Disability Advocates

Presentation of the Month

March 10, 2025 by Eliana Satkin

Each year, the TravelAbility Summit brings together travel professionals, entrepreneurs, and disability advocates to explore emerging trends, challenges, and solutions in making travel more accessible for all. Last year’s summit included a panel of six influencers sharing their insights on how disabled content creators amplify authenticity in accessible destinations.

Check out the panel’s key takeaways below and click the YouTube link to rewatch the session. Want to learn more from disabled content creators? Don’t miss the 2025 TravelAbility Summit, happening at the beautiful Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon, October 13-15, 2025. The event will feature more panels with disability influencers, as well as exciting networking opportunities, including influencer speed dating sessions. Learn more and register today at travelability.net.

Leveraging the Insight of Content Creators to Amplify Authenticity

📌 Summary

♿ Disability Representation: Creators discuss their experiences growing up with disabilities, the challenges they faced, and how they now use their platforms to educate and inspire others.
✈️ Accessible Travel Challenges: Issues such as lack of accessible infrastructure, untrained staff, and misinformation on accessibility are highlighted as major barriers.
📱 Social Media and Awareness: Creators emphasize how social media plays a crucial role in spreading awareness, breaking stigmas, and educating people about disabilities.
📊 Audience Demographics: The panelists describe the diversity of their followers, ranging from individuals with disabilities to those seeking to learn more about inclusivity.
💡 Solutions for Accessibility: Suggestions include better staff training, clearer accessibility information online, and greater empathy from businesses.
🤝 Collaborating with Destinations: Content creators outline how they work with travel destinations to promote accessibility, including creating blog posts, social media content, and consulting on accessibility improvements.
📈 Impact of Authenticity: The importance of genuine representation and transparency when showcasing accessibility is emphasized, as misleading portrayals can be harmful.
⚠️ Handling Negative Experiences: Panelists discuss how they manage situations when accessibility falls short, advocating for constructive feedback and open dialogue.

🔢 Insights Based on Numbers

80% of blind people are unemployed, highlighting the need for workplace inclusivity.
A viral TikTok video with 25 million views showed the global interest in disability representation.
Many influencers have traveled to 40+ countries, demonstrating the demand for accessible travel.

Follow these Creators on Socials!

Alex Stratikis (Autism Adventures)

Instagram: @autismadventuresabroad

Facebook: @AutismAdventuresAbroad

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-ns7/

Chelsea Bear

Instagram: @realchelseabear

Facebook: @realchelseabear

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseabear/

Jessica Ping (The Rolling Explorer)

Instagram: @therollingexplorer

Facebook: @therollingexplorer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajordanping/

Sassy Wyatt (Blind Girl Adventures)

Instagram: @sassywyattofficial

Facebook: @SassyWyattOfficial

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sass-wyatt-08ba46111/

Houston Vandergriff (Downs and Towns LLC.)

Instagram: @downsandtowns

Facebook: @downsandtowns/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/downs-and-towns-houston-vandergriff/

Innovation of the Month: Hero Door Opener

February 10, 2025 by Eliana Satkin

By Jennifer Allen

What if you could make any door automatic in about 15 minutes? That’s exactly what Pierre Paul set out to do with the Hero Door Opener, an innovative device designed to transform how we access the spaces around us.

The problem:

Pierre pointed out that there are over 42 billion doors worldwide, less than 5% of which are automatic. The closed doors for people with disabilities are not metaphorical in this situation.

there are over 42 billion doors worldwide, less than 5% of which are automatic.
Jennifer Allen

The Solution:

When asked about the inspiration behind his invention, Paul shared, “It literally came from a dream.” He went on to add, “All of my innovations have come from manifestations or visions in my mind. The idea was simple: open doors more seamlessly.”

The Hero Door Opener fills a critical gap, particularly for people with disabilities. The device integrates with existing mechanisms and allows doors to be opened via a mobile app, a fob, or even voice commands like “Hey Siri.” It’s affordable, quick to install, and practical for businesses and homes alike.

Accessible and Affordable

Priced at $1,750, with options for a $400 push receiver, a $30 universal fob, and a free app, the Hero Door Opener is designed to be cost-effective. Paul’s team even helps businesses find grants and tax write-offs to offset the costs, making the device accessible to more people. Most businesses have been able to implement this game-changing accessibility technology at no cost, transforming inclusion in their spaces.

Organizations like Busch Stadium, Cardinal Stadium, Bradley University, and The Schoolhouse Hotel have already implemented Hero Door Openers, further proving its versatility and appeal.

