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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 10, 2025 – The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is redefining accessibility through the power of music, partnering with songwriters in an industry-first initiative to enhance the online travel experience for blind and visually impaired visitors. This groundbreaking program called “Sound Sites” replaces standard image descriptions known as alt-text on TNVacation.com with beautifully-crafted song lyrics, allowing travelers using screen readers to experience Tennessee’s landscapes, culture and spirit through poetic, immersive storytelling.
Leveraging one of Tennessee’s most iconic assets—its legendary songwriters—this initiative creates a richer and more evocative way for visually impaired travelers to connect with the state. Instead of generic, uninspired alt-text such as “image of a mountain” or “street at night,” visitors will hear lyrical descriptions that bring Tennessee’s scenic beauty to life.
Innovating Accessibility Through Music
More than seven million Americans have a non-corrective visual disability, including more than one million who are blind, according to the National Federation of the Blind. That number is expected to double by 2050. Recognizing the need for more meaningful and engaging online experiences, Tennessee is going beyond traditional accessibility standards. While accessibility standards have traditionally focused on functionality, Sound Sites elevates them to an art form, using human creativity to ensure all travelers can experience Tennessee with wonder and excitement.
“Music has the power to connect us all, regardless of how we experience the world,” said Billy Montana, a Tennessee-based, award-winning country songwriter known for hits recorded by Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw. “Sound Sites is a beautiful example of how we can use creativity to make travel more accessible and welcoming to all. I’m honored to be a part of a project helping people feel more connected to Tennessee and to each other.”
Montana is one of 12 talented songwriters bringing Sound Sites to life, joining an all-star lineup that includes country music legend Dolly Parton, Brooks & Dunn’s Kix Brooks and Grammy-nominated songwriter Michael Farren. The initiative also features a diverse range of artists, from Americana storyteller Hilary Williams—daughter of Hank Williams Jr.—and indie-rock powerhouse Nicole Atkins to Nashville hitmakers David Tolliver, Adam Wood, Brian Davis, Thomas Edwards and Jack Settle. JP Williams, a celebrated blind singer-songwriter, brings an especially meaningful perspective to the project, helping to ensure that Tennessee’s landscapes aren’t just seen, but truly felt.
A Unique Approach to Accessible Travel
With Sound Sites, Tennessee is laying the foundation for a new kind of travel experience—one that will continue to grow, evolve and connect people in new ways.
The program follows the success of Tennessee’s Colorblind Viewfinder initiative, which introduced specialized scenic viewfinders that allow colorblind visitors to experience the full spectrum of fall foliage. With Sound Sites, Tennessee continues to expand what accessible and engaging travel looks like, proving that the state isn’t just seen—it’s felt.
“We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to experience Tennessee’s unmatched beauty, including the millions who travel with visual impairments,” said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Tennessee’s deep musical roots make this campaign a natural fit, and we’re proud to champion travel experiences that embrace everyone. This is just the beginning of a meaningful, ongoing effort to connect people to the beauty of our great state.”
Experience Tennessee Beyond Description
Hundreds of images are featured across TDTD’s digital properties and social channels, marking the start of an ongoing collaboration with songwriters and members of the blind community to enhance descriptions. The state is also developing best practices to share with tourism partners, aiming to improve accessibility across destination, lodging, and attraction websites throughout Tennessee.
Travelers can explore the Sound Sites experience now at TNvacation.com, where song-driven descriptions bring Tennessee’s landscapes to life in an entirely new way. Join the conversation on social media with @TNvacation using hashtag #TNSoundsPerfect.
About Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on Facebook, X, and Instagram for travel inspiration.
By Jennifer Allen
I completed this interview with Tami via email before heading to North Alabama to be a part of a launch project showcasing accessibility across North Alabama. I couldn’t help but think about the truth behind her words as we were exposed to her initiatives in real life. Tami puts a lot of emphasis on the power of working together, and we were able to witness that power everywhere we went. Her passion has clearly spread to her team and to the North Alabama partners. From the breakfast lady at the hotel, to the camera crew, to the partner destination marketing teams – everyone was excited about the progress North Alabama is making. Reist is making waves, and those working with her are excited to do what they can to be a part of it.
Reist’s passion for accessibility started at home. “My father’s experience navigating life after losing both legs to diabetes gave me a firsthand insight into the challenges faced by those with mobility limitations,” she shares. “Although he passed away shortly after the amputations, I felt it was my duty to start the process.”
Her commitment only deepened as she saw the growing need for accessible travel options. “My mother has early dementia, and along with other baby boomers, we’re seeing more people who want to travel but face barriers. That was part of my motivation for getting involved in making North Alabama a friendly, accessible region.”
Transforming accessibility across 16 counties hasn’t been without challenges, but Reist has taken a community-driven approach. “We are currently working with over 150 of our tourism partners that are also interested in this mission,” she says.
One of the major strides in this effort has been a partnership with Wheel the World to collect accurate accessibility measurements for hotels and attractions. “We’re also getting Huntsville International Airport onboard and building out a website to share places where travelers can find accessible transportation and other services.”
Another initiative that stands out is the ALL-A-BAMA program, which provides sensory training for tourism partners. “We’re training them on sensory initiatives and equipping them with ALL-A-BAMA backpacks filled with weighted blankets, headsets, and other items to help travelers.”
Reist has also brought storytelling into the mix. “We’ve hired Leslie Walker, a Creative Tourism Consultant, who has gathered ten influencers from all facets of accessibility to come to our area. We’re filming and creating itineraries that will go on our website to showcase things to do for our accessible travelers.”
Reist finds inspiration in the words of Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
North Alabama holds a special connection to Keller, who was born in Tuscumbia. “For the past fifteen years, the Ivy Green Museum has hosted Camp Courage. Alabama Mountain Lakes has been a sponsor of the final dinner for the camp,” Reist explains.
