Accessibility

September 2025 Around the Web

September 8, 2025 by lkarl

Vrbo’s New Accessibility Partnership Opens Doors to Everyone

A family gathers around a dining table for a meal, with a child in a wheelchair drinking from a cup while other family members, including children and adults, share food and conversation in a bright, welcoming home setting.

We sat down with Lorraine Woodward, CEO and founder of Becoming rentABLE, to discuss the growing importance of accessibility in the vacation rental industry. Becoming rentABLE is on a mission to make travel easier for everyone…

New Accessibility Tools Empower Inclusive Travel

Visitors with mobility aids, including a walker and a service dog, check in at a distillery's tour desk, with large wooden barrels and industrial architecture visible in the background.

Bundaberg Tourism has unveiled a suite of new accessibility tools designed to support travellers of all abilities in planning and enjoying their holiday in the Bundaberg Region, including new digital guides, audio storytelling and sensory-friendly initiatives…..

These Accessible Musicals Are for Blind People, Deaf People — and Also Everyone

A scene from the play ″Gyeon Gothic Girl″ featuring captions for deaf audience members.

As the curtain rose on Saturday’s matinee of the National Theater Company of Korea’s new Buddhism-themed metadrama play “Sammaekyung,” audio describer Seo Soo-yeon, positioned beneath the stage of the Myeongdong Theater, began painting the first scene through her microphone…

Increasing Accessible Outdoor Spaces is Good for Everyone

Two people wearing helmets ride together on a tandem adaptive bike through a tree-lined park path, smiling as they enjoy an outdoor cycling experience.

Outdoor environments, from local parks to nature trails, are vital to our physical health, mental well-being and social connection. Fresh air, spaces and places to play help us relieve stress and give us more choices to be active. Yet too many disabled people face barriers that keep them from…

Latest Airline Incident Reinforces Need for Better Accessibility in the Travel Industry

A Southwest Airlines aircraft with blue livery sits at an airport gate with a jet bridge attached. The plane is positioned on the tarmac with airport terminal buildings and infrastructure visible in the background under an overcast sky.

Earlier this week, we reported on how two blind women were the only two people onboard a flight from New Orleans to Orlando after an hours-long….

How to Attract and Retain Talent with Disabilities

A man in a wheelchair wearing a brown leather apron and white t-shirt operates a band saw in a woodworking shop. He's working at a wooden workbench while wearing black gloves, with various tools and equipment visible throughout the workshop in the background.

Although 1 in 4 adults in the United States has a disability, Disabled individuals remain underrepresented in the workforce. In 2024, the employment-population ratio was 22.7% among those with disabilities, compared to 65.5% for those without….

“Shakedown” lawsuits Over Website Access Torment St. Louis Restaurateurs

Portrait of two men smiling at the camera in what appears to be a restaurant setting. Dave Bailey, left, wearing a light blue button-down shirt, and Kevin Nashan, right, wearing a white chef's coat, are among the restaurateurs who've received legal notices from a Kansas City law firm.

It is seldom good news when your business hears from a lawyer you don’t know, and so it was for Kevin Nashan this past spring. The James Beard-winning chef, who owns Sidney Street Cafe and Peacemaker Lobster & Crab, got a letter from a Kansas City-based attorney representing a blind man….

How Can Beaches Be Made More Accessible to People with Reduced Mobility?

An older man in a beach wheelchair holds hands with a woman sitting on the sand beside him, with the ocean waves in the background.

In Belgium, the Inter agency launched the “Sun, Sea… Carefree” programme in 2006, to improve access to the coastline.

With her granddaughter in her lap, Monique is enjoying a trip to the North Sea in a…

Brain-Computer Interfaces in Accessible Tourism

The emergence of brain–computer interface technology is gradually influencing various aspects of human society. However, this innovative technology has yet to be meaningfully introduced into the field of tourism studies…

The Americans with Disabilities Act at 35: Recognizing the Important Work to Promote Equal Opportunity for People with Disabilities

A man wearing a navy OEM shirt speaks with a person in a wheelchair inside a shelter, where several people are resting on cots and Red Cross blankets.

