TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Disability Advocates

Best of the Web: News, Info and Inspiration

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A roundup of the best articles and resources we found in the past month related to disability and accessible travel.

The back of a child on a pier in New York Harbor looking at the NYC skyline through binoculars.

Neuro diversity:

Accessible NYC: Travel Tips for Neurodiverse Families | Free Autism Resources by InfiniTeach – FreeAutismResources.org

There’s Finally a Travel Group for Neurodiverse Young Adults – Thrillist

Wheelchair Accessible Tours:

2023 Accessible Travel Award Winners – Wonders Within Reach

20 of the Best Wheelchair Accessible Beaches in California

Accessible Beach Opens in Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast

Blind and Low Vision:

8 Trip-Planning Tips for Blind or Visually Impaired Travelers

All the Light We Cannot See star Aria Mia Loberti strolls Golden Globes red carpet with guide dog

Deaf and Hard of Hearing:

Meet an Alaska Airlines leader with a disability who says he is doing what he was meant to do

Disability Resources:

Travel Genius Introduces Geni-us: An AI Map For Travellers, Enabling Inclusive Journeys

Accessibility Champion: Stuart Butler

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Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Myrtle Beach

Head shot of Stuart Butler

“We work closely with organizations representing individuals with disabilities to ensure that our efforts align with their expectations.”

Note: This interview is part of an ongoing series featuring interviews with 24 Champions of Accessibility for 2024 selected and celebrated by TravelAbility.

Q: When did you begin focusing on accessibility in your destination and what was the impetus for wanting to make your destination more accessible?

A: Since joining the Visit Myrtle Beach team in 2021, accessibility has been at the forefront of our plans. We recognized the importance of inclusivity in tourism. The impetus for our commitment to accessibility was driven by the desire to ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can fully enjoy the natural beauty and hospitality that Myrtle Beach has to offer. We believe that accessible tourism is not just a legal requirement but also a moral obligation, and it aligns with our core values of providing exceptional experiences to all visitors.

Prior to my arrival at VMB, the destination had already done a lot of great work around accessibility, with a significant effort towards sensory-friendly travel. We were the first destination in the country to be sensory-friendly certified, and many of our local businesses have undertaken rigorous training by the Champion Autism Network. Armed with this foundation, and a passion to increase the number of families traveling with neuro-diverse children, we have launched several initiatives to help provide resources and tools for those who may benefit from them.

Q: What are your main responsibilities and tasks in your organization?

As the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Visit Myrtle Beach, my main responsibilities include overseeing the development and execution of marketing strategies to promote the Myrtle Beach area as a premier tourist destination. This involves managing a team of marketing professionals, coordinating advertising campaigns, working with industry partners, and continually evaluating the effectiveness of our marketing efforts. Additionally, I am actively involved in initiatives related to accessibility, ensuring that accessibility is integrated into our marketing strategies and that our destination is welcoming to all. We recently developed the initiative “The Beach is for everyBODY”, which serves as the hub for our accessibility efforts.

Pull quote: "We're very excited about the launch of our all-new 6-part TV series, Traveling the Spectrum."

Q: Aside from budget, what are the most difficult obstacles or barriers that you face regarding the advancement of accessibility in your destination? What initiatives have you undertaken to improve accessibility in your destination, and which are you most proud of?

Beyond budget constraints, one of the most challenging obstacles we face is raising awareness and changing perceptions about accessibility. Many people still underestimate the importance of accessible tourism or have misconceptions about what it entails. Overcoming these preconceived notions and encouraging businesses and stakeholders to invest in accessibility measures can be a significant challenge. Additionally, ensuring consistent compliance and guest experience with accessibility standards and providing ongoing training for staff is a continual effort.

4. What initiatives have you undertaken to improve accessibility in your destination, and which are you most proud of?

We have undertaken several initiatives to improve accessibility in Myrtle Beach. Some of the initiatives we are most proud of include:

  • .Accessible Beach Access Points: We have added ramps and mats to improve beach access for wheelchair users and others with mobility challenges.
  • Accessible Attractions, Restaurants, and Accommodations: Collaborating with local businesses to ensure they have accessible seating, pathways, and signage.
  • Accessibility Training: Conducting regular sessions for hospitality and tourism industry professionals to raise awareness about accessibility requirements and best practices.
  • Accessible Information: Developing and providing information through our website, including tips about accessible accommodations, transportation, and activities.
  • Community Engagement: Working closely with advocacy groups and organizations representing individuals with disabilities to gather feedback and ensure that our efforts align with their needs and expectations.

Q: Who do you follow? Name an organization/company/individual you look to for ideas or inspiration.   

We draw inspiration from a variety of sources, but one organization that has consistently provided valuable insights and inspiration in the field of accessible tourism is TravelAbility. They have a vibrant community and provide resources, playbooks, and real-world examples of successful destinations and businesses that have embraced accessibility.

Another inspirational organization is Champion Autism Network (CAN). Their programs such as the CAN-card and the Autism Travel Club are helping thousands of neuro-diverse families enjoy the numerous benefits of travel.

Q: What are your plans around accessibility in 2024?

