TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Accessibility

Discover the Winning Films from the Inaugural TravelAbility Film Festival

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  • An aerial view of the awards ceremony
  • Jesse Dolin accepting The Oregon Coast Visitor Association grand price award.
    The Oregon Coast Visitor Association wins the grand prize!
  • A man in a power wheelchair sits in the audience at the awards ceremony with a "TavelAbility Film Festival Banner" visible behind him
    John Morris at the awards ceremony
  • Meg Raby Klinghoffer, Jennifer Casey, and Carolina Christian pose on stage as Meg accepts her award.
    Meg Raby Klinghoffer, Jennifer Casey, and Carolina Christian pose on stage as Meg accepts her award.
  • Houston Vandergriff, Jennifer Casey, and Carolina Christian pose on stage as Houston accepts his award.
    Houston Vandergriff, Jennifer Casey, and Carolina Christian pose on stage as Houston accepts his award.

The 2025 TravelAbility Summit introduced exciting new features this year, including the inaugural TravelAbility Film Fest, a creative showcase celebrating the voices and visuals of accessible travel. Designed to highlight storytelling that inspires empathy, understanding, and action, the Film Fest put accessibility in the spotlight, giving filmmakers and destinations a platform to share how they are shaping a more inclusive world.

The festival drew 52 entries from around the globe, including India, Ireland, England, Scotland, Lithuania, South Africa, Canada, and the United States. From immersive destination experiences to innovative accessibility programs, the films captured creativity, purpose, and real-world impact.

Fourteen finalists were selected by a team of screeners and reviewed by a distinguished jury of experts in film, design, and accessibility:

  • Jule Sisk, Founder, The American Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival
  • Josh Loebner, Global Head of Inclusive Design, VML
  • Taylor Miller, Founder, Slamdance Film Festival
  • Monika Skerbelis, Director, Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at Cannes
  • Jennifer Casey, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Gray Television

“Communication about accessibility to create empathy is all about storytelling, and these are examples of excellent storytelling that create empathy, understanding, and connection, taking mindsets from awareness to action,” said TravelAbility Founder and CEO Jake Steinman.

Throughout the Summit, all finalist films were shared between major sessions, giving attendees the chance to experience these stories firsthand. Participants noted that interspersing the films throughout sessions grounded the importance of accessibility in real, lived experiences, creating moments of reflection, inspiration, and motivation. The festival concluded with a celebration of all films and an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 14, honoring the most impactful stories from around the world.

2025 TravelAbility Film Festival Winners

Grand Prize Winner

  • GLP Films & The Oregon Coast Visitor Association — Accessible, Inclusive Travel on the Oregon Coast

Attractions Category

  • 1st Place — Ximuwu: The First Truly Accessible Safari Lodge
  • 2nd Place — WetWheels: Barrier-Free Boating for Everyone
  • 3rd Place — KultureCity: It’s More Than Just A Bag

Content Creators Category

  • 1st Place — Traveleyes: Share the Adventure
  • 2nd Place — Downs and Towns: THIS is Yuma
  • 3rd place — Vineet Victor: Overcoming Barriers: India and Beyond

Destination Category

  • 1st Place — Travel Alberta: Alberta Adapts
  • 2nd Place — VML and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development: Sound Sites
  • 3rd Place — AMLA: Under the Sun, Moon, & Stars: Accessible North Alabama with Wonders Within Reach
Watch Film Here

Community News

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New Wheel the World verifications, accessibility awards, and TravelAbility partners highlighted as they lead the way in welcoming through accessibility

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?

Accessible Holiday Train Rides with Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

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Historic trains don’t usually make it onto the radar for disabled travelers. Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad is changing that, and the magic of an accessible train ride runs well beyond the holiday season. 

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad offers different holiday train options varying in length and focus, including anything from a short ride, featuring storytelling, caroling, milk and cookies with Mrs. Claus, a visit from Santa, and pre- or post-ride activities in the Event Barn like letters to Santa, petting farm, cocoa, and s’mores, to a three hour peaceful, holiday-themed journey through the historic Trough canyon with eagle watching, festive dining in Premium, Superior, or Club Service, and stunning winter photography opportunities. 