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990, providing a legal framework to ensure people with disabilities have access to the same facilities and resources as the rest of the…

Have Wheels, Will Travel: Paralyzed Individuals Reveal Challenges when Hitting the Road

A person in a wheelchair looks out at a lake and mountains from a wooden dock, with travel map graphics and location pins overlaid above. Text reads, “Have Wheels, Will Travel — Paralyzed individuals reveal challenges when hitting the road.”

Shaun Castle cannot imagine a life without travel….

How to Tell if You’re Really in a Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Room

A cozy log cabin bedroom with a large bed covered in a patriotic quilt, wooden furniture, and windows with white curtains letting in natural light. A sliding glass door opens to a deck with views of pine trees.

Thanks to modern technology it’s now possible to share your travel photos with friends and family with just a few swipes and a tap or two. And I absolutely love seeing those smiling faces enjoying cruises, beaches and luxury resorts…

Selma Blair Says She Is Often ‘Misunderstood as Difficult or Drunk’ Due to MS

Woman with short blonde hair, wearing a white collared shirt with black trim and a gold chain necklace, smiling in front of a lavender backdrop with partial event text visible.

Selma Blair is opening up about the challenges she faces traveling with multiple sclerosis.

“I have dystonia, which is often misunderstood as difficult or drunk,” the Legally Blonde actress…

First Disabled Athletes to Cross the Alps in Manual Wheelchairs

Two people in wheelchairs wearing matching bright yellow shirts that read “Wheelchair Across the Alps,” sitting on a path by a river with mountains and trees in the background, smiling at the camera.

On the banks of Lake Geneva in late June, Ben Spencer and Peter Smorthit looked out towards the Alpine peaks. Over the next 18 days, the friends would embark on a 262 mile-journey across one of Europe’s most extreme landscapes, reaching heights of…

Behind the Oscar-Winning Captioning Revolution: Intention

Black background with white text reading 'Behind the Work' in large serif font. Below is a simple white illustration of a person sitting in a chair with a question mark above their head, facing a computer monitor on a desk. At the bottom is a closed captioning symbol followed by the text 'Caption with Intention' with an underlined yellow accent

FCB Chicago’s Bruno Mazzotti says new ‘Caption with Intention’ system, created with Rakish Entertainment and the Chicago Hearing Society, gives inclusive design a long-overdue starring…

Triple A provides 11 Ideas for Aging Travelers Taking to the Road

Soon, summer will come to a close, and many Idaho families will resume the usual Fall schedule of school and activities closer to home. But for seniors, the fun may be just beginning. Today, AAA shares 11 of the best vacation ideas for seniors this year…..

NY State Now Offering Discount Offers for PwD’s, Most with Free Tickets for Caregiver

Three people walking away on a paved path or small road through green countryside. One person pushes a stroller while two others walk alongside. The scene shows rolling hills and trees in the distance under a partly cloudy blue sky.

A trip to New York State is both accessible and affordable thanks to discounted rates for visitors with disabilities and free companion/personal care attendant admission at many sites. From world-class museums and historic….

Seattle Airport Offering Support for Travelers with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Busy airport terminal interior showing travelers in motion with luggage. A large electronic flight information display board is mounted on a central column, showing departure and arrival information in white text on a dark background.

One in three older adults in the United States dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia — a staggering number that reflects the growing impact on families and communities…

September News from the TravelAbility Community

September 5, 2025 by lkarl

Sophie Morgan’s Visit to Bend Oregon Featured in Conde Nast | Outdoor Adventure Belongs to Everyone

A scenic view of Bend, Oregon, featuring the Deschutes River with people floating on rafts and kayaks. The river is lined with lush greenery and modern homes in the foreground, while the Old Mill District with its three iconic smokestacks and shops stands prominently in the background, framed by forested hills and a clear blue sky.

Bend, Oregon. It is one of those places people talk about with a kind of reverence. “Oh, Bend,” they’ll say, drawing out the vowel like there is a secret there that will only be revealed when you go. A renowned outdoor adventure capital, it draws climbers, kayakers, and powder chasers in droves. But as a wheelchair user….

