TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Accessibility

Hallelujah! After a Decade of Construction, the Old City of Jerusalem’s Alleys and Hideaways Open to Wheelchair Users

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Wheelchair users as part of a tour group in Jerusalem.

The Centuries-old Old City of Jerusalem has received an accessibility overhaul, making it much more accessible to wheelchair users, baby carriages and other mobility devices.

“The Old City of Jerusalem has become one of the most accessible ancient cities in the world,” Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Minister Ze’ev Elkin said, The Jerusalem Post reported. Achieving “accessibility for the six kilometers was very complex, and it enriches the experience of the tourists in the Old City.”

The project, a decade in the making, involved the flattening of steep descents, as well as the addition of handrails. Additional improvements are also being made to increase accessibility for those with limited vision, including with the new mobile app Step Hear.

OUR TAKE: UNESCO World Heritage Sites have long delayed accessibility improvements, but the Old City of Jerusalem is proving that accessibility can coexist with historic preservation. We can’t wait to check out Jerusalem!

To read more about these exciting developments, read the article from Israel Hayom.

How the Meetings Industry Can Improve Accessibility for Events

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Hundreds of people at a conference, sitting in front of a stage.

As we emerge from the worst of the pandemic and begin to attend in-person events, there is a renewed focus on the accessibility of meetings, conferences and other events. In an article published in the Small Market Meetings Magazine, Rachel Carter interviewed three accessible meetings experts – Jan Garrett, program manager for the Pacific ADA Center; Sam Evans, certification manager for the International Association of Accessibility Professionals; and Sheri Byrne-Haber, senior staff architect of accessibility at VMware.

In considering how meeting planners should step up their game on accessibility, Garrett encouraged them to take advantage of the resources that are already out there, freely available from the ADA National Network, a congressionally-funded group of 10 regional ADA centers and the ADA Knowledge Translation Center. Those resources include planning guides, articles, checklists and more.

While physical accessibility is key, digital accessibility is important as well, and meeting planners should ensure that their websites are accessible to screen reader software, including providing alt-text to describe images displayed on the website.

Many adaptations are low-cost or cost neutral and can dramatically improve the experience for disabled attendees. To read more about the tips for making your next meeting accessible, see the article in the Small Market Meetings magazine.

How Restaurants Can Add Accessibility to their Menu

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Waiter's tray with 2 red drinks and two champaign flutes charriedby a waiter

Disabled people enjoy a night out on the town and a great meal just as nondisabled people do, and it’s important for restaurants to create an accessible and welcoming environment for their disabled customers.

To learn more about how restaurants can improve accessibility – and why it’s beneficial to the bottom line – read the full article at Resy OS.

How Disney World Became Accessible for the Deaf by “Listening” to their Needs

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Travelability Advisory Board member Mark Jones, manager of accessibility and services for guests with disabilities (whew!), reveals how understanding deaf visitors began by listening to members of his immediate family–since he is what deaf culture refers to as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults); both parents as well as his brother are deaf.  His passion for accessibility over the 25 years he has been with the park has helped Disney World provide state-of-the-art accessibility for not only the deaf, but also guests with a panoply of other disabilities.

Spoiler Alert: Prepare to learn a couple of basic ASL words.

Navigating Accessibility in Airports and Rail Stations will be Easier with New Virtual Reality Simulator

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Oculus virtual reality headset.

A new ‘Serious Game’ Virtual Reality Simulation is being developed to support disabled people to better access travel on Northern’s services.

As the first of its kind, the technology will allow passengers to explore their journey and the support they require in advance, from the comfort of their own home. Users will be able to experience trains, stations, and interact with station and on-board staff in a realistic simulated environment on their own phones, tablets and PCs or even in low cost VR headsets for a fully immersive experience. They can take simulated journeys and experience the railway environment, as well as the support Northern staff will provide along the way.

To learn more, read the full article in Global Railway Review.