TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Hotels

TravelAbility Launches Newsletter for Hoteliers

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Logo for TravelAbility for Hospitality with black and blue type superimposed over a beach

Our Takeaway: We hear stories about hoteliers cringing when they see people with disabilities about to check into their hotels. This newsletter provides a positive approach to accessibility designed to reduce hoteliers’ fears.

By being inclusive for people with disabilities today, we’re laying the foundation for the 77 million baby boomers, 40% of whom, according to the CDC, self-identify as having a disability after they turn 65. Additionally, they have an average net worth of $1 million, stand to inherit $13 trillion from their parents and not only do they have the time to travel, but consider it a priority.

While ADA law provides some baseline regulations for infrastructure for people with disabilities, it does not take into account that every disability has a spectrum. It took over 18 months to write the law, and it was written for the median. This means that even fully ADA-compliant hotels only work for 50% of the people. The other 50% have to be detectives to find out if the accommodations meet their particular requirements because detailed information is not online.

Each issue will be carefully curated to include articles that take a useful and practical approach to innovations and guidance that will make hospitality more inclusive for ALL guests. Read More.

Innovative Indiana-Based Program Trains People with Disabilities for Hospitality Work

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Hamilton County Tourism, Invest Hamilton County, and JANUS Developmental Services established a new partnership program with the support of the local hospitality industry and American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds provided by the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and Council.

“Disadvantaged workers and the hospitality industry were both communities hit hard by the pandemic,” said Invest Hamilton County President & CEO Mike Thibideau. “This is a high-impact collaboration. Programs like this build community, provide economic opportunity and help fill important roles in our ecosystem.” 

In December 2022, the first cohort began training people with disabilities at the Hampton Inn Fishers with great success. The individuals enlisted in the program provided pre-cleaning services to over 30 rooms in one day. Guests, employees, and hotel management provided positive feedback and multiple individuals are on the path to permanent part-time positions.

 “This program is a win-win for these individuals who could thrive in a lodging community atmosphere, as well as the hotel managers in need of talent to provide the best in hospitality service,” said Hamilton County Tourism President/CEO Brenda Myers. “We appreciate our partners for their innovative thinking.” Read more.

Our Takeaway:  Of the 10 individuals with Down syndrome that were trained, three are currently employed at the Hampton Inn Fishers. These employees have been placed in rotation to work the front desk, the kitchen and housekeeping.  Additionally,  Shepards Hotel in Clemson, South Carolina, which has 40 individuals with Down syndrome, representing nearly 40 percent of their total staff, and the Martigny Boutique Hotel in the Valais region of Switzerland, with 55% of their team members working with disabilities, have built a foundation that supports people with intellectual disabilities.  Given the persistent workforce shortage in hospitality, this may be a powerful new source of talent.

One Year Anniversary Edition of Accessible Journeys, Spring 2023 issue

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Accessible Journeys – travel without limits in a world where all are welcome.

The quarterly digital magazine Accessible Journeys has quickly become a leading resource for accessible travel information. A partnership between Mélange Publications and TravelAbility, the publication is a brand extension of the magazine, Accessibility for All.

Accessible Journeys features everything relevant to travel and accessibility: destination and accommodation guides, equipment reviews, travel tips, parenting information, innovative products, and more. It also shares expert input from bloggers, vloggers, and influencers – about 40 in each issue.

Launched in March 2022, Accessible Journeys grew from a circulation of 870 to 68,000 by the end of that same year. This growth is a testament to the importance of accessible travel and the valuable information the publication holds for everyone eager to explore the world.

Accessible Journey’s success is due in part to the editorial guidance provided by prolific leaders in the disability travel community. The Spring 2023 issue was steered by guest editor Cory Lee, who shared his insights into adventure travel. Guest editors Ashley Lynn Olson, Kay Kingsman, and Jennifer Allen have contributed their expertise in the past, keeping the publication on the leading edge.

Accessible Journeys provides value, insight, support and resources to the disability travel community.  

For advertising and marketing information contact Debbie Austin at daustin@readmelange.com

Read Accessible Journeys here

Global Survey Uncovers Shortcomings in Social Media

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Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle Collection, released findings from a new global survey on consumer sentiment on social media content of travel brands and traditional travel influencers. Kimpton polled more than 4,000 people from Australia, Japan, the U.K. and the U.S. and found an overwhelming need for more authentic and varied travel content as well as a high demand for travel brands to do more to feature inclusive and diverse content creators and experiences. Read more.

The Envelope Please: One Family’s Accessible Travel Awards

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While there are always so many barriers in wheelchair travel, Jennifer Allen from Wonders within Reach loves to celebrate the places that are doing it right! These are the best accessible finds she has discovered over the past year; each would make great travel destinations for 2023. Some may even surprise you. Read more.