A colorful grid pattern of pastel squares in various colors serves as the background for text reading "disABILITY PRIDE" in bold lettering

Access isn’t only about ramps and doorways. It’s about being able to move, speak, live, learn and belong with independence, safety and dignity. But in West Michigan…

A person in a wheelchair fishes from a boat, with other people nearby and water visible in the background, overlaid with "Kare 11 extra" text branding.

Great challenges sometimes inspire great ideas.

That’s the case at one of Ely’s newest resorts, which offers a more accessible gateway to Minnesota…

A person in a wheelchair wearing a red cape poses heroically against a city skyline backdrop, embodying strength and empowerment.

Ahead of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined Council member Imelda Padilla, International Paralympic Committee Chief Paralympic Games Officer Colleen Wrenn, LA28 Chief…

A woman in casual clothes walks outside an airport terminal, pulling a wheeled suitcase and looking at her phone.

We’re proud to share that XRAI Glass has been selected to pilot our real-time captioning and translation technology at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) this summer, helping to improve communication at some of the airport’s most critical touchpoints….

A man in a wheelchair sits by a wooden bench in a grassy coastal area overlooking the ocean. He is wearing a white cap and light-colored clothing, facing away from the camera toward the blue sea and horizon.

Visit California is making it easier for travellers with disabilities to plan their perfect Golden Coast getaway with the launch of its new Accessibility Hub, an online platform designed to streamline accessible travel across the state, without wading through scattered sources….

A decorative wooden sign reading 'SI♥UXLAND' sits on a wooden table. The letters are painted in white and blue, with a red heart symbol replacing the 'O' in 'Siouxland'. Blue chairs are visible in the background around the table.

Explore Siouxland has earned ‘Destination Verified Status’ from Wheel the World’s Accessibility Verified Program.

Wheel the World is a travel platform that verifies and catalogs accessible and…

Aerial view of a white sand beach with clear turquoise water and a long wooden fishing pier extending into the Gulf. Beachgoers are scattered across the sand with umbrellas and chairs, while sand dunes with sea grass are visible in the foreground.

With 320 days of sunshine, plenty of parks, and no state income tax, Panama City Beach (PCB) is an affordable small-town gem (population 19,393) on Florida’s Panhandle that’s increasingly capturing the attention of retirees…

A man in a light blue t-shirt stands against an ornate historic wall featuring elaborate Renaissance-style frescoes with painted panels in warm oranges and reds, circular medallions, arched windows with metal grillwork, and a central painting of a figure on a white horse.

What does it really mean for a place to be accessible? As a wheelchair user, I’ve spent the past 20 years travelling, writing, and speaking about accessible tourism. I’ve crawled off trains when assistance hasn’t…

A pair of blue wireless earbuds sits in an open white charging case on a gray desk surface, with one earbud inside the case and the other resting beside it. In the background are blurred desk items, including a smartphone, a gold pen, a laptop, and what appears to be a blue and brown desk accessory.

In a positive move towards inclusion and accessibility, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas has introduced a complimentary service designed to assist hearing-impaired travelers….

Advice Line: Lessons with Kristy Durso Part Four

September 5, 2025 by lkarl

Lesson 4: Accessibility Sells

What’s an example of a destination that saw a clear return on investing in accessibility?

Absolutely. One of my favorite examples is Beaches Turks & Caicos, a resort that truly listened, made a change and saw immediate results.

They addressed something many destinations overlook: guaranteed accessible room bookings. In the Caribbean, it’s especially difficult to reserve an accessible room with certainty. Unlike categories like ocean-view or suites, accessibility often isn’t treated as a priority.

But Beaches made it one.

After hearing me speak about this gap, they created a new booking category for accessible rooms in 2021. That small change, simply naming the category and guaranteeing it, was transformational. The result? It became so popular that it was harder to book than their top-tier suites.

They eventually had to double the number of accessible rooms on the property to meet demand.

