Disability Advocates

By Jennifer Allen

Neil Ligon spoke at the 2023 Travelability Summit to share the hidden gem of a resource that the travel industry often overlooks: local disability organizations. Destinations are often wondering what they’re missing, seeking accessibility assessments, and struggling with marketing to the disability community, all while overlooking the free resource of local experts. These organizations, dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, offer a wealth of insights and opportunities that can greatly benefit destinations, businesses, and travelers alike. Neil shed some light on the untapped potential these partnerships hold.

Neil Ligon passionately believes that accessibility should not be confined to mere survival; it should extend to recreation, life enrichment, and the holistic well-being of all individuals. Travel, a fundamental aspect of life, should be accessible to everyone. Neil’s own experiences have shown him the transformative power of travel, especially in places like national parks that inspire imagination and offer new challenges and opportunities. 

One of the most significant hurdles lies in the perception of people with disabilities as individuals with different needs. Neil emphasizes that all people, regardless of ability, share fundamental needs, desires, and aspirations. It’s a common misconception that people with disabilities require heroes to guide them; what they truly need are opportunities, tools, and the freedom to pursue their dreams without others dictating how they should do so. When we’re trying to market to all travelers, all has got to mean all. 

So, where should the travel industry start in harnessing the potential of local disability organizations? Neil’s advice is simple: start with coffee and conversations. He highlights that the onus is on the travel industry to initiate contact. Nonprofit organizations, which are often resource-constrained, hold essential knowledge about barriers, expectations, and limiting factors. Start with looking up your “Independent Living Network,” “Statewide Independent Living Council,” “Centers for Independent Living,” or “Agency on Aging,” then make a phone call. Your office of aging may be the missing link in promoting travel – they work with seniors who have the funds, the time, and the priorities to make travel dreams a reality. Just call the general line and tell them you’d like to have a conversation about accessible travel. “We get excited about this, and we know who is in the best position for the conversation. You always need a champion, and the person on the phone will know who that is.”

The symbiotic nature of this partnership becomes evident when considering the invaluable local perspective these organizations offer. They can provide local guides who can show you insights into barriers, expectations, and the specific needs of their community. They can help with marketing strategies by sharing what’s already working in the disability community. By engaging in dialogue, both sides can unlock a universe of opportunities. and help tailor experiences to meet the unique needs of this demographic. Conversely, you can reignite the imagination that has been lost in the struggle of getting from point a to point b every day.

Neil highlights a systemic issue in the benefits system that restricts many individuals with disabilities from pursuing their travel dreams. The paradox of needing to remain asset-poor to qualify for certain benefits creates barriers to saving for travel. Neil suggests innovative solutions like trips on layaway to make travel more financially accessible. He also reminds us not to overlook the extensions of the disabled traveler  – they often travel with family or caregivers. A 50th wedding anniversary trip could involve an extended family, all needing an accessible trip. Engaging in conversations, asking questions, and understanding the challenges can lead to meaningful solutions.

As Neil aptly puts it, disability is a part of the lived experience that impacts us all differently. By demonstrating the possibilities and showing that accessible travel is achievable, a tipping point can be reached. People who experience accessible travel will share their stories, becoming the best advertisement for destinations and businesses that prioritize inclusivity.

Neil was grateful for the opportunity to share at the summit, and emphasized the common thread of connection. The essence of travel is connection—with each other and with the world. Local disability organizations also serve as natural connectors, aligning with the core values of the travel industry. By embracing these partnerships, destinations can enrich their offerings, amplify inclusivity, and create lasting connections that benefit everyone. 

Neil’s insights remind us that as the travel industry evolves, so should our perception of accessibility. By embracing local disability organizations as allies, destinations can tap into a world of opportunity that leads to a more inclusive and enriching travel experience for all.

The Problem: Inaccessible destinations and a lack of connection to disabled travelers

Solution: Partnering for Inclusivity:

• Recognize Valuable Insights:
  • Local disability organizations offer crucial knowledge about barriers and expectations.
• Empower Shared Goals:
  • Disabled travelers seek enriching experiences, not just survival.
• Challenge Misconceptions:
  • Disabled travelers desire opportunities, not heroics.
• Initiate Productive Conversations:
  • Engage nonprofits for mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Leverage Local Wisdom:
  • Gain insights into community needs and effective marketing strategies.
• Break Financial Barriers:
  • Innovate solutions like layaway trips for affordability.
• Foster Advocates:
  • Empowered travelers become promoters of inclusive businesses.
• Celebrate Connections:
  • Travel thrives on connections; disability organizations amplify this.
• Enrich Through Collaboration:
  • Embrace partnerships to enhance accessibility and inclusivity.