“When you see these children, what they are unable to see, and yet the impact the camp is making on their lives—it’s absolutely amazing. We use students from UNA to be the Annie Sullivans to the participants. Seeing the tears of joy from these future special education teachers and the impact they’ve had in just one week is incredibly moving.”
To support these efforts, Reist’s team has established a $1,500 scholarship for educators who go the extra mile in working with students at Camp Courage.
Reist and her team are already making plans for the future. “We have developed an accessibility training program for our tourism partners to help them understand travelers’ needs and how to create a more accessible experience.”
Excitingly, Reist’s work will be featured in an upcoming documentary as part of the ‘Travels with Darley’ series on PBS. “She’s doing a documentary on our North Alabama journey to building out this Friendly Accessible plan. It will air in January 2026 as part of her semi-quincentennial series.”
Looking five years ahead, Reist envisions even bigger changes. “I want to see more emphasis put on building designs that encompass ALL accessible travelers. I’d love to see attractions that are fully accessible and a hotel that is 100% accessible.”
She also hopes more people will join the movement. “I want to see more organizations get involved with TravelAbility.”
For those looking to make progress in accessibility, Reist has clear advice: “Look to those currently working in this area. Get involved with TravelAbility. Make sure to bring your accessible community partners to the table.”
She emphasizes the importance of listening. “Allow those who have accessibility needs to share their travel obstacles with you. Reach out to your state and those already working on accessible issues. Create a board to help guide you and remember the overall outcome.”
And above all, she reminds us to embrace the power of collaboration. “Always remember, ‘Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.’”
Here’s what sets Discover Lancaster apart when it comes to accessible landing pages…
TravelAbility’s Accessibility Playbook provides a basic guide for building an accessibility landing page that welcomes all to discover your destination. Discover Lancaster’s website is entering the advanced level because of its extensive listing of all types of attractions and resources. They’ve done a great job of working with their partners to build a platform of information on anything a disabled traveler could be looking for. Here’s how they measure up:
| Level | Key Elements | Details |
| LEVEL ONE: BASIC | Statement ✔️ | “We are pleased to welcome visitors of all abilities. This page features a variety of accessible attractions, museums, recreational activities, and hotels to help visitors and local residents with disabilities discover what they can do in [Destination].” |
| Things to Do✔️ | Identify accessible attractions and experiences, and provide direct links to their accessibility pages. | |
| Hotels & Lodging✔️ | List accessible hotels, highlight hotels with pool lifts exceeding ADA requirements, and survey hotels for detailed accessibility info. If partnering with Wheel the World, link directly to their booking page. | |
| Additional Resources✔️ | Build an accessible itinerary with state/provincial/national stakeholders, and include links to relevant articles and media coverage. | |
| Transportation✔️ | Link to accessibility pages for airports, public transportation, taxis & van services, and car rentals. | |
| Medical Supplies & Services | Provide links for wheelchair/scooter rentals and medical equipment rentals (Hoyer lifts, shower chairs, etc.). | |
| LEVEL TWO: INTERMEDIATE | Recreation✔️ | Provide accessibility links for nearby parks, hiking trails, points of interest, botanical gardens, and zoos. |
| Sports Venues✔️ | Link to accessibility pages for college/professional stadiums, arenas, and racetracks. | |
| Performance Venues✔️ | Accessibility links for symphonies, ballets, operas, theatres, and prominent nightclubs. | |
| Dining & Food✔️ | List ADA-compliant restaurant chains and coffee shops (e.g., Starbucks). | |
| LEVEL THREE: ADVANCED | Enhanced Engagement✔️ | Incorporate video testimonials from visitors with different disabilities. |
| Industry Collaboration & Drop-Down Menus | Survey industry partners to uncover accessibility features, and build a user-friendly drop-down menu for mobility, blindness/low vision, deafness/hard of hearing, and autism/neurodiversity. | |
| Tagging & Search Optimization | Tag accessibility links by disability type, allowing users to filter and search. Locations with multiple features should appear under each relevant category. |
How does your accessibility landing page measure up? How can you bring it up to the next level?
By Jennifer Allen
While planning an upcoming campaign between Destination Ann Arbor and Wonders Within Reach, I popped over to their website to scout out family-friendly accessible highlights for our itinerary. I was blown away by how easy it was to find accessible options. This is the kind of website my family needs for planning a trip. Here are some of the things that made it easy to find what I needed:
Multiple ways to find the accessibility landing page. I could access the landing page from the “Plan a Trip” tab or from the “Accessibility” option at the bottom of the page, but I could also find a wide variety of itinerary ideas on the blog.
Diverse itinerary styles through the blog. Typically, if I find an accessible landing page for a destination, it’s an added bonus if they have an accessible itinerary with wheelchair friendly options. Destination Ann Arbor has multiple blog posts featuring accessible attractions. Instead of following an itinerary for a handful of accessible options, I can choose from accessible adventures, inclusive parks, trails, and outdoor activities, and sensory-friendly things to do – or create my own itinerary using all of the above. The blog posts include all of the details we need for each location, including trail chair loans and transportation.
Wheel the World Certified. As a verified destination with Wheel the World, I have a fool-proof way to book accessible accommodations and activities I need. It’s also another easy way to find accessible opinions, based on our own filters.
Shared lived-experiences. The plethora of photos and videos make it easy to confirm what will and will not work for us. I can visit with the confidence that wheelchair users have gone before and it’s worked for them – because I see it on their website.
Rabbit trails aren’t usually an issue for me, because there’s typically one tab with limited information showing all of my accessible options. I immensely enjoyed getting lost in ideas as I clicked through endless extensions of articles and itinerary options.
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