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The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Accessibility Funding

InnovateAble Showcase Celebrates Cutting-Edge Assistive Technology and Accessibility Solutions

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In a dynamic display of innovation and commitment to accessibility, the 6th Annual InnovateAble Showcase took center stage on July 26th, commemorating the 34th anniversary of the ADA.  Hosted by Travelability, this “shark tank” style event featured groundbreaking assistive technologies designed to break down barriers for travelers with disabilities.

Key Highlights:

  1. Be My Eyes Wins Judges’ Selection: Be My Eyes, a visionary platform connecting blind and visually impaired individuals in customer call centers and visitor centers with Chat GTP 4  AI visual interpreters, secured the top spot among the judges’ selections.  See their website, here.
  2. 360 Direct Video Triumphs as People’s Choice: Attendees enthusiastically voted 360 Direct Video as their favorite. This immersive video platform allows travel suppliers to communicate with deaf and hard of hearing users in multiple ways fostering inclusivity and expanding horizons for all.
  3. Hero Door Opener and Glidance Shine: Hero Door Opener, an ingenious adaptive hinge mechanism that automates doors in hotels using a battery operated unit in the door hinge, and Glidance, a smart navigational assistance device also impressed both judges and attendees alike.

Jake Steinman, founder of Travelability, summed up the event: “The InnovateAbile Showcase exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that’s creating a more inclusive world for everyone. These groundbreaking technologies not only enhance travel experiences but also reinforce the spirit of the ADA, a law that has made America the most accessible country in the world.”

Congratulations to all of the InnovateAble finalists. They were chosen from over 100 companies that TravelAbility vetted for the competition.

Finalists:

Glidance

Rollz

Whimble

360 Direct Video

True Omni

Be My Eyes

We Hear You (Hero Door Opener)

Kulture City

Sign Speak

Travel Genius

Judges’ Selection 

  1. Be My Eyes 
  2. Hero Door Opener
  3. 360 Direct Video

People’s Choice (attendees)

  1. 360 Direct Video
  2. Be My Eyes/Hero Hinge (tie)
  3. Glidance

Katy Roberts, Portfolio Manager for Racoon Media Group, which manages the seven Abilities Expo events through North America, commented: “As one of the judges, I was hugely impressed by all of the pitches, the professionalism, innovative and pioneering solutions to bring more independence to the disability community. I can’t wait to see how all these companies develop their ideas in the future.”

 
“This was an extraordinary selection of innovative technologies,” commented Chris Maher, Founder of Samaritan Partners. “We have invested in two of the companies that were featured. Assistive products that have a business-to-business application are very attractive to venture investors and private capital because they don’t require massive investment to reach the end consumers.”

Travelability: Travelability is a trailblazing organization dedicated to making travel accessible for everyone. Through events like the InnovateAbile Showcase, they champion groundbreaking solutions that redefine the boundaries of travel.

Glidance Wins InnovateAble @DI Pitchfest: Revolutionizing Mobility for the Blind

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Tampa Bay, FL – July 18, 2024 – In a groundbreaking event celebrating the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Glidance emerged as the champion in the InnovateAble @DI Pitchfest. The competition, hosted by TravelAbility and held in conjunction with Destinations International’s annual convention, showcased cutting-edge innovations designed to remove barriers for travelers with disabilities. The Final Four were selected from over 45 companies seen at CES, CSUN, Abilities Expo and through an extensive product hunt.

The winner: Glidance: Pioneering Self-Guided Mobility for the Blind

Glidance, the world’s first self-guided mobility aid, combines artificial intelligence (AI) and sensor technology to create a robotic version of the service dog. Designed specifically for individuals with visual impairments, Glidance offers a revolutionary solution for navigating airports, hotels, and public spaces. Judges were impressed by its affordability and potential impact on the blind community.

“Amos Miller, the founder of Glidance, faced a critical question during the competition,” noted Jake Steinman, curator of the InnovateAble program. “Would this device render guide dogs obsolete? His response was insightful: While there are 9 million blind individuals in the U.S., there are only 80,000 guide dogs. Glidance fills a crucial gap and has ample room for growth.”

Other Remarkable Innovations

The InnovateAble @DI Pitchfest also featured three other remarkable innovations:

  1. AccessRec (Mobility): Co-founded by the creator of Mobi Mats, AccessRec introduced the concept of universally designed beaches. Their line beach mats, beach wheelchairs, and other recreational accessories make beaches, lakes, and uneven surfaces accessible to all.
  2. 360 Direct Video (Deafness): Empower 360 leverages AI-enabled American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters in multiple languages. These avatars provide real-time ASL interpretation via video, enhancing communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers.
  3. Neurodiversity/Autism: Travelers with hidden disabilities and a sunflower lanyard that is now recognized in over 240 airports in over30 countries around the world .

TravelAbility and Destinations International remain committed to fostering innovation that empowers travelers of all abilities. The InnovateAble @DI Pitchfest exemplifies their dedication to creating a more inclusive and accessible travel industry.

About TravelAbility: TravelAbility is a leading organization dedicated to advancing accessible travel and tourism. Through partnerships, education, and advocacy, TravelAbility strives to make travel a seamless experience for everyone, regardless of ability.

About Destinations International: Destinations International is the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations, representing over 6,000 professionals from 600 destinations in 15 countries. Their mission is to drive economic development through travel and tourism.

From Around the Web

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Information and inspiration from around the web.

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Amazon Targets Hospitality Headaches with Alexa Smart Properties 

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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

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

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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.

Announcing the 10 Finalists for InnovateAble 2024

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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