TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Government

Inside Travel Oregon’s Governor’s Conference: Proactive Accessibilty

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Logo for the Oregon Governor's Conference on Tourism

On the scene with Jake Steinman, Founder and CEO, TravelAbility

While attending the Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism, I was struck by the diverse approaches to accessibility among the various Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs). While some view accessibility as a mere checkbox or legal requirement, the state recognizes it as a strategic investment for today’s disabled travelers. Oregon is proactively preparing to accommodate the upcoming ‘silver tsunami’ of baby boomers—10,000 individuals turning 65 each day, with 40% self-identifying as having a disability.

.During the conference, discussions buzzed about partnerships between DMOs, land managers, advocacy groups, and nonprofits—many aimed at enhancing accessible trails and natural spaces, which are a point of pride for Oregon. Governor Tina Kotek’s opening speech and subsequent awards ceremony emphasized this commitment, with the term ‘accessibility’ mentioned 22 times from the stage.

Quote: "Accessibility" was mentioned 22 times in the governor's speech and the awards ceremony that followed.

Beyond the speeches, I noticed thoughtful accommodations for disabilities throughout the venue. These included a designated ‘accessibility table’ in the general session ballroom, as well as a designated “sensory room” like the one at Portland Airport.  The conference also included an “Accessibility Vendor Showcase” room, curated by TravelAbility, that highlighted startups like Wheel the World, Enchroma color blind glasses, Access Trax beach mats (designed for wheelchair users), and the Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard—a global symbol indicating someone who may need additional care. Additionally, Becky Large, founder of the Autism Travel Club and a former TravelAbility EMS Summit presenter, participated in a neurodiversity breakout session. Notably, Oregon incentivized vendors by offering complimentary exhibit tables, lodging, and travel stipends, rather than requiring them to become sponsors.

In contrast to some state tourism conferences where accessibility is merely symbolic, Oregon. Travel Oregon’s visionary leadership, led by Executive Director Todd Davidson and VP of Marketing Kevin Wright, has adopted a proactive strategy. Their commitment is evident through a groundbreaking $3.6 million grant program, specifically designed to enhance and upgrade accessible experiences for all travelers.  

Entrance to the Accessibility Vendor Showcase at the conference.

Both accessibility breakout sessions were standing-room-only, reflecting a universal desire to accommodate all disabilities, regardless of the challenges. Engaging discussions highlighted the organizational hurdles in integrating accessibility into existing roles and underscored the need for dedicated research efforts.

During a luncheon presentation, Travel Oregon’s budget structure revealed a legislative triumph from two decades ago—a 1% lodging tax earmarked for travel promotion. This foresight, coupled with a cap on local DMO tourism fund usage, has positioned Oregon as a trailblazer in accessible tourism, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

This forward-thinking approach was showcased at the Accessible Vendors Showcase (right)

Oregon Coast Scores $1.1 Million in Grants for Accessibility

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Historical photo in sepia tones of an older Black man playing a violin

As we reported in last month’s Insider, Travel Oregon has awarded $3.6 million in competitive grants to DMOs, attractions, and cities for inclusion and accessibility projects. Of that total, more than $1 million will go to Oregon Coast organizations. 

The scope and diversity of the funded projects is vast. Travelers with disabilities will gain both new and improved access to a wide range of natural, recreational, and historic sites. The grants will also fund accessibility studies by Wheel the World in two regions along the coast. Read more.

TravelAbility TakeAway: If you want to see the impact that all of you are making through your participation in TravelAbility, take a trip to Oregon. Travel Oregon, which sent more than 30 staff members to the Savannah summit, is putting into practice ideas and partnerships they’ve developed through active engagement with the network. It’s inspiring to see an ambitious program implemented state-wide.

Census Bureau Considers Controversial New Criteria for “Disability”

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Author and disability activist Alice Wong seated in a wheelchair.
Author and disability activist Alice Wong

In an effort to obtain more nuanced information and to bring US disability data in line with international standards, the Census Bureau is recommending replacing yes/no questions with performance scales, such as:

Does this person have trouble walking?

