TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Education

Practical Hacks From the Accessibility Playbook

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Seven years in the making, the Travelability Accessibility Playbook, created in partnership with Destinations International, is an end-to-end toolkit to equip destination organizations on their accessibility journey, enabling them to better welcome and accommodate people with disabilities within their destination. 

MOBILITY DO’S AND DON’TS

DO’S:

• Ask Before Offering Assistance: Always ask if the person needs help before providing assistance. Respect their autonomy and allow them to accept or decline assistance.

• Be Patient and Understanding: Understand that tasks may take longer for someone with mobility issues. Be patient and avoid rushing or pressuring them.

• Respect Personal Space: Respect the person’s personal space and avoid touching mobility aids or equipment without permission.

• Use Inclusive Language: Use respectful and inclusive language when referring to the person and their condition. Avoid using derogatory terms or making assumptions about their abilities.

• Offer Assistance Appropriately: If assistance is requested or needed, offer it respectfully and sensitively. Ask how you can help and follow their instructions. 

• Ensure Accessibility: Make sure that the environment is accessible to individuals with mobility issues. This includes providing ramps, elevators, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms.

• Be Mindful of Physical Barriers: Be aware of physical barriers that may hinder mobility, such as stairs, uneven surfaces, or narrow doorways. Offer alternative routes or assistance as needed.

• Listen and Communicate: Listen attentively to the person and communicate clearly. If they have difficulty speaking or understanding, be patient and use alternative methods of communication if necessary.

DON’TS:

• Assume Help is Needed: Don’t assume that a person with mobility issues needs help or cannot perform tasks independently. Always ask before offering assistance.

• Use Patronizing Language: Avoid using patronizing language or speaking down to the person. Treat them with respect and dignity, just as you would any other individual.

• Touch Without Permission: Do not touch the person or their mobility aids without permission. Respect their personal space and boundaries at all times.

• Make Assumptions: Avoid making assumptions about the person’s abilities or limitations based on their mobility issues. Treat each individual as unique and capable.

• Ignore Their Preferences: Don’t ignore the person’s preferences or instructions regarding assistance. Always respect their wishes and preferences, even if they decline help.

• Overwhelm with Assistance: Avoid overwhelming the person with unnecessary assistance or taking over tasks without their consent. Allow them to maintain their independence and dignity.

• Neglect Accessibility: Do not neglect accessibility considerations in the environment or facilities. Ensure that accommodations are in place to facilitate the person’s mobility and access.

Happy Birthday, ADA! Celebrating 35 Years of Progress and Possibility

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On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights and equal access. For the first time, discrimination against people with disabilities was formally prohibited in public life—from transportation and employment to education, government services, and public accommodations. It was a groundbreaking shift in how we, as a society, defined inclusion. It was the start of a mental shift.

Today, 35 years later, we celebrate the milestones the ADA has made possible. Sidewalks now feature curb cuts. Buses kneel. Elevators speak. Doors open automatically. But more than that, the ADA sparked a cultural shift—establishing the expectation that people with disabilities belong in every space and every conversation.

Of course, we know the work isn’t finished. The ADA was never meant to be the ceiling—it was the foundation. ADA may have set the legal standard, but true accessibility comes from going beyond compliance. It means thoughtful design, lived-experience-led solutions, and a commitment to equity that invites everyone to fully participate in the world around them.

In the travel and tourism industry, we’ve seen that momentum grow. What began with minimum requirements has evolved into adaptive equipment rentals, sensory-friendly events, inclusive marketing campaigns, and accessible adventure experiences once thought impossible.

This year, as we celebrate the ADA’s 35th anniversary, let’s honor the progress while recommitting to the possibilities ahead. Accessibility is not a box to check—it’s a doorway to deeper connection, broader audiences, and better design for all.

Keep reading for more stories celebrating the ADA’s legacy and its future:

Vrbo Wakes Up to the $60B Accessibility Market

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Vrbo has partnered with Becoming rentABLE, the only platform dedicated to listing accessible short-term rentals, to boost their bookings and get a slice of the disability market. 

The partnership launched officially on May 2, building on a relationship that began in 2022 when Becoming rentABLE joined the Expedia Open World™ Accelerator Program.

Currently, fewer than 0.1% of short-term rental properties in the U.S. are truly accessible. Becoming rentABLE champions a broader definition of accessibility—one that extends beyond wheelchair use to include mobility, cognitive, hearing, and vision needs, as well as accommodations for the growing aging population. In alignment with this vision, Vrbo has added search filters for eight new accessibility attributes to its booking platform, recognizing that inclusive design isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s good business. 