In 2024, we are committed to furthering our accessibility initiatives in Visit Myrtle Beach. Our plans include:

  • Expanding Accessible Infrastructure—at popular tourist attractions as well trails, facilities, and beach access points
  • Enhancing Digital Accessibility—ensuring that our website and mobile apps meet the highest standards
  • Collaboration and Advocacy—to foster a culture of accessibility in the community
  • Accessible Events—working closely with event organizers 
  • Visitor Education—awareness campaigns to educate visitors about our accessibility features 

Visit Myrtle Beach is also very proud to introduce two innovative initiatives aimed at promoting neuro-diverse travel experiences:

  • “Splish Splash, Squark!: Finding Joy in a Sensory-Friendly Vacation” Children’s Book: This delightful book follows a series of neuro-diverse children as they embark on a journey to Myrtle Beach. Through their adventures, readers will witness these remarkable characters facing and overcoming challenges while experiencing the joys of a sensory-friendly vacation. 
  • “Traveling the Spectrum” TV Series: Another exciting initiative for 2024 is the launch of our all-new 6-part TV series, “Traveling the Spectrum.” This groundbreaking series invites viewers to join the journey of three autism families as they take a family vacation to Myrtle Beach. The series explores the challenges and triumphs of neuro-diverse travel, showcasing the welcoming and inclusive environment that Myrtle Beach offers.

These initiatives underscore Visit Myrtle Beach’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive travel environment, where everyone, regardless of their neuro-diversity, can embark on unforgettable journeys and discover the magic of Myrtle Beach.

Accessibility Champion: Jason Holic, CDME

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Senior Vice President Of Operations & Community Engagement
Experience Kissimmee

Headshot and quote: “In 2022, we formally unveiled accessibility as part of our guiding principles—topics too important to limit to traditional metrics and checkboxes.”

“In 2022, we formally unveiled accessibility as part of our guiding principles—topics too important to limit to traditional metrics and checkboxes.”

Note: This interview is part of an ongoing series featuring interviews with 24 Champions of Accessibility for 2024 selected and celebrated by TravelAbility.

Q: When did you begin focusing on accessibility in your destination and what was the impetus for wanting to make your destination more accessible?

While we had made limited efforts in accessibility several years ago, we began in earnest as part of our strategic planning process in the nine months leading up to October 2022. That’s when we formally unveiled accessibility as part of our guiding principles—topics too important to limit to traditional metrics and checkboxes. Instead they deserved attention across our efforts and throughout the organization. The impetus was determining what we wanted for the destination emerging from the pandemic; how we can make travel and tourism a force for good and more welcoming to all? It has since also become a marketing focus to help sustain demand for travel as we exit the “revenge travel” period.

Q: What are your main responsibilities and tasks in your organization?

A: I oversee IT, research, strategic planning, privacy compliance, accreditation, and community engagement. Accessibility and sustainability are core components in our strategic plan, so I spend a good bit of time in those areas.

Q: Aside from budget, what are the most difficult obstacles or barriers that you face regarding the advancement of accessibility in your destination?

A: Overcoming the historical belief that accessibility is just ADA compliance, when in fact it is at the core of hospitality itself.

Q: What initiatives have you undertaken to improve accessibility in your destination, and which are you most proud of?

Joining TravelAbility’s Destination A11y Club has been a highlight because I get to learn from other destination leaders who have accomplished a great deal. Our team is continuously revising our organizational roadmap to accessible travel. We like to call it a journey without a destination, because while we want the destination to be accessible for everyone, we know there will always be more we could do. Part of the roadmap included signing on with Wheel the World and cataloging accessibility information from our industry partners. The roadmaps allow us to make it an ongoing part of the conversation in the destination so accessibility is always a consideration in marketing and development efforts.

Q: Who do you follow? Name an organization/company/individual you look to for ideas or inspiration.

A: Jake Steinman and the TravelAbility crew. 

Q: What are your plans around accessibility in 2024?

A: Continue to leverage roadmap successes and wins to make the destination evermore accessible. For Experience Kissimmee, 2024 will see greater integration of accessible travel information throughout the website, more accessible influencers and content creators, and greater industry interest in catering to everyone who travels, regardless of their abilities.

TravelAbility Community Members Who Shined Bright

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Recognitions and updates from our partners in the field

Events

A photo from the Rose Parade of a dancer dressed as a three-headed red rose

Visit Lauderdale turns an industry lunch into a full-scale production

“We unveiled a dynamic new marketing plan for the year, a blossoming bouquet of innovative ideas and strategies that promise to dazzle and embrace.”

People

A collage of head shots of Alvaro Silberstein; Cory Lee, Suzanne Edwards, and Sylvia Longmire

Condé Nast Traveler Names 14 People Making Travel More Accessible in 2024

The list includes several current and former advisors to TravelAbility: Alvaro Silberstein of Wheel the World; Cory Lee of CurbFree with Cory Lee; Suzanne Edwards of AirBnB; and Sylvia Longmire of Spin the Globe

Head shot of Josh Loebner

Interview with longtime TravelAbility advisor Josh Loebner on inclusive design

Community/DMOs

A small boy using a wheelchair next to a man who is pointing out a mural of a dog's face on a city building

BBC features Fort Wayne as a model of accessibility

16 Michigan DMOs win accessibility grants

Visit Huntington Beach takes a field trip to Visit Mesa

24 Accessibility Champions to Watch in 2024

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We think of champions as the visionaries and motivators who inspire the rest of us with their commitment to a cause and, often, their eloquence which is always backed up by concrete action. We are kicking off a year-long celebration of 24 Champions of Inclusive Travel.

These are leaders from all parts of our movement who have made inclusion and accessibility a fundamental principle of their work. They are always looking to identify solutions to obstacles and practices that stand in the way of full and equal access for individuals with disabilities and sometimes that involves creating new approaches that can be scaled up in other locations. That’s how the Champions drive systematic change and a more inclusive future.

Each month we will feature interviews with two Champions in this newsletter. We begin the rollout this month with Richard Gray of Visit Lauderdale and Alison Brooks of Visit Mesa.