Now, they’re building a new wing, and while I don’t know the exact number of accessible rooms it will include, I do know they’re adding more. That’s what happens when you truly meet a need. You see a return, not just in guest satisfaction, but in occupancy and loyalty.

They didn’t stop at basic accessibility either. At one of their Sandals properties, which caters to adults, they began offering accessible suites with luxury-level services. Those rooms are constantly booked. And that proves an important point: people with disabilities span every demographic. Some are wealthy, some are not. Some are parents, newlyweds, solo travelers. We all want options.

Too often, hotels treat accessibility as an afterthought. ADA rooms are usually the lowest tier, with sterile decor and bathrooms that feel more medical than welcoming. Even in countries like the U.S., where laws require accessible rooms across categories, enforcement is uneven. Many accessible rooms still only offer one bed, forcing families to book multiple rooms or settle for poor accommodations.

My solution? Make every bathroom accessible. Install grab bars. Widen doorways.

These changes aren’t expensive, and they help everyone. The athlete recovering from a workout. The couple celebrating with champagne. The parent bathing a child. If you design for inclusion, those features enhance the experience instead of standing out.

So yes, Beaches Turks & Caicos is a great case study. They didn’t need a massive budget. They simply restructured their booking engine, identified a real need and saw results. That’s the takeaway. Accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s smart, scalable business.

Check back next month for Part Four! Noble Studios conducted a thorough interview with Kristy Durso going over the many facets of creating a destination that is truly for everyone. This series is pulled directly from the interview. Check out the archives for the rest of the series. Click here for the full interview.

Kristy Durso is sitting in her wheelchair on the beach, smiling over her shoulder with the beautiful turquoise ocean in the background.

Featured public speaker, accessibilities advocate, entrepreneur, Army veteran, and military wife Kristy Durso is Travelability’s Ambassedor and owns and operates Incredible Memories Travel, a full-service travel agency that assists everyone, including those with accessibility needs. She has three children, one who has autoimmune issues and food allergies, another on the spectrum, and another with cognitive and intellectual disabilities.

TravelAbility + VisitAble: A New Chapter in Disability Inclusion Training

September 5, 2025 by lkarl

Most destinations think they’re inclusive… until their staff training says otherwise.

Over the past year, one theme has come up in nearly every conversation we’ve had with destinations: training.

It’s not enough to install ramps or update websites if frontline staff don’t know how to welcome travelers with disabilities. In fact, when we surveyed more than 150 attractions, hotels, restaurants, and tour companies across ten destinations, 70% said staff training was their top request.

That’s why we’re excited to announce a new partnership with VisitAble—a company we’ve appreciated and collaborated with for years—to bring scalable, self-paced disability inclusion training to tourism teams nationwide.

VisitAble’s training is straightforward, practical, and designed to create the kind of mindset shift that turns accessibility from a compliance issue into what it really is: advanced customer service. The modules cover common mistakes, updated language, interaction best practices, accessibility guidelines, and industry-specific scenarios. The entire training takes just 60 minutes for managers and 30 minutes for frontline staff.

Destinations already using VisitAble are seeing the payoff. Travel Lane County’s CEO Samara Phelps noted that the flexible video modules made it easy for her team to complete training around busy schedules while still gaining crucial insights. In Richmond, more than 1,800 employees across hotels and attractions have gone through the training, which Toni Bastian, Director of Accessibility, called “a reliable and engaging resource for our tourism community.”

For TravelAbility, this partnership is about impact at scale. VisitAble’s founder, Joe Jamison, put it best:

“To create lasting impact, we must shift industry-wide mindsets around disability and accessible travel. Our training is designed to create that shift, and our partnership with TravelAbility will scale it.”

We couldn’t agree more. If your destination is ready to move from good intentions to real action, let’s get started together.

Get a free quote

Or read more in Trend Hunter’s feature.

Josh Loebner Shares How Accessibility Marketing Has Gone Mainstream

August 2, 2025 by lkarl

Accessibility isn’t a niche – it’s the new standard. At last year’s TravelAbility Summit, Josh Loebner gave a talk on how what was once seen as a compliance checkbox is now a creative frontier. From fast food to fine dining, Super Bowl ads to global travel, accessibility is shaping the way the world connects.