All excursions feature the same accessibility, holiday spirit, and scenic adventure.

“We want every guest to experience the beauty, excitement, and wonder of our excursions—comfortably, safely, and without compromise,” 

shared Kimberly Byard, Public Relations Specialist. The historic trains are vintage, so not fully ADA-compliant, but the team has worked hard to create an experience that welcomes all.

Accessibility at the Station

Wheelchair-accessible parking, entrances, seating, and restrooms are available at the station. Select cars also include accessible onboard restrooms, allowing guests to enjoy the trip without worry.

Boarding & Onboard Assistance

Step-free boarding is available for all excursions at Wappocomo Station and during the All Day Petersburg layover. Our crew is always ready to assist with transfers, and two assist wheelchairs are available on-site. While aisles and doorways are narrower than modern trains, personal wheelchairs up to 23 inches wide can often be accommodated with advance notice. Wait staff in every car are trained to assist with seating, mobility, or other needs to ensure that every guest is cared for throughout the journey.

Seating & Classes of Service

Guests may choose from five classes of service, each offering a distinct way to experience the trip. Our Reservations Team can help select the best option based on mobility needs, restroom access, and comfort preferences. Observatory cars are step-free and feature bench seating for panoramic views, with crew members available to assist those using limited mobility devices.

Immersive Experiences from Your Seat

From your assigned seat, you can fully enjoy the journey—there’s no need to move from car to car to take in the experience. Guests are surrounded by live historical narration about the railroad, the region, and the wildlife along the way. Dining experiences are served right to your seat, with upgraded Dining and Club cars offering full climate control for year-round comfort. Standard Coach and Standard Dining cars feature windows that open for fresh mountain air. Select cars include accessible onboard restrooms for convenience.

Every Trough Canyon excursion provides breathtaking scenery through the historic Trough area where resident bald eagles live in their secluded habitat. Spring and early summer bring eaglets taking their first flights and calling to one another for feeding and security. Fall showcases juveniles interacting with adults against brilliant foliage, while winter reveals nest restoration and preparation for the next generation. Each season brings its own remarkable story.

Recreational activities—such as birdwatching, photography, journaling, sketching, or simply relaxing—can all be enjoyed comfortably from your seat. For a more immersive nature experience, guests may also visit our step-free open-air observatory cars, offering panoramic canyon views and an outdoor element to the adventure with crew assistance.

All Day Petersburg Excursion

This extended excursion includes a layover in Petersburg, with ramp access for boarding and deboarding. The town provides free public bus transportation, making it easy to explore local shops, dining, historic sites, and culture.

Environmental & Seasonal Considerations

Our open-air observatory cars provide immersive, up-close nature views but are naturally exposed to weather. Guests may prefer to enjoy the same sights from their seats in climate-controlled cars. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing lap blankets, sunscreen, hats, binoculars, and cameras for the best experience.

Dietary Needs & Medical Support

Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies or special dietary needs. Our kitchen and onboard teams will do their best to accommodate requests. Crew members are trained in CPR and general medical response for emergencies.

Communication & Booking

To ensure the most comfortable experience, please call our Reservations Team at 304-424-0736 to discuss your specific needs and confirm the best seating arrangement. Online booking also allows you to leave notes, but speaking with our team directly helps us personalize your visit.

@PhoenyxTravels’ Accessible Guide to Blowing Rock, NC

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Amputee traveler, accessibility advocate, and expert travel blogger – Phoenyx is on a mission to make the world more accessible by empowering travelers of all abilities to explore with confidence! As a social media micro influencer and standout blogger, she inspires over 900 travelers each month.

This recent travel guide showcases Blowing Rock, NC with real tips, mountain views, accessible trails, good eats, and chill vibes.

Read the full article here.