TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Conferences & Events

Glidance Wins InnovateAble @DI Pitchfest: Revolutionizing Mobility for the Blind

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Tampa Bay, FL – July 18, 2024 – In a groundbreaking event celebrating the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Glidance emerged as the champion in the InnovateAble @DI Pitchfest. The competition, hosted by TravelAbility and held in conjunction with Destinations International’s annual convention, showcased cutting-edge innovations designed to remove barriers for travelers with disabilities. The Final Four were selected from over 45 companies seen at CES, CSUN, Abilities Expo and through an extensive product hunt.

The winner: Glidance: Pioneering Self-Guided Mobility for the Blind

Glidance, the world’s first self-guided mobility aid, combines artificial intelligence (AI) and sensor technology to create a robotic version of the service dog. Designed specifically for individuals with visual impairments, Glidance offers a revolutionary solution for navigating airports, hotels, and public spaces. Judges were impressed by its affordability and potential impact on the blind community.

“Amos Miller, the founder of Glidance, faced a critical question during the competition,” noted Jake Steinman, curator of the InnovateAble program. “Would this device render guide dogs obsolete? His response was insightful: While there are 9 million blind individuals in the U.S., there are only 80,000 guide dogs. Glidance fills a crucial gap and has ample room for growth.”

Other Remarkable Innovations

The InnovateAble @DI Pitchfest also featured three other remarkable innovations:

  1. AccessRec (Mobility): Co-founded by the creator of Mobi Mats, AccessRec introduced the concept of universally designed beaches. Their line beach mats, beach wheelchairs, and other recreational accessories make beaches, lakes, and uneven surfaces accessible to all.
  2. 360 Direct Video (Deafness): Empower 360 leverages AI-enabled American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters in multiple languages. These avatars provide real-time ASL interpretation via video, enhancing communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers.
  3. Neurodiversity/Autism: Travelers with hidden disabilities and a sunflower lanyard that is now recognized in over 240 airports in over30 countries around the world .

TravelAbility and Destinations International remain committed to fostering innovation that empowers travelers of all abilities. The InnovateAble @DI Pitchfest exemplifies their dedication to creating a more inclusive and accessible travel industry.

About TravelAbility: TravelAbility is a leading organization dedicated to advancing accessible travel and tourism. Through partnerships, education, and advocacy, TravelAbility strives to make travel a seamless experience for everyone, regardless of ability.

About Destinations International: Destinations International is the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations, representing over 6,000 professionals from 600 destinations in 15 countries. Their mission is to drive economic development through travel and tourism.

Join us for the Only Assistive Technology Pitchfest Curated for the Travel Industry

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The InnovateABLE pitchfest will be held July 26th in recognition of ADA34 commemorating the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Participating companies represent the cutting edge in accessible technology and innovations that can be introduced through the destination marketing channel. 

When: July 26th 

Where: Via Zoom ( a link will be sent upon receipt of your RSVP)

What: A 3 minute video pitch from the company with a 7 minute Q/A with a panel of judges
comprised of investors and travel industry professionals
Time: 10AM PDT- 12:30PM PDT

Reserve Your Spot Today! 

RSVP:   Space is Limited to the first 150 attendees

The Agenda (all times are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)

10-10:15 AMWelcome and Introduction to the Judges
10:15-10:25 AMRollz
10:26-10:36 AMGlidance
10:37- 10:47 AMWhimble
10:48-10:58 AMEmpower 360
10:59:00 AM-11:08 AMTrue Omni
11:09-11:19 AMBe My Eyes
11:20-11:30 AMWe Hear You (Hero Hinge)
11:31AM- 11:41 AMKulture City
11:42-11:53 AMContacta
11:54-12:04 PMSign Speak

To Learn More Visit our web-site and learn about our outstanding panel of Judges.

9 Reasons DMO’s Should Budget for TravelAbility Summit

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You don’t have to unlock the secrets to thriving in the billion-dollar accessible travel market on your own.

Here are nine ground-breaking ways TravelAbility makes a difference for your DMO.

  1. Explore Opportunities: Dive into the burgeoning market: baby boomers aging into a disability.
  2. Education: Engage in workshops to understand legal requirements and the value of inclusivity in travel.
  3. Understand the Ecosystem: Get ahead of the curve by learning about the evolving accessible travel ecosystem.
  4. Learn About Services: Tailor your offerings by discovering essential services for travelers with disabilities.
  5. Networking: Forge valuable connections with industry leaders and peers. 
  6. Innovation: Embrace new technologies that are removing barriers in travel accessibility. 
  7. Competitive Advantage: Stand out by catering to the millions of travelers with disabilities.
  8. Marketing Opportunities: Broaden your reach with strategies that appeal to all, including those with accessibility needs. 
  9. Best Practices: Learn from the best to enhance service quality and customer satisfaction.

Ready to make a difference? Register now and be a part of shaping the future of travel! https://travelability.net/summit/register/

Announcing the 10 Finalists for InnovateAble 2024

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Dive into InnovateAble 2024, The Shark Tank of Accessible Travel Tech, on ADA’s 34th Anniversary

Get ready for an inspiring virtual showcase like no other! On July 26, 2024, we’re celebrating the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a groundbreaking event that’s all about empowering travel for those with disabilities. “I’m thrilled to announce InnovateAble, a unique pitch fest that’s reminiscent of Shark Tank, but with a twist,” said Jake Steinman, Founder of TravelAbility. “It’s dedicated to showcasing assistive technology, services and innovations that promise to revolutionize travel for people with disabilities and seniors.”