Business and Personal Impact

The Hero Door Opener has proven invaluable in commercial settings – beyond accessibility and inclusion goals. At the University of Illinois, catering staff struggled with doors closing on carts and knocking over food. With Hero, they just ask Siri to open the door for them, making their jobs easier and safer.

The real magic of the Hero Door Opener lies in its ability to empower. Paul shared the story of a young boy named Zippy, who loves playing in his backyard but couldn’t open the door independently. Installing the Hero on his family’s door and giving him a personal fob transformed his world.

“Now, Zippy can open the door whenever he wants,” Paul explained. “He even helps his mom bring in groceries. It’s that autonomy, that ability to contribute, that’s huge for us.”

“Whether you’re young or old, whether you have a disability or not, we all need to open doors,” Paul emphasized.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

As a start-up, the biggest challenges have been in manufacturing and funding. With its practical design and life-changing impact, the Hero Door Opener is going to change the face of accessibility, but it’s a journey to get to that place where costs are covered before orders are placed.

A Note from Pierre:

You will only ever grow and succeed if you learn how to take feedback from both people who support you and people who don’t. We’ve been appreciative for the skeptics and for the cheerleaders because they both play a valuable role in our journey. We cannot thank Jake and the TravelAbility team enough for the opportunity to meet more of both of those individuals and to prove ourselves as we make the world more accessible.

Watch The Hero Door Opener Pitch at TravelAbility’s InnovateAble Showcase

Visit the Hero Door Opener Web-site

Accessibility Champions of Change to Watch for 2025

January 14, 2025 by Eliana Satkin

Ross Calladine, Accessibility Inclusion Leader, Visit England. Revolutionizing Hospitality with Accessibility Tools for the Industry.

Ross has revolutionized the hospitality industry by creating a comprehensive online toolkit that is available for all travel-related businesses in England. His innovative resources empower establishments to enhance accessibility, ensuring inclusive experiences for all visitors, regardless of their needs. By fostering collaboration between businesses and accessibility experts, Calladine has set a new standard for hospitality that prioritizes inclusivity and customer satisfaction.

Harry Hastings, Co-CEO at Ocean Holidays. Pioneering Outbound Accessible Tourism to America.

Harry has significantly impacted the tourism sector with the groundbreaking Accessible Florida tour program in the UK. This initiative in it’s first year, attracted over 6000 passengers and generated over $17mn in revenue, showcasing the market’s potential for inbound accessible travel. Hastings’ commitment to promoting inclusiveness in tourism has inspired other companies to adopt similar programs including TUI, one of Europe’s three largest travel companies, which partnered with AccessAble to produce a detailed accessibility guide to 200 hotels.

All Wheels Up — Wheelchair Travel Safety - ABILITY Magazine

Michele Erwin, Founder, All Wheels Up. An Early Champion of Wheelchairs on Flights.

Michele is a relentless advocate for seamless travel experiences for individuals with mobility challenges. Her tireless campaigns have successfully influenced major airlines, including Delta, to accommodate wheelchairs on flights, marking a critical step towards inclusivity in air travel. Erwin’s efforts have not only raised awareness about the barriers faced by travelers with disabilities but have also prompted significant policy changes within the aviation industry, paving the way for the prospect for wheelchairs in the main cabin and fewer in the repair shop.

Steve Nelson, Accessibility Diversity Program Manager, Alaska Airlines. Innovating Accessibility at Alaska Airlines

In 2024, Alaska Airlines has made significant strides in enhancing accessibility for passengers with diverse needs by orchestrating autism practice sessions across multiple cities as well as “Fly for All,” an app with Infiniteach that provides know-before-you-fly simulations. Additionally, Alaska Air has successfully implemented self-driving wheelchairs at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), giving passengers a unique experience while addressing a solution to the shortage of airport wheelchair assistants.

Tami Reist, CEO of North Alabama Mountains and Lakes. Building Inclusive Tourism in North Alabama

Tami has been a strong advocate for inclusive tourism for many years. She has financially supported sensory training for hotels across 16 counties, which included practice overnight stays at the trained hotels. In 2025, her region will host a Familiarization (FAM) tour featuring 10 content creators with various disabilities, including Down Syndrome, mobility, visual and hearing impairments, and PTSD. This initiative will effectively demonstrate the region’s commitment to accessible tourism by creating itineraries tailored for visitors with diverse disabilities, thereby raising awareness about the importance of inclusivity in the hospitality industry.

Destinations International's Chief Diversity Officer on Complex Task Ahead

Sophia Hyder Hock, Chief Inclusion Officer, Destinations International (DI). Leading the DMO Charge for Inclusive Travel.