Vrbo’s Reimagine Inclusive Travel initiative showcases how small upgrades can have a major impact. Becoming rentABLE created a 10-minute online course offering practical guidance for short term rental hosts, covering inclusive design, overlooked opportunities, and the importance of providing accurate, detailed accessibility descriptions.

With Vrbo’s average group size being five, the likelihood of someone in each party requiring accessible accommodations is significant. Yet the STR industry has failed to keep up. That’s changing now.

About Becoming rentABLE

Becoming rentABLE is the only U.S.-based platform exclusively focused on listing short-term rental properties with verified accessibility features. Its mission is to make travel possible for everyone—regardless of ability. Read more about their partnership with Vrbo here.

About Expedia Group

Expedia Group powers travel for everyone, everywhere through its global platform, featuring leading brands like Expedia, Vrbo, Hotels.com, and more. Check out Vrbo’s accessibility initiative here.

Practical Hacks From the Accessibility Playbook

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Seven years in the making, the Travelability Accessibility Playbook, created in partnership with Destinations International, is an end-to-end toolkit to equip destination organizations on their accessibility journey, enabling them to better welcome and accommodate people with disabilities within their destination. 

Blind and Low Vision Do’s and Don’ts: A Lesson from the Playbook

DO’S:

• Ask Before Offering Assistance:

Always ask if a blind person needs help before providing assistance. Respect their autonomy and independence.

• Identify Yourself: When approaching a blind person, introduce yourself and let them know that you are there to assist if needed. This helps establish trust and facilitates communication.

• Communicate Clearly: Use clear and descriptive language when providing information or giving directions. Be specific and avoid vague or ambiguous terms.

• Offer Assistance: If a blind person requests assistance, offer your help willingly and respectfully. Be patient and help without taking over or assuming control.

• Guide Properly: If guiding a blind person, offer your arm for them to hold onto, and

walk slightly ahead while describing the surroundings and any obstacles. Allow them

to maintain their own pace and follow their Lead.

• Respect Personal Space: Be mindful of a blind person’s personal space and avoid

touching them without permission. Offer verbal cues instead of physical guidance whenever possible.

• Be Patient: Allow extra time for blind individuals to complete tasks or navigate unfamiliar environments. Be patient and understanding of any challenges they may Encounter.

• Use Descriptive Language: When describing visual information, use descriptive language to convey details about colors, shapes, sizes, and spatial relationships. Paint a vivid picture with your words.

DON’TS:

• Assume Help is Needed: Don’t assume that a blind person needs help or cannot perform certain tasks independently. Always offer assistance respectfully and allow them to decline if they prefer.

• Use Patronizing Language: Avoid using patronizing language. Treat them with the same level of respect and dignity as you would anyone else.

• Touch Without Permission: Never touch or grab a blind person without their consent, even if your intention is to assist. Always ask before providing physical guidance or assistance.

• Rush or Pressure: Avoid rushing or pressuring a blind person to move quickly or complete tasks faster than they are comfortable with. Allow them to set the pace and respect their need for extra time.

• Make Assumptions: Don’t make assumptions about a blind person’s abilities, interests, or  references based on their disability. Treat them as individuals with unique strengths and experiences.
• Leave Without Offering Assistance: If you notice a blind person struggling or appearing in need of assistance, don’t ignore them or walk away. Offer your help politely and respectfully.

Best Practices: Visit Mesa Launches New Paradigm for Accessibility Landing Pages

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Visit Mesa has done it again. As leaders in the accessibility and inclusion space – first in autism certification, first to receive Wheel the World’s Destination Verified Seal – it should come as no surprise that they’ve designed a whole new framework for accessibility landing pages.

The Accessibility Travel Guide is available through Visit Mesa’s website and provides valuable information on accessible attractions, accommodations and sensory-friendly experiences for visitors and residents alike. The 19 page guide dives deep beyond sample itineraries and accessible options with resources, tips, anecdotes, and even a podcast devoted to “City Limitless.” The guide opens up the heart of Mesa’s past, and their direction for the future, showing how every type of traveler can feel welcome and explore without barriers. QR codes and numbered maps make it easy to plan your trip.

Dive into the full guide—and start applying Visit Mesa’s game-changing strategies to your own content.