing in Accessibility alongside co-host Kelvin Crosby to amplify conversations around accessible entrepreneurship and investing.

A key theme across the podcast is the vast economic potential of accessibility. Each episode features thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors who are making a difference in the disability space. 

 “The disposable income around that population is in the low trillions of dollars. And when you include family, friends, and caregivers, the market is significant, to say the least,” Chris shares.

Companies that prioritize inclusive design often find that their innovations benefit a much wider audience. Consider the curb-cut effect – “originally designed for wheelchair users, curb cuts are now essential for parents with strollers, delivery workers, and more.” We see this pattern continuously with inclusive design.

Moreover, businesses that embrace accessibility see significant financial benefits. In fact, Chris shares that “Companies that take an inclusive approach—whether for their employees or customers—see the benefits. Revenue and profitability go up. Customer retention improves. Employee engagement and productivity increase.” The financial sector, for example, is recognizing that as their customer base ages, accessibility will be critical for serving them effectively. 

The Journey So Far

Since launching the podcast, Maher and Crosby have covered a variety of topics, introducing listeners to inspiring stories and groundbreaking innovations. From the deaf-blind potter to the accessible travel booking platform, each episode explores how accessibility can drive business growth. There are consistent themes of market opportunity.

Future episodes will continue to feature leaders in inclusive design, financial services, and disability-focused entrepreneurship.

Expanding the Investment Landscape

One of Maher’s primary goals with both Samaritan Partners and Investing in Accessibility is to attract more investors to the disability sector. While there are a handful of disability-focused funds, funding for disabled entrepreneurs from general venture funds is nearly nonexistent. Historically, support for the disability community has come from nonprofits and government initiatives. Private investors have the opportunity to benefit financially while driving real change.

Chris believes this gap is due in part to the lack of disability representation in the VC space. Investors need to see the revenue – and that’s what this podcast aims to show them

By spotlighting successful entrepreneurs and investment opportunities, Investing in Accessibility aims to shift perceptions and encourage mainstream investors to recognize the value in this growing sector. 

Looking Ahead and DEI

As Maher and Crosby continue their journey with Investing in Accessibility, they hope to reach not just entrepreneurs and disability advocates but also institutional investors, venture capitalists, and corporate leaders. In a season when DEI is being pushed back, this podcast is reminding listeners that DEI was never about tokenism. The disability community doesn’t want to be handed opportunities just because they’re disabled, they want to be considered for opportunities based on their qualifications. This is where the overlooked money is –  investing in good, scalable business opportunities that are coming from a forgotten population.

The podcast is only five episodes in, but each episode is reinforcing the powerful message for investors that an investment in accessibility and inclusion is an investment for all.

Check out the podcast, here.

Ann Arbor Area Becomes First Destination in Michigan to Achieve “Destination Verified” Status for Accessible Travel

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Ann Arbor leads the way with Wheel the World’s verification program.

Ann Arbor, MI – (November 18, 2024) The greater Ann Arbor area proudly announces its recognition as the first destination in Michigan to achieve the “Destination Verified” status with Wheel the World, a global accessibility platform. This designation, supported by the Pure Michigan Accessible Traveler Grant, highlights the region’s commitment to accessible tourism for travelers with physical, cognitive, and invisible disabilities.

The Wheel the World “Destination Verified” status recognizes communities that have undergone a rigorous, third-party accessibility assessment. In the Ann Arbor area, dozens of businesses, attractions, and hotels received confidential assessments led by the Disability Network of Washtenaw Monroe Livingston (DNWML), whose team was trained by Wheel the World to conduct thorough evaluations. These listings now appear on Wheel the World’s global platform, allowing visitors to easily identify accessible features at hotels, attractions, restaurants and other businesses. 

The Wheel the World “Destination Verified” status recognizes communities that have undergone a rigorous, third-party accessibility assessment.

“Being the first in Michigan to achieve this status is an incredible milestone,” said Sarah Miller, President & CEO of Destination Ann Arbor. “Our partnership with Wheel the World reflects our dedication to making our communities in Washtenaw County a welcoming, inclusive destination where all travelers can enjoy our vibrant community and experiences.” 

The Pure Michigan Accessible Traveler Grant provided essential support for this initiative, aligning with the state’s broader mission to enhance accessible travel throughout Michigan. “Accessibility is at the heart of our mission to ensure that travel is accessible to everyone, and all are welcome in Pure Michigan,” said Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We are thrilled to congratulate Destination Ann Arbor on achieving Destination Verified status and will look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on our efforts to promote accessible and inclusive travel experiences across the state.”