  1. No Difficulty
  2. Some Difficulty
  3. A Lot of Difficulty
  4. Cannot Do At All

One federal agency has recommended that only answers C and D would meet the definition of a “disability,” vs. a “condition.” 

“Millions of disabled people will no longer count, which is just the latest in the historic struggle to be seen as a significant community that matters,” says author and disability activist Alice Wong, founder of the Disability Visibility Project. 

Read more

TravelAbility TakeAway: This approach to redefining “disability” could have far-reaching implications for federal funding for accessibillity. We’ll be tracking the progress of the debate leading up to the next period of public comment in the Spring.

Hidden Camera Investigative Report on Traveling with a Disability

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A woman in a wheelchair with an unattached oxygen tube on her shoulder, looking into the camera with a concerned expression

Sylvia Longmire’s trip on Greyhound went fairly smoothly in part because the accessible bus had removable seats so that Longmire could remain in her own wheelchair (see related story in this issue). That’s not an option on airplanes, which can create a whole set of problems for passengers who use wheelchairs.

CBC News of Canada provides a powerful first-person view of the experience by using a hidden camera while accompanying Alessia Di Virgilio on an Air Canada flight. The trouble started several days before the flight when Di Virgilio notified the airline of her booking, as required. Despite the advanced notice, Di Virgilio did not receive a confirmation of her reservation until 24 hours before the flight. And when she arrived at the airport in her power wheelchair, no one at the gate had been alerted so it took 40 minutes for a crew to arrive to transfer her to an airline seat. The transfer is painful to watch as the ventilator becomes disconnected, a lift falls on her head, and her foot gets stuck. Meanwhile, her wheelchair is sitting out in the rain.

One crew member explains that he hasn’t been trained on the lift equipment for more than seven years.

“I did not feel safe,” Alessia Di Virgilio said after the incident.

The Air Canada flight is the centerpiece of a CBC expose of traveling with a disability. Other segments feature a woman with narcolepsy who is repeatedly turned down by taxis and rideshare drivers because of her large service dog—despite company policies that guarantee accommodating service animals. The third segment tracks the journey of a blind man trying to navigate the transit system. It’s a risky proposition with a lack of audio assistance in key spots, like trying to find the door of a subway car with the clock ticking.

The report has triggered a federal government investigation. Read more.

Watch the 22-minute video

TravelAbility TakeAway: It’s no surprise that this unprecedented investigation by CBC has launched a federal investigation in Canada. The video is hard to watch as we witness some of the indignities and injuries Alessia Di Virgilio had to endure. The physical and emotional pain of her airline trip is evident on her face as she moves from frustration to anger and fear to deep sadness. Deep appreciation and admiration to CBC and its hidden camera for putting us right there beside her—and to the other two travelers as well.  

Make Your Parades More Accessible with a “Sensory Block”

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Woman standing near home plate of a baseball field, smiling into the camera

In her 15 years working for the Midlands Michigan Parks and Recreation, Marcie Post has left her mark all over the city. And that mark has been an A for Accessibility as the first priority.

Post serves on several boards and advocates for inclusion at every turn. Last year she led the construction of Miracle Field, a soft-surfaced baseball diamond for athletes with disabilities. And when she was recently offered the role of Grand Marshal of the Midland Santa Parade, she saw it as more than a ceremonial role. She introduced the idea of a sensory-free zone along the parade route.

“We’re asking the people in the parade to not play their instrument or not flash their lights or not honk their horns for one block, totally doable,” says Post. “By doing that, it now creates that inclusive environment. It’s a no-brainer.”

The parade organizers, Nicki and Steve Smith, said they selected Post as grand marshal because of her dedication to the community and her leadership on inclusion.

“She is a wonderful asset to the community,” Nicki said. “She saw a need and she acted on it. And she brought others along with her.” Read more.

TravelAbility TakeAway: It’s wonderful to see champions of accessibility recognized for their contributions to the community. And rather than simply accepting the honorary role of parade grand marshal, Marcie Post saw it as another opportunity to make life a little more enjoyable and equitable for individuals with disabilities.