TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Hotels

Ann Arbor Area Becomes First Destination in Michigan to Achieve “Destination Verified” Status for Accessible Travel

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Ann Arbor leads the way with Wheel the World’s verification program.

Ann Arbor, MI – (November 18, 2024) The greater Ann Arbor area proudly announces its recognition as the first destination in Michigan to achieve the “Destination Verified” status with Wheel the World, a global accessibility platform. This designation, supported by the Pure Michigan Accessible Traveler Grant, highlights the region’s commitment to accessible tourism for travelers with physical, cognitive, and invisible disabilities.

The Wheel the World “Destination Verified” status recognizes communities that have undergone a rigorous, third-party accessibility assessment. In the Ann Arbor area, dozens of businesses, attractions, and hotels received confidential assessments led by the Disability Network of Washtenaw Monroe Livingston (DNWML), whose team was trained by Wheel the World to conduct thorough evaluations. These listings now appear on Wheel the World’s global platform, allowing visitors to easily identify accessible features at hotels, attractions, restaurants and other businesses. 

The Wheel the World “Destination Verified” status recognizes communities that have undergone a rigorous, third-party accessibility assessment.

“Being the first in Michigan to achieve this status is an incredible milestone,” said Sarah Miller, President & CEO of Destination Ann Arbor. “Our partnership with Wheel the World reflects our dedication to making our communities in Washtenaw County a welcoming, inclusive destination where all travelers can enjoy our vibrant community and experiences.” 

The Pure Michigan Accessible Traveler Grant provided essential support for this initiative, aligning with the state’s broader mission to enhance accessible travel throughout Michigan. “Accessibility is at the heart of our mission to ensure that travel is accessible to everyone, and all are welcome in Pure Michigan,” said Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We are thrilled to congratulate Destination Ann Arbor on achieving Destination Verified status and will look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on our efforts to promote accessible and inclusive travel experiences across the state.”

In partnership with the Disability Network of Washtenaw Monroe Livingston, local assessors were trained by Wheel the World to evaluate accessibility features across businesses, capturing over 200 different data points. These assessments go beyond standard ADA compliance to provide detailed and personalized accessibility information. For example, the evaluations include mapping out hotel bed heights, as some individuals require beds that are lower to the ground for safe transfers, while others may need beds that are higher. Because everyone’s accessibility needs vary, travelers using the Wheel the World platform can search for accommodations and attractions tailored to their specific requirements. “We’re pleased to support this initiative by assessing a wide range of local businesses and work to create a culture of accessibility in our community,” said Alex Gossage, Executive Director of the Disability Network of Washtenaw Monroe Livingston. “This project highlights the importance of creating a destination that values and prioritizes accessibility and inclusion for everyone.”

Participating businesses received detailed accessibility assessments and access to the Wheel the World Academy—a series of training videos on accessibility best practices, dispelling myths, and enhancing understanding around accessibility. These resources enable businesses to better meet the needs of travelers of all abilities, supporting the community’s long-term commitment to inclusivity.

“Achieving the ‘Destination Verified’ status is a testament to the Ann Arbor area’s dedication to accessible tourism,” said Camilo Navarro, Co-Founder of Wheel the World. “Through our joint efforts, we’re making it easier for travelers with accessibility needs to explore and enjoy the destination with confidence.”

The Ann Arbor area’s new “Destination Verified” status with Wheel the World sets a statewide precedent for accessible travel and signals a significant step toward more inclusive tourism throughout Michigan. For more information about the Ann Arbor area’s accessible travel options and partnership with Wheel the World, visit: https://www.annarbor.org/wheel-the-world/ 

CONTACT:

Chad Wiebesick, Director of Public Affairs 

(734) 995-7281

cwiebesick@annarbor.org

http://www.AnnArbor.org

South Carolina Hotel Solves Workforce Shortage Issue through Inclusion

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Shepherd Hotel’s work force gives new vision to what inclusion can look like in travel and work industries.

In downtown Clemson, South Carolina, the Shepherd Hotel stands out—not just for its Southern charm but for its bold mission to redefine inclusion in the hospitality industry.