In partnership with the Disability Network of Washtenaw Monroe Livingston, local assessors were trained by Wheel the World to evaluate accessibility features across businesses, capturing over 200 different data points. These assessments go beyond standard ADA compliance to provide detailed and personalized accessibility information. For example, the evaluations include mapping out hotel bed heights, as some individuals require beds that are lower to the ground for safe transfers, while others may need beds that are higher. Because everyone’s accessibility needs vary, travelers using the Wheel the World platform can search for accommodations and attractions tailored to their specific requirements. “We’re pleased to support this initiative by assessing a wide range of local businesses and work to create a culture of accessibility in our community,” said Alex Gossage, Executive Director of the Disability Network of Washtenaw Monroe Livingston. “This project highlights the importance of creating a destination that values and prioritizes accessibility and inclusion for everyone.”

Participating businesses received detailed accessibility assessments and access to the Wheel the World Academy—a series of training videos on accessibility best practices, dispelling myths, and enhancing understanding around accessibility. These resources enable businesses to better meet the needs of travelers of all abilities, supporting the community’s long-term commitment to inclusivity.

“Achieving the ‘Destination Verified’ status is a testament to the Ann Arbor area’s dedication to accessible tourism,” said Camilo Navarro, Co-Founder of Wheel the World. “Through our joint efforts, we’re making it easier for travelers with accessibility needs to explore and enjoy the destination with confidence.”

The Ann Arbor area’s new “Destination Verified” status with Wheel the World sets a statewide precedent for accessible travel and signals a significant step toward more inclusive tourism throughout Michigan. For more information about the Ann Arbor area’s accessible travel options and partnership with Wheel the World, visit: https://www.annarbor.org/wheel-the-world/ 

CONTACT:

Chad Wiebesick, Director of Public Affairs 

(734) 995-7281

cwiebesick@annarbor.org

http://www.AnnArbor.org

Is this an Example of Ultimate in DMO Accessibility Content Pages?  

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In their latest iteration, Visit Charlottesville Albemarle County may have created the most comprehensive accessible landing page anywhere and a model for all to follow. 

CHARLOTTESVILLE ALBEMARLE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU UNVEILS NEW ACCESSIBILITY LANDING PAGE AND FUTURE ACCESSIBILITY EFFORTS

These accessibility efforts will continue into 2025 and beyond as the CACVB works to create a more welcoming environment for all visitors in Charlottesville and Albemarle County

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau (CACVB) is excited to announce a new accessibility landing page and grant-funded efforts aimed at improving accessibility infrastructure for visitors and residents. As part of its comprehensive American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville provided funds to the CACVB to build the tourism industry back stronger following the severe impacts of COVID-19. A portion of this funding supported more than 60 accessibility assessments for local tourism-related businesses and attractions through a strategic partnership with Wheel the World.

These efforts led to Charlottesville and Albemarle County being designated as Destination Verified by Wheel the World. This distinction sets the community apart from other destinations due to its wealth of accessible locations and experiences. The new CACVB landing page highlights these accessible experiences and provides important information about businesses with step-free and/or accessible entrances, transportation and parking, and accessible accommodation details like bed height, toilet height, and space available under bathroom sinks.“This accessibility information is not only available to visitors looking for things to do, but also our residents,” said Courtney Cacatian, Executive Director of the CACVB. “With our recently passed strategic plan, we will continue building out these accessible experiences allowing us to foster a welcoming community for all visitors.”

In spring 2023, the CACVB secured a $20,000 DRIVE Outdoor grant through the Virginia Tourism Corporation to imagine the future of outdoor recreation in the area. The CACVB convened a stakeholder group consisting of City and County Parks and Recreation departments, the Shenandoah National Park, outdoor recreation outfitters, and environmental groups. This stakeholder group determined that the grant funds should be used to invest in accessible river equipment and training, which could be used by residents and visitors alike.

This funding was provided to the Rivanna River Company (RRC) to purchase three special adaptive kayaks. Additionally, RRC has created four accessible parking spots made from stone dust, giving visitors with mobility issues access to the site. RRC also used compacted stone dust to make the entrance area and a path to the accessible portable toilet more navigable. The adaptive kayak program will launch in spring 2025. Photos of the adaptive kayaks can be found here.

This winter, the CACVB will embark on another stakeholder engagement exercise to identify and promote accessible experiences for history lovers. Following stakeholder engagement meetings, the CACVB will apply for a $10,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation to build an itinerary to promote and amplify these efforts. Influencers with accessibility needs will be invited to explore local sites and attractions that offer welcoming experiences.

For more detailed information on how the CACVB went through its extensive accessibility work, please listen to the Destinations International Architects of Destination Advocacy podcast.