TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Accessibility Playbook

Accessibility Playbook Quiz: Do You Speak Accessibility Fluently?

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(No trick questions… just real-world moments.)

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How’d you do?

If any of these made you pause (or rethink a phrase you’ve used), you’re exactly where you should be. Find the correct answers and more on disability language in this TravelAbility Playbook snippet.

COMMUNICATION GUIDANCE

Part of what makes communicating challenging is that people with disabilities are not a homogenous group. A good practice is to ask how someone prefers to describe themselves and, if you inadvertently offend someone with your language, apologize and ask them to share with you their preferred language. There are generally two ways to approach this: person-first or identity-first. Neither is right or wrong; we should simply honor an individual’s preference.

Person-first language: Person-first language emphasizes the person first — their individuality, their complexity, their humanness and their equality.

Example: “A person with a disability” Identity-first language: Identity-first language emphasizes that the disability plays a role in who the person is and reinforces disability as a positive cultural identifier.

Example: “Disabled person”

TIPSUSEDO NOT USE
Emphasize abilities, not limitationsPerson who uses a wheelchairConfined or restricted to a wheelchair, wheelchair bound
Person who uses a device to speak Can’t talk, mute
Do not use language that suggests the lack of somethingPerson with a disabilityDisabled, handicapped
Person of short stature Midget
Person with cerebral palsyCerebral palsy victim
Person with epilepsy or seizure disorderEpileptic
Person with multiple sclerosis Afflicted by multiple sclerosis
Emphasize the need for accessibility, not the disabilityAccessible parking or bathroomHandicapped parking or bathroom
Do not use offensive language Person with a physical disabilityCrippled, lame, deformed, invalid, spastic
Person with an intellectual, cognitive, developmental disabilitySlow, simple, moronic, defective, afflicted, special person
Person with and emotional or behavioral disability, a mental health impairment, or a psychiatric disabilityInsane, crazy, psycho, maniac, nuts

Avoid language that implies negative stereotypes		Person without a disabilityNormal person, healthy person

Practical Hacks From the Accessibility Playbook: Put Your Website to the Test

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Accessible websites are often the first point of contact between a destination and a traveler. When key information is hard to find or impossible to navigate with assistive technology, travelers with disabilities are excluded before a trip even begins. This excerpt from the Accessibility Playbook breaks down practical, easy to implement website accessibility best practices that improve usability for everyone. Before you dive in, take this quick three question quiz to test your knowledge and see how accessible your website really is.

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Accessible Website Guidance

  1. Screen-reader Compatible Web Pages: Web pages must be readable by electronic “screen readers”, which are devices commonly used by the visually impaired to surf the internet.
  2. Alt-tagged Images: Images must have “alt tags” (a type of metadata) which will help visually impaired users to identify the image via text or via a screen reader. Search engine optimizers will know of alt-tags as a way to optimize images for ranking high in ‘Google Images’.
  3. Alt-tagged Tables: If you’re using tables on any web pages, they must also have alt-tags
    to help explain each column via text. The user’s screen reader will then read that text aloud, describing the contents of the table.
  4. Automatic Scripting: Any scripted display usage of image mapping should be accompanied by textual alternatives.
  5. Style Sheet Independence: Your web pages should be readable to screen readers, most of which cannot load style sheets.
  6. Accessible Forms: Web forms should be usable without a mouse, and each field should be
    labeled.
  7. Text Links to Plugins: If your website requires a specific plugin to work correctly, you
    should present the link to that plugin in text form.
  8. Color Schemes: Your website should not contain any colors or color combinations that are either integral to the correct usage of your website, or which may confuse those with color blindness in any way pertaining to your website, products or services.
  9. Keyboard-friendly Browsing: Your website shouldn’t be reliant on the usage of a mouse or touchpad. Users who wish to navigate using only keyboard keys should be able to do so.
  10. Harmless Website Design: Your website should not serve images or videos that can cause
    seizures.

Conduct a Website Audit

Website audits are a necessary process to assess how well your website meets the needs of people with disabilities, conforms to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and complies with relevant regulations. While a website audit can be conducted by a member of your organization, it is always helpful to engage a third-party expert, like UserWay Scanner.