Unlike most hotels, where staff blend into the background, the Shepherd Hotel ensures its team is front and center—for all the right reasons. Around 30% of its employees have intellectual disabilities, earning $13 to $18 an hour, well above the federal minimum wage. Compare that to a national employment rate of just 16% for individuals with intellectual disabilities, according to ThinkWork. This is true inclusion.

For co-founder Rick Hayduk, this mission is personal. Two of his four children have Down syndrome, inspiring him to build a space where barriers are dismantled, and potential shines.

The Shepherd Hotel collaborates with Clemson University’s ClemsonLIFE program, a groundbreaking initiative teaching young adults with intellectual disabilities how to live and work independently. Participants, including Hayduk’s daughter Jamison, take college courses and learn essential life skills like time management, hygiene, budgeting, and banking.

Erica Walters, the program’s director, said nearly all graduates secure jobs post-graduation. And the impact is growing—two more Shepherd Hotels are slated to open in South Carolina next year.

The Shepherd Hotel collaborates with Clemson University’s ClemsonLIFE program, a groundbreaking initiative teaching young adults with intellectual disabilities how to live and work independently.

“We want to grow for the sake of inspiration and change,” Hayduk explained.

The proof is in the people. Take Alex Eveland, a ClemsonLIFE graduate and now a server at the Shepherd Hotel. Doctors once doubted he’d walk or talk. Today, he’s pursuing a hospitality certification and dreams of opening his own restaurant.

Eveland says he would never dream of taking a day off, because he loves what he does!

Check out the CBS video release on IG. Original quotes from CBS News.

New Partnership Launches a center for Assistive Technology to Advance Accessible Travel Innovation

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The Schoolhouse Hotel announces a groundbreaking partnership with TravelAbility and Samaritan Partners to establish the Center for Assistive Technology, the first-of-its-kind innovation hub for accessible travel technology for the hospitality industry.

Located in historic White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, The Schoolhouse Hotel stands as the world’s first fully accessible boutique hotel. This architectural marvel, transformed from a 1912 high school building, showcases universal design principles throughout its 30 guest rooms and public spaces. The hotel’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond physical accommodations with a restaurant seating over 100 guests, a 385-person capacity ballroom, and a rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the Allegheny Mountains. The hotel is expanding with an additional 85-room wing, spa, micro distillery, and retail offerings, enhancing guest experiences while maintaining its commitment to welcoming all guests, regardless of ability.

“This collaborative initiative creates a living laboratory where entrepreneurs can refine travel-focused assistive technology solutions in real-world hospitality settings.”

This collaborative initiative creates a living laboratory where entrepreneurs can refine travel-focused assistive technology solutions in real-world hospitality settings. The Schoolhouse Hotel provides an ideal environment for guests to experience and provide feedback on emerging accessibility innovations.

TravelAbility, a leader in advancing accessible tourism, brings its expertise in connecting innovative technology solutions with travel destinations committed to universal access. Their involvement ensures that developed technologies and services align with the actual needs of travelers with disabilities and the hospitality industry.

Samaritan Partners, a social impact venture fund, strengthens the partnership through its investment focus on early-stage, for-profit companies serving the disability community. The fund dedicates a portion of its portfolio to companies developing assistive technology for travelers with disabilities and will provide mentorship and funding for promising innovations showcased at The Schoolhouse Hotel.

This partnership represents a significant step forward in creating more inclusive travel experiences through technological innovation. The Center will serve as a proving ground where new solutions can be refined through direct feedback from travelers with disabilities, ensuring that developments truly serve the community’s needs.

What Would You Do?

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Each month we try to address various accessibility issues that may arise within the TravelAbility community. 

November’s scenario: 

You see a guest approaching the door in a wheelchair with packages in her lap. It looks like opening the door may be a struggle. Do you: 

  1. Rush to open the door before she gets stuck
  2. Look away: you don’t want to offend or step on her independence
  3. Ask if there’s anything you can do to help
  4. Something else

Responses:

This question revealed a