Clients like Coca-Cola and Ford are proving that inclusive design is central to modern branding. This session dives into why accessibility matters to everyone—and how it’s becoming the gold standard across industries.

Watch the video and dive into the summary below! For more insights like this, join us in Central Oregon for the 2025 TravelAbility Summit from October 13th to October 15th at the Sunriver Resort. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, meet accessible travel influencers, and stay up to date on new innovations in assistive technology for the travel industry.

Summary

🎙️ Introduction and Personal Background
Josh Loebner shares his 20-year journey in advertising, his PhD focus on disability inclusion, and his leadership at VML as the Global Head of Inclusive Design.
Watch here
🏆 Creative Accessibility in Advertising
Accessibility is shifting from compliance to creativity. VML’s initiatives, like winning the Grand Prix Lion, illustrate how design can be both imaginative and inclusive.
Watch here
🌍 VML’s Global Reach and Clients
VML is a vast global agency with 30,000 employees and notable clients such as Ford, Coca-Cola, and Unilever, all integrating accessibility into diverse brand strategies.
Watch here
📈 Accessibility Goes Mainstream
Search trends and public interest in accessibility are on the rise. It’s now seen as relevant to everyone, not just those with disabilities.
Watch here
🧏 Captioning for All
Captioning is widely used, even by those without hearing loss, enriching media experiences through creative and nuanced text.
Watch here
🍔 Accessible Advertising Examples
Wendy’s global campaigns are cited as inclusive. Accessibility is considered at all touchpoints, including fast food and fine dining experiences.
Watch here
🚗 Accessibility in Travel and Public Spaces
The video explores how accessibility is integrated across travel experiences—from airports to local venues—highlighting thoughtful design.
Watch here
🏪 Retail Accessibility
Retail giants like Walmart and Target now have accessibility centers and leads, showing industry-wide commitment to inclusion.
Watch here
📱 Innovative Scenic Audio App
A powerful example involving a Scenic audio app for blind users uses AI and generative tools to create immersive travel experiences.
Watch here
🔮 Future of AI and Accessibility
VML aims to make all ads accessible by 2025 using AI for audio descriptions and captions—blending tech and inclusion.
Watch here

Insights Based on Numbers

🌐 30,000 Employees at VML: Emphasizes the scale and global capability of the agency.
📊 Rising Google Trends: The year-over-year growth in accessibility-related searches shows societal shifts.

Accessibility

September 2025 Around the Web

Vrbo’s New Accessibility Partnership Opens Doors to Everyone

New Accessibility Tools Empower Inclusive Travel

These Accessible Musicals Are for Blind People, Deaf People — and Also Everyone

Increasing Accessible Outdoor Spaces is Good for Everyone

Latest Airline Incident Reinforces Need for Better Accessibility in the Travel Industry

How to Attract and Retain Talent with Disabilities

“Shakedown” lawsuits Over Website Access Torment St. Louis Restaurateurs

How Can Beaches Be Made More Accessible to People with Reduced Mobility?

Brain-Computer Interfaces in Accessible Tourism

The Americans with Disabilities Act at 35: Recognizing the Important Work to Promote Equal Opportunity for People with Disabilities

Have Wheels, Will Travel: Paralyzed Individuals Reveal Challenges when Hitting the Road

How to Tell if You’re Really in a Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Room

Selma Blair Says She Is Often ‘Misunderstood as Difficult or Drunk’ Due to MS

First Disabled Athletes to Cross the Alps in Manual Wheelchairs

Behind the Oscar-Winning Captioning Revolution: Intention

Triple A provides 11 Ideas for Aging Travelers Taking to the Road

NY State Now Offering Discount Offers for PwD’s, Most with Free Tickets for Caregiver

Seattle Airport Offering Support for Travelers with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

September News from the TravelAbility Community

Sophie Morgan’s Visit to Bend Oregon Featured in Conde Nast | Outdoor Adventure Belongs to Everyone

Pure Michigan | disABILITY PRIDE: How Accessible is West Michigan?