Accessible Landing Page Guidance

KEY ELEMENTS DETAILS
Statement“We are pleased to welcome visitors of all abilities. This page features a variety of accessible attractions, museums, recreational activities, and hotels to help visitors and local residents with disabilities discover what they can do in
[Destination].”
PlacementFeature landing page on homepage or at top navigation bar for easy access.
Things to DoIdentify accessible attractions and experiences, and provide direct links to
their accessibility pages.
Highlight Accessibility Advocates and ProgramsShowcase relationships with organizations like Wheel the World, KultureCity, or Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. If you a certified partner in sensory accessibility and inclusion, link your website directly to the KultureCity App.
Hotels & LodgingList accessible hotels, highlight hotels with pool lifts exceeding ADA requirements, and survey hotels for detailed accessibility info. If partnering
with Wheel the World, link directly to their booking page.
Suggested ItineraryList accessible hotels, highlight hotels with pool lifts exceeding ADA requirements, and survey hotels for detailed accessibility info. If partnering
with Wheel the World, link directly to their booking page.
TransportationBuild an accessible itinerary with state/provincial/national stakeholders, and
include links to relevant articles and media coverage.
Medical Supplies & ServicesProvide links for wheelchair/scooter rentals and medical equipment rentals.
Outdoor Spaces and TrailsProvide accessibility links for nearby parks, hiking trails, points of interest, botanical gardens, and zoos.
Sports and Performance VenuesLink to accessibility pages for college/professional stadiums, arenas, racetracks, symphonies, ballets, operas, theatres, and prominent nightclubs.
Dining & FoodList accessible-compliant and sensory-friendly restaurants.
Enhanced EngagementIncorporate video testimonials from visitors with different disabilities.
Industry Collaboration & Drop-Down MenusSurvey industry partners to uncover accessibility features, and build a user-friendly drop-down menu for mobility, blindness/low vision, deafness/hard of hearing, and autism/neurodiversity.
Tagging & Search OptimizationTag accessibility links by disability type, allowing users to filter and search. Locations with multiple features should appear under each relevant category.
Involve Disabled VoicesInvite individuals with disabilities to write articles, review experiences, and contribute to the landing page experience.

Best practice landing pages

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to accessible landing pages. To get inspired, take a look at these destinations who have made great strides:

  • Discover Lancaster: Discover Lancaster’s accessibility page helps travelers plan with confidence by providing specific and reliable information on features like ramps, braille signage, and service animal accommodations.
  • Explore Minnesota: Explore Minnesota’s accessibility page stands out for its filterable, extensive accessibility features. This empowers users to customize searches by their unique needs, making trip planning more efficient and tailored.
  • Visit Ann Arbor: Visit Ann Arbor’s page builds trust through recognized certifications and showcases inclusive experiences in the community.
  • Visit Charlottesville: Visit Charlottesville’s accessibility page instills confidence in travelers with vetted information. It helps travelers plan for practical needs, such as bed and restroom dimensions, by providing verified credentials.
  • Visit Denver: The Visit Denver accessibility page demonstrates a commitment to accessibility with leadership in ADA compliance and top disability access rankings.
  • Visit Fort Wayne: Visit Fort Wayne’s accessibility page engages local stakeholders and promotes inclusive recreation with community-driven resources and adaptive sports highlights.
  • Visit Scotland: The VisitScotland accessibility page offers comprehensive, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand resources that cater to a wide range of accessibility needs.

Practical Hack from the Accessibility Playbook: Welcoming the Aging Traveler

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The needs of the aging traveler often mirror those of disabled travelers, yet many older adults are less likely to ask for assistance or identify as disabled. This excerpt from the Accessibility Playbook goes over how to welcome the aging traveler. Before moving on, take this 3 question quiz to test your knowledge!

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To better support this growing segment, keep the following principles in mind:

Recognize diverse needs: Consider mobility, hearing, cognitive, and visual changes that may arise with age.

Prioritize respectful communication: Train staff to offer assistance without making assumptions and to recognize signs of anxiety or confusion.

Be transparent about accessibility: Clearly communicate which features are available and use visible signage and intuitive wayfinding.

Offer simple, supportive tools: Ensure digital tools are user-friendly and secure. Provide low-tech options and human assistance for travelers who may hesitate with technology.

Focus on empowerment, not special treatment: Thoughtful, simple accommodations improve satisfaction and strengthen your reputation.

Design for dignity: Move away from one-size-fits-all experiences. Encourage planning ahead, suggest shorter and well-structured itineraries, and promote airport “meet-and-assist” programs.

55% of older travelers are interested in curated travel experiences once they learn about them

The Aging Traveler: Obstacle’s and Solutions

Planning

ObstacleSolution
Unclear accessibility information makes older adults less likely to travel.Provide clear, detailed information about accessibility (steps, elevators, seats, bathrooms).
Uncertainty about airport help deters some from flying altogether.Provide information on the time it takes to travel from check-in to the gate at the airport, as well as the services available.
Uncertainty about refunds makes booking in advance a risk.Provide cost comparisons across platforms and clear, easily accessible cancellation/refund policies.
App-centric booking can be a barrier for older adults who prefer websites.Provide user-friendly interfaces with simple navigation and clear instructions on where to click and book.
Aversion to technology due to concerns about scams and data breaches.Provide education about online safety, clear fraud safeguards, and phone support.
Challenges using online platforms to book transportation and activities.Develop and promote curated travel experiences tailored to their preferences and needs.
Difficulty finding hotels that match specific needs and preferences.Provide enhanced search and filter options (pet-friendly, ground-floor room, grab bars in bathrooms).

94% of older travelers who have used AI for travel planning have found it useful.


