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The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Accessibility Funding

From Around the Web

July 7, 2024 by Eliana Satkin

Information and inspiration from around the web.

Marriott to Overhaul Accessible Room Reservation System in Response to Threat of Federal Lawsuit

While denying responsibility for ADA compliance of its franchises, the company agrees to address gaps in hotel websites.

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How a Mobile App Gave Voice to a Nonspeaking Autistic Woman

At 29 years old, Jordyn Zimmerman’s tech journey transformed her relationships and her impact on the world around her.

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July is Disability Pride Month; What Exactly Does That Mean?

Disability pride “is a rejection of the idea that I am less able to contribute and participate in the world.”

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Starbucks Sees Large and Growing Market for Inclusive Design

The company’s new accessibility features welcomed by a wide range of customers

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With Airport Customer Ratings Like These, You May Want to Take the Bus

But a few airports soared above the rest for friendliness

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Alaskan Visitor Center Hosts Class on Accessible Tourism

Workshop highlights the benefits of inclusion for the entire community

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The Spanish Tourist Office Hosts First Accessible Advisory Panel

“Spain for All” will bring big changes through the tourist office’s first ever advisory panel on accessibility.

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Amazon Targets Hospitality Headaches with Alexa Smart Properties 

Alexa does a lot more than play your favorite song. Here’s how Alexa’s tech is bridging the gap in staffing shortages and much more.

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Making Accessibility a Reality at HRCS

This is how Hudson River Community Sailing has been making Manhattan’s Dyckman Marina welcoming to all abilities over the past 15 years.

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Trails for All

Finally, an all-person’s trail. Removing barriers to nature is building a better experience for all.

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Did Your City Make the List of the Five Most Wheelchair-Accessible Cities in the US?

Cities were  ranked by Insider Monkey, an investment site that calls accessibility a “crucial aspect of urban planning.”

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Will Paris Deliver on Its Olympic Accessibility Promise?

Can the city meet the needs of more than A quarter million visitors with disabilities?

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Iowans Celebrate Grand Opening of the Country’s “Most Universally Accessible Park”

Six years in the making, Eastern Lake Park features adaptive pontoons and kayaks, and wheelchairs that work on sand and water.

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Metro Bilbao Adopts Navilens Technology to Improve Accessibility for Riders with Visual Impairments

Metro Bilbao’s full rollout of Navilens technology is set to boost ROI by revolutionizing accessibility for visually impaired passengers—setting a new standard for transportation systems worldwide.

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Hotel accessibility: Equal access

“It’s no good hotels saying ‘we’re accessible’ or having the wheelchair symbol, because it doesn’t mean anything to anyone really.” Blue Badge Access Award winners are setting the example and changing this discourse.

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Travel Blogger Highlights ‘Terrifying’ Wheelchair Ordeal

“I hope this process is something I never have to experience again” is not exactly the sentiment you want your guests to leave with. Avoiding life-threatening situations is better for creating return customers.

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Filed Under: Accessibility, Accessibility Funding, ADA//Law, Airlines, Autism, Family Travel, Hidden Disabilities, Hotels, Neurodiversity, Parks and Public spaces, Technology

Join us for the Only Assistive Technology Pitchfest Curated for the Travel Industry

July 6, 2024 by Eliana Satkin

The InnovateABLE pitchfest will be held July 26th in recognition of ADA34 commemorating the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Participating companies represent the cutting edge in accessible technology and innovations that can be introduced through the destination marketing channel. 

When: July 26th 

Where: Via Zoom ( a link will be sent upon receipt of your RSVP)

What: A 3 minute video pitch from the company with a 7 minute Q/A with a panel of judges
comprised of investors and travel industry professionals
Time: 10AM PDT- 12:30PM PDT

Reserve Your Spot Today! 

RSVP:   Space is Limited to the first 150 attendees

The Agenda (all times are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)

10-10:15 AMWelcome and Introduction to the Judges
10:15-10:25 AMRollz
10:26-10:36 AMGlidance
10:37- 10:47 AMWhimble
10:48-10:58 AMEmpower 360
10:59:00 AM-11:08 AMTrue Omni
11:09-11:19 AMBe My Eyes
11:20-11:30 AMWe Hear You (Hero Hinge)
11:31AM- 11:41 AMKulture City
11:42-11:53 AMContacta
11:54-12:04 PMSign Speak

To Learn More Visit our web-site and learn about our outstanding panel of Judges.

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Filed Under: Accessibility Funding, Conferences & Events, Technology

Announcing the 10 Finalists for InnovateAble 2024

June 4, 2024 by Eliana Satkin

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

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Filed Under: Accessibility Awards, Accessibility Funding, Conferences & Events, Disability Advocates, Products, Technology

Accessibility Champion: Charles Hammerman

April 30, 2024 by Dan Tobin

President and CEO, Disability Opportunity Fund

Head shot of Charles Hammerman

“The Schoolhouse Hotel is the first full-service boutique in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and the first all-ADA compliant hotel in the world.”

