Adaptive Sports

October News from the TravelAbility Community

October 2, 2025 by lkarl

Myrtle Beach | AFAR highlights 5-Day Myrtle Beach Itinerary for All Abilities

A wooden beach access ramp leads through palm trees and coastal vegetation toward a sandy beach with turquoise ocean waters under a clear blue sky. Beachgoers can be seen in the distance along the shoreline, with the accessible boardwalk providing barrier-free passage from landscaped grounds to the beach.

Unlike many coastal locales, accessibility isn’t an afterthought in Myrtle Beach). The vacation destination is deeply committed to ensuring travelers of all abilities—those on the autism spectrum…

A black and white photo collage with pink geometric accents combines images of legs in white sneakers, a person sitting in a chair, someone holding a phone, and a mountain landscape, overlaid with a text box titled Alt Text that reads "The dust of the leaves turn orange below, The warmth of the light, The cool of the shadow, Cotton candy clouds look down where the Smoky Mountains grow, Postcard or painting, It's almost hard to know."

See all the honorees of Fast Company’s 2025 Innovation by Design Awards in the accessible design category…

Digital accessibility is just one part of creating an inclusive experience. For people with disabilities, accessibility doesn’t stop…

Jennifer Allen and her 3 children on a beach at sunset with arms raised joyfully, including a child using a blue wheelchair with beach-capable wheels. The group poses on white sand with lifeguard towers visible in the background during golden hour.

I don’t remember ever eating so well as we did in Sarasota. From Cuban sandwiches that melt in your mouth to donuts so fresh you’ll smell them before you see them, this city knows how to keep your tummy happy…

The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), in partnership with Wheel the World, hosted a curated…

Two men collaborate at a touchscreen service counter in a modern, bright airport, with one person using a smartphone app to translate sign language.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) today announced the launch of a new accessibility initiative in partnership with Aira, offering free, on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for deaf and hard of hearing travelers…

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is inching closer to the completion of their multimillion-dollar renovation project to its carousel and riverfront access…

Cory Lee, in a power wheelchair, travels along a brick sidewalk past the historic Miss Mylen Miller House, a white colonial-style building with black shutters surrounded by mature trees and maintained grounds behind a decorative iron fence.

North Alabama is one of those places that catches you off guard. You don’t expect mountains and canyons, but they’re here. You don’t expect world-famous music studios tucked into quiet towns, but…

Sturgeon Point Marina to Become the Most Accessible Lake Community on the East Coast

September 8, 2025 by lkarl

A wooden sign for Sturgeon Point Marina in the Town of Evans, New York, stands surrounded by greenery and flowers, with boats visible in the background.

That’s right! Lake Erie and the town of Evans, NY are making history. Once projects are completed, this town will be the most inclusive inland lake community on the entire east coast for wheelchair users, and community members with adaptive needs.

This joint collaboration between the Western NY Walleyes Organization, the town of Evans, New York, and Wheelchairs and Walleyes shows what can be done when public and private organizations share a common goal.

Learn more here

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….

August 2025 Around the Web

August 1, 2025 by lkarl

I’m Obese and Refused to Give Up My Second Seat on a Plane for a Toddler

A plus-size woman wearing a face mask sits in an airplane seat near the window, occupying part of the adjacent seat, with an oxygen concentrator next to her and empty seats nearby.

A woman has faced criticism online after revealing she refused to give up the second plane seat she had bought so that a fussy toddler could sit next to his mom.

The 34-year-old passenger said she had booked two seats on the domestic flight due to previous experiences of being uncomfortable in one….

Touch2See Increases Accessibility for Blind Sports Fans

In a sporting arena, fans sit in bleachers. Centered in the middle of the folder is a man with glasses cheering with one hand cupped around his mouth and the other following the game on his touch2see device.

As accessibility becomes a bigger focus for leagues and teams looking to increase convenience for all fans, Toulouse, France-based Touch2See is bringing its tech to the U.S. for visually impaired and blind fans….

What is Beep Baseball? Boston Team of Blind Athletes Plays America’s Favorite Pastime

The Boston Renegades baseball team plays beep baseball, an adaptive version of America’s favorite pastime, designed specifically for blind and visually-impaired athletes…

This Airline Was Named No. 1 for Wheelchair Accessibility in 2025

A person in a wheelchair waits at an airport terminal, with an airplane taking off visible through the large windows in the background.

If you are planning on flying with a wheelchair, there’s one airline with a higher approval rating than its competitors.

A new study by InsureMyTrip ranks which airlines are great with wheelchairs…

Houston Charity Gifts 66 Wheelchair-Accessible Vans to Needy Families

Five people pose in front of a row of new black and white vans adorned with red bows, part of a fleet of 66 wheelchair-accessible vehicles being unveiled in Houston to expand accessible transportation.

More than 60 underprivileged children will now have wheelchair-accessible vans thanks to a nearly $4 million giveaway by the Houston Children’s Charity on Tuesday….

What Makes Torino Europe’s Smartest Travel Destination?

Panoramic view of Turin, Italy, showcasing the iconic Mole Antonelliana with its tall spire rising above historic buildings and red rooftops, with a hot air balloon floating in the distance under a blue sky.

What makes Torino Europe’s smartest travel destination isn’t just its baroque palaces or chocolate heritage—it’s how the city is blending innovation, inclusion, and sustainability to reshape what a city break can be in 2025…

Best Travel Tips from Sophie Morgan

The travel industry has made great strides in accessibility recently, which is great, but there’s still so much more that can be done. Here are the companies and destinations I’ve found to be leading the way, whether you’re craving luxury, adventure or just a stress-free trip…

Adaptive Sports

Myrtle Beach | AFAR highlights 5-Day Myrtle Beach Itinerary for All Abilities

Lotus | The Best Accessible Design of 2025

RightHear | accessiBe Partners with RightHear to Bring Accessibility Beyond the Screen

Visit Florida and Wonders Within Reach | Wheelchair Accessible Restaurants in Sarasota, Florida

Wheel the World | Colorado Tourism Office and Wheel the World Co-Host Nation’s First Travel Week Spotlighting Accessibility

Visit California | Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport Expands Accessibility with ASL Interpretation App

Visit Grand Rapids | ‘Priceless’: Grand Rapids Public Museum Unveils Sneak Peak of Accessibility Upgrades to Carousel

Wheel the World, North Alabama, Cory Lee, and Wonders Within Reach | Accessible Guide to Alabama: Hotels, Things to Do, Restaurants

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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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I’m Obese and Refused to Give Up My Second Seat on a Plane for a Toddler

Touch2See Increases Accessibility for Blind Sports Fans

What is Beep Baseball? Boston Team of Blind Athletes Plays America’s Favorite Pastime

This Airline Was Named No. 1 for Wheelchair Accessibility in 2025

Houston Charity Gifts 66 Wheelchair-Accessible Vans to Needy Families

What Makes Torino Europe’s Smartest Travel Destination?

Best Travel Tips from Sophie Morgan

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