Flying

ObstacleSolution
Difficulty getting through security (33%)Improved workforce: provide special TSA lines and allow more time (60%).
Difficulty getting from parking to the airport (33%) or to the gate (32%)Greater access to wheelchairs/motorized carts (52%).
Difficulty understanding announcements (21% among the 65% with hearing loss)Provide designated assistance desks where travelers can check for updated information and receive personalized help.
Difficulty waiting to board at the gate (15%)Offer check-in assistance (43%).

It’s hard for us to fly without precheck – it’s tiring to take off shoes and unpack bags. We’ve forgotten our suitcases after the hassle of putting our shoes back on.

Hotels

ObstacleSolution
Difficulty handling luggage (36%)Offer assistance (44%).
Difficulty entering the establishment (18%)Ensure step-free entry and automatic doors; offer porter assistance.
Difficulty getting in and out of the bathroom (17%)Install grab bars, walk-in showers, and non-slip flooring in accessible rooms.
Difficulty bathing (20%)Provide special rooms with accessible bathrooms and safety features (47%).
General discomfort due to age-related sensitivitiesOffer early check-in and room features that prioritize comfort such as ergonomic bedding and adjustable climate control.
Gaps in staff preparedness to accommodate older travelersTrain staff on how to identify and support guests who require accommodations (36%).

The biggest challenge is comfort. As we’ve aged, our bodies are less tolerant of discomfort and the resulting aches and pains. It can really ruin your travel

Practical Hacks From the Accessibility Playbook

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Seven years in the making, the Travelability Accessibility Playbook, created in partnership with Destinations International, is an end-to-end toolkit to equip destination organizations on their accessibility journey, enabling them to better welcome and accommodate people with disabilities within their destination. 

Sample Survey for Destination Stakeholders and Hotels

You’d like to include accessibility information on your website, but you’re overwhelmed with where to begin. You can’t possibly visit each site on your own, and you simply don’t have the task force to call in backup. 

The easiest way to get started is with a simple Google Form survey. Rather than asking partners to label themselves as “accessible” or not—language that can create unnecessary anxiety—focus on clear, direct questions. The examples below are tailored to each type of partner to help you gather the details needed to build a strong accessibility landing page. Because the questions are specific and straightforward, partners are more likely to respond and it will be easier for them to provide useful information.

General Questions: 

• Do you have a dedicated and detailed accessibility page on your website?  

• Are people with disabilities included in your marketing materials?  

• Does your website meet web accessibility standards?  

For attractions and tour experiences:  

• Do you have quieter times that people with disabilities may visit?  

• Do you have multiple ways to purchase restaurants? 

• Are your staff trained on guest evacuation requirements in case of emergency? 

• Do you offer vibrating alarm clocks w/ flashing lights on loan? 

Dining: 

• Are your food menus available in large print versions?  

• Does your restaurant offer “quiet spaces” for guests who have auditory or neurocognitive disabilities?  

• Do you offer reading glasses, flashlight or magnifying glass if needed?

A SAMPLE SURVEY FOR ACCESSIBLE HOTEL ROOMS 

Hotel Name: 

Please provide a link to the description of your accessible room on your website:

About Your Beds in Accessible Rooms 

• What is the bed height from floor to top of the mattress? 

• Is the bed height adjustable? 

• Are there bed raisers available upon request to adjust bed heights? 

• What is the height of the space from the floor to the bottom of the bed frame? 

About Your Bathroom in Accessible Rooms 

• What is the height from the floor to the toilet seat? 

• How many grab bars are there around the toilet? 

• What is the height of the grab bars from the floor? 

• Is there a raised toilet seat available upon request? 

• Is there a roll-in shower? 

• How wide is the doorway entrance to the bathroom? 

Bonus Questions: About Your Pool 

• Does your hotel have a pool? 

• Does your hotel have a pool lift?

Coopetition: TravelAbility’s New Word for Driving Change

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By Jennifer Allen

“Competing is not hating, it’s actually putting appreciation into action.” ~50 Cent

This is what we learned through the friendly coopetition – cooperation and competition – at the TravelAbility Summit. Pure Michigan’s announcement that they have more track chairs than any other state may be pushing Travel Oregon to top that number, but no one’s complaining. Coopetition is a force for positive change.

On that token, I dare you to outdo these initiatives.

  • Visit Mesa sends weekly emails with simple, practical things partners can do to be more inclusive.
  • Oregon is the first Accessibility Verified state – involving all seven tourism regions, covering accommodations, attractions, hotels, and restaurants, with information for visitors with both visible and non-visible disabilities.
  • Southern Oregon, North Alabama, and Discover Lancaster have offered independent Accessibility in Tourism workshops.
  • North Alabama published a print guide on accessible adventures, covering multiple disabilities and including sample itineraries.
  • Visit California launched a centralized accessibility resource site, paired with a video road-trip series by disability advocate Sophie Morgan to showcase inclusive travel experiences.
  • Kansas City’s MCI Airport added Aira — offering real-time visual navigation assistance via the Aira app for blind and low-vision travelers.
  • Tennessee State Parks recently installed eight additional adult-sized changing tables, now available in 18 parks across the state.

Don’t be intimidated – be inspired! How will you add to the Coopetition?

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