Explore Minnesota | New Ely Resort Features Fully Accessible Lodging and Activities for All to Enjoy… Together

Discover Los Angeles | Los Angeles Reaffirms Accessibility Goals Ahead of 2028 Paralympic Games

XRAI and Dallas Fort Worth | XRAI Glass to Pilot Real-Time Captioning and Translation at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Visit California | Visit California Launches Accessibility Hub to Support Travellers with Disabilities

Wheel the World | Explore Siouxland Is Now ‘Destination Verified’ for Accessible Travel

Visit Florida | America’s Best Small Retirement Town Has Pristine Beaches, Accessible Activities, and 320 Days of Sunshine a Year

Sassy Wyatt and Alex Stratikis | 8 Disabled Travellers Reveal What Makes a Destination Truly Accessible for Them in Conde Nast

Las Vegas’ Harry Reid Airport Unveils Free ASL App to Aid Hearing-Impaired Travelers, Enhancing Accessibility and Communication

Advice Line: Lessons with Kristy Durso Part Four

Lesson 4: Accessibility Sells

What’s an example of a destination that saw a clear return on investing in accessibility?

TravelAbility + VisitAble: A New Chapter in Disability Inclusion Training

Josh Loebner Shares How Accessibility Marketing Has Gone Mainstream

Summary

Insights Based on Numbers

Accessibility

Vrbo’s New Accessibility Partnership Opens Doors to Everyone

New Accessibility Tools Empower Inclusive Travel

These Accessible Musicals Are for Blind People, Deaf People — and Also Everyone

Increasing Accessible Outdoor Spaces is Good for Everyone

Latest Airline Incident Reinforces Need for Better Accessibility in the Travel Industry

How to Attract and Retain Talent with Disabilities

“Shakedown” lawsuits Over Website Access Torment St. Louis Restaurateurs

How Can Beaches Be Made More Accessible to People with Reduced Mobility?

Brain-Computer Interfaces in Accessible Tourism

The Americans with Disabilities Act at 35: Recognizing the Important Work to Promote Equal Opportunity for People with Disabilities

Have Wheels, Will Travel: Paralyzed Individuals Reveal Challenges when Hitting the Road

How to Tell if You’re Really in a Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Room

Selma Blair Says She Is Often ‘Misunderstood as Difficult or Drunk’ Due to MS

First Disabled Athletes to Cross the Alps in Manual Wheelchairs

Behind the Oscar-Winning Captioning Revolution: Intention

Triple A provides 11 Ideas for Aging Travelers Taking to the Road

NY State Now Offering Discount Offers for PwD’s, Most with Free Tickets for Caregiver

Seattle Airport Offering Support for Travelers with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

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Sophie Morgan’s Visit to Bend Oregon Featured in Conde Nast | Outdoor Adventure Belongs to Everyone

Pure Michigan | disABILITY PRIDE: How Accessible is West Michigan?

Explore Minnesota | New Ely Resort Features Fully Accessible Lodging and Activities for All to Enjoy… Together

Discover Los Angeles | Los Angeles Reaffirms Accessibility Goals Ahead of 2028 Paralympic Games

XRAI and Dallas Fort Worth | XRAI Glass to Pilot Real-Time Captioning and Translation at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Visit California | Visit California Launches Accessibility Hub to Support Travellers with Disabilities

Wheel the World | Explore Siouxland Is Now ‘Destination Verified’ for Accessible Travel

Visit Florida | America’s Best Small Retirement Town Has Pristine Beaches, Accessible Activities, and 320 Days of Sunshine a Year

Sassy Wyatt and Alex Stratikis | 8 Disabled Travellers Reveal What Makes a Destination Truly Accessible for Them in Conde Nast

Las Vegas’ Harry Reid Airport Unveils Free ASL App to Aid Hearing-Impaired Travelers, Enhancing Accessibility and Communication

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Lesson 4: Accessibility Sells

What’s an example of a destination that saw a clear return on investing in accessibility?

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Summary

Insights Based on Numbers

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