Event Details:

  • Date: July 26, 2024
  • Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Pacific Time on Zoom
  • Format: Quick-fire 3-minute pitches with a 7-minute Q&A

This event is not just a competition: it’s a beacon of innovation, organized by the forward-thinkers at TravelAbility. The TravelAbility team spent hours researching over 45 companies/products and after an exhaustive process selected 12 finalists to present to our panel of judges. We’re proud to share that past participants have raised a staggering $563.4 million in funding, proving that these innovations are not just visionary but also viable.

GlidanceThe world’s first self-guided mobility aid combines AI and sensor technology to create the first robotic guide dog.
Travel GeniusLocation intelligence platform that detects accessibility features using AI technology.
Hero HingeBattery operated units inserted in door hinges to automate doors so they can be opened with push-button, by app or by voice.
RollzCreates colorfully innovative rollators that can be converted to wheelchairs.
360 EmpowerAI enabled ASL interpreters in multiple-language avatars that come in via video to provide ASL interpretation.
KultureCityThe leading non-profit for training on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with hidden disabilities.
Be My EyesConnects blind or visually impaired individuals with AI mobile app for real-time video interpretation via video calls.
ContactaA network of hearing loop installers throughout North America and Europe.
True OmniAdding accessibility to kiosks at visitor centers, welcome centers and information desks.
CTI One Corp:AI enabled rollators for that can be summoned from your phone.
Ostrum TechAirport assistance platform which brings all aviation stakeholders and passengers together.
WhimbleProviding trained companions for travel and accessibility concierges for events and festivals.

Meet Our Esteemed 2024 InnovateAble Judges: 
Chris Maher, Founder, Samaritan Partners Investment Fund
Caryl Stern, Chief Impact Officer, LionTree Capital (formerly Executive Director of The Walton Family Foundation and Unicef)
Betty Siegel, Director of Office of  Accessibility, the Kennedy Center for the Arts and founder of the LEAD Conference, accessibility solutions for cultural and arts institutions
Adam Burke, President and CEO, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board
Olivia Thomaszewski, Age Tech Collaborative, AARP
Zach Curry, VP Rooms Operations and Guest Experience, Marriott Corporation
Katy Roberts, Portfolio Manager, Racoon Media Group/Abilities Expo
 
 
About TravelAbility
TravelAbility provides thought leadership in accessible travel to improve the lives of people of ALL abilities and ALL ages, and aims to inspire and educate the travel industry to provide accessible experiences to help people with disabilities enjoy travel as much as everyone else. TravelAbility is also the host of the Emerging Markets Summit, the premier industry conference on accessible travel. The 2024 Summit will be held in San Francisco on Nov.13-15th at the Argonaut Hotel. For more information, visit www.travelability.net.
 
Contact: Jake Steinman, Founder, TravelAbility. jake@travelability.net. +1 415-339-0578

Inside Travel Oregon’s Governor’s Conference: Proactive Accessibilty

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Logo for the Oregon Governor's Conference on Tourism

On the scene with Jake Steinman, Founder and CEO, TravelAbility

While attending the Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism, I was struck by the diverse approaches to accessibility among the various Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs). While some view accessibility as a mere checkbox or legal requirement, the state recognizes it as a strategic investment for today’s disabled travelers. Oregon is proactively preparing to accommodate the upcoming ‘silver tsunami’ of baby boomers—10,000 individuals turning 65 each day, with 40% self-identifying as having a disability.

.During the conference, discussions buzzed about partnerships between DMOs, land managers, advocacy groups, and nonprofits—many aimed at enhancing accessible trails and natural spaces, which are a point of pride for Oregon. Governor Tina Kotek’s opening speech and subsequent awards ceremony emphasized this commitment, with the term ‘accessibility’ mentioned 22 times from the stage.

Quote: "Accessibility" was mentioned 22 times in the governor's speech and the awards ceremony that followed.

Beyond the speeches, I noticed thoughtful accommodations for disabilities throughout the venue. These included a designated ‘accessibility table’ in the general session ballroom, as well as a designated “sensory room” like the one at Portland Airport.  The conference also included an “Accessibility Vendor Showcase” room, curated by TravelAbility, that highlighted startups like Wheel the World, Enchroma color blind glasses, Access Trax beach mats (designed for wheelchair users), and the Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard—a global symbol indicating someone who may need additional care. Additionally, Becky Large, founder of the Autism Travel Club and a former TravelAbility EMS Summit presenter, participated in a neurodiversity breakout session. Notably, Oregon incentivized vendors by offering complimentary exhibit tables, lodging, and travel stipends, rather than requiring them to become sponsors.

In contrast to some state tourism conferences where accessibility is merely symbolic, Oregon. Travel Oregon’s visionary leadership, led by Executive Director Todd Davidson and VP of Marketing Kevin Wright, has adopted a proactive strategy. Their commitment is evident through a groundbreaking $3.6 million grant program, specifically designed to enhance and upgrade accessible experiences for all travelers.  

Entrance to the Accessibility Vendor Showcase at the conference.

Both accessibility breakout sessions were standing-room-only, reflecting a universal desire to accommodate all disabilities, regardless of the challenges. Engaging discussions highlighted the organizational hurdles in integrating accessibility into existing roles and underscored the need for dedicated research efforts.

During a luncheon presentation, Travel Oregon’s budget structure revealed a legislative triumph from two decades ago—a 1% lodging tax earmarked for travel promotion. This foresight, coupled with a cap on local DMO tourism fund usage, has positioned Oregon as a trailblazer in accessible tourism, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

This forward-thinking approach was showcased at the Accessible Vendors Showcase (right)