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

I am a former Merrill Lynch professional and former Assistant United States Attorney as well as being the father of a child with cerebral palsy, I launched The Disability Opportunity Fund in 2007. It is a national nonprofit  that provides financing, technical services, and advocacy to increase access to appropriate and affordable housing and related services for people with disabilities. The fund was incubated under the umbrella of the Burton Blatt Institute of Syracuse University, named after my late uncle who was a pioneering disability researcher and advocate.

Q2.  What is the goal of your organization?

As a Nationally Certified CDFI, DOF’s mission is to provide financial products, technical assistance, equity investment and financial advisory services that improve the quality of life and build personal wealth for people with disabilities and their families, as well as supporting organizations serving this market.

 Q4. What accomplishments are you most proud of?

The Schoolhouse Hotel is the first full-service boutique in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and the first all-ADA compliant hotel in the world. We transformed the historic White Sulphur Springs schoolhouse into a hub for the community and visitors alike. The hotel features 30 uniquely appointed guest rooms and suites; the Varsity Club restaurant/grill; the Rooftop Bar serving small plates and cocktails in the open air before stunning mountain views; and flexible ballroom and meeting space for weddings, conferences, and other events.  We believe The Schoolhouse Hotel showcases the best of West Virginia hospitality and lodging in a completely inclusive atmosphere.

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

The question is not really applicable to our work. The Schoolhouse Hotel is fully accessible and addresses the needs of our guests. We are very proud of being an example to other hospitality operators to also be inclusive.

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

We follow accelerators focused on disabilities like Multiple https://www.multiplehub.org/ and Enabled Ventures https://www.enableventures.vc/

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Filed Under: Accessibility Awards, Accessibility Funding, Disability Advocates, Expert Q&A, Travel Industry People

Wheel The World Donates $60,000 to TravelAbility Foundation to Support Accessible Travel

March 4, 2024 by Dan Tobin

Four men and two women holding an enlarged check made out to TravelAbility for $60,000.  L-R. Camilo Navarro, Arturo Gaona, Andres Villagran, Wheel the World. Tricia Roth, Jake Steinman and Becka Gill, Travelability team.

Wheel The World, the leading solution for accessible travel, announced today that it has donated $60,000 to the TravelAbility Foundation in 2023, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes inclusive travel and hospitality for people with diverse needs.

The donation was raised through an agreement whereby Wheel the World would donate a percentage of their income from the Destination Verified assessment program to the TravelAbility Foundation.  

The funds will be used by the TravelAbility Foundation to support its programs and initiatives, such as the Accessibility Playbook, a comprehensive guide for destinations, hotels, attractions, and dining to improve their accessibility and attract more travelers with disabilities. The Foundation also hosts the InnovateAble Challenge, an annual assistive pitch fest, held virtually to showcase the best of the best in assistive technology, innovation, and amenities that can ease the travel barriers for people with disabilities.  

“We are grateful for the support we received from Wheel the World and its community. This donation will help us continue our mission of connecting and educating the travel industry and the disability community to create more inclusive travel experiences for everyone,” said Jake Steinman, founder and CEO of the TravelAbility Foundation.

Wheel The World is a social startup with the purpose of making the world accessible for travelers with disabilities. The platform of the company allows users to book accessible hotels and experiences with all the accessibility details they need, such as wheelchair accessibility, hearing and visual aids, dietary options, and more. Wheel The World also offers multi-day trips and group tours to more than 250 destinations around the world, featuring accessible activities such as hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, and zip-lining.

In 2023, the foundation sponsored an end-to-end accessible adventure to Costa Rica for four disabled travelers, organized by Wheel the World. Additionally, it funded tuition for a blind documentary filmmaker who participated as a panelist at the TravelAbility Summit in Savannah’s accelerated film program, enabling them to take a film course in Los Angeles.

“Travel is a human right, and we believe that everyone should be able to explore the world without limits. We are proud to partner with the TravelAbility Foundation, an organization that shares our vision and values, and to support their work in making the travel industry more accessible and inclusive,” said Alvaro Silberstein, co-founder and CEO of Wheel The World. 

For more information about Wheel The World, visit wheeltheworld.com or follow them on [Facebook], [Instagram], [Twitter], and [YouTube].

For more information about the TravelAbility Foundation, visit travelability.org or follow them on [Facebook], [Instagram], [Twitter], and [LinkedIn].

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Filed Under: Accessibility Funding, Travel Tagged With: assessments, nonprofit

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