Sophia Hyder Hock has played a crucial role in advancing accessibility as an essential component of social inclusion, representing the next evolution of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. Under her leadership, (DI) has partnered with TravelAbility to develop The Accessibility Playbook, a comprehensive resource designed to empower their destination members with the essential tools and strategies to ensure that travel experiences are inclusive and accessible for all visitors, regardless of their abilities. Through her leadership, DI is not only enhancing the travel experience for individuals with diverse needs but also promoting a more equitable and inclusive tourism landscape for all. www.destinationsinternational.org

Gordon Hartman, Founder, Morgan’s Wonderland. Creating a World of Fun for All.

Gordon Hartman is the visionary founder of Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first Ultra Accessible™ theme park, which is located in San Antonio, TX, and is specifically designed for individuals with disabilities but built to be enjoyed by everyone. Featuring 25 Ultra-Accessible™ attractions, each of which is thoughtfully designed to ensure that individuals of all abilities can participate and enjoy the fun.

Recognizing the need for Ultra Accommodating™ hotel rooms or accommodations, Morgan’s will break ground in early 2025 on a 95-room hotel property that they believe will be the most accessible hotel in the world. Gordon Hartman is not only changing lives but also advocating for a more inclusive world where everyone can thrive. https://morgans.org/

Rick Hayduk/Rich Davies, Co-Founders, The Shepherd Hotel Downtown Clemson, Clemson, SC.

Example of Inclusive Employment that also offers a solution for the workforce shortage in Hospitality. Rick and Rich have championed the concept of inclusive employment at The Shepherd Hotel Downtown Clemson, which is leading the way in promoting inclusive employment practices within the hospitality industry. Under their leadership, the hotel has made a significant commitment to hiring individuals with intellectual disabilities, providing them with meaningful job opportunities across a variety of positions. The collaborates with Clemson University’s LIFE program (an Inclusionary Post Secondary pogram for students with IDs), local organizations and community groups to raise awareness about the capabilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive society. Their efforts have inspired other hotels and businesses to consider similar practices, thereby expanding the impact of their work beyond the hotel itself. Two new Shepherd Hotels are set to open in late 2025, early 2026 (Columbia, SC and Rock Hill, SC).

Dr. Julian Maha, Founder, KultureCity. Passionate Advocate for Sensory Inclusion.

Ten years ago, Dr. Maha co-founded KultureCity, an organization dedicated to promoting sensory inclusion and improving accessibility for individuals with sensory processing needs. Recognizing the need for effective and affordable solutions, KultureCity pioneered a comprehensive sensory inclusion training program that has been successfully implemented in over 5000 locations across the United States, including all NBA arenas, NFL and MLB locations.By raising awareness about sensory processing disorders and the importance of inclusion, he has helped to create a more welcoming atmosphere for individuals with autism, ADHD, PTSD, and other sensory sensitivities.

Nicole Bergstrom, Senior Director at Hilton Hotels. A Committed voice for Accessibility at Hilton Hotels

Nicole has played a pivotal role in advancing accessibility advocacy within the hospitality industry. Nicole’s journey in accessibility began with her passionate leadership in digital accessibility, where she worked to ensure that Hilton’s online platforms and services are user-friendly for all guests, including those with disabilities. This led to the establishment of a groundbreaking partnership with BeMyEyes, an organization that connects blind and visually impaired individuals with volunteers through a mobile app. This collaboration aims to create accessible environments across all Hilton properties, ensuring that guests with visual impairments feel welcomed and accommodated during their stays.

Sophie Morgan, Accessibility Columnist, Conde Nast Traveler (UK).

Amplifying Disability Advocacy Through Media. Sophie Morgan is a prominent TV presenter and provocative disability advocate who has significantly raised awareness and visibility for individuals with disabilities through her engaging media presence and irreverence. As a correspondent during NBC’s unprecedented coverage of the Paris Paralympic Games, Sophie’s media recognition and fearlessness has drawn attention to the plight of wheelchair travelers everywhere. Just check out this post “ Pets Have More Rights on Flights Than We Have. www.sophiemorgan.com

Sasha Blair-Goldensohn | Architectural Digest

Sasha Blair-Goldensohn, Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Lead, Google Maps

Trailblazer in Accessibility at Google Maps. Sasha has played a pivotal role in transforming Maps into an indispensable tool for finding accessible places, transit and walking routes, and accessibility details for more than 50 million global businesses.

Credit Card Scams and Jake Steinman: Changing the World of Accessible Travel

October 7, 2024 by Eliana Satkin

Congratulations, Jake, on this well-deserved recognition! Who knew a credit card scam would change the face of accessible travel? Your work with Travelability and the Accessibility Playbook cannot be overestimated for the impact they have on tourism in 2024.

Here’s the link to the article in Northstar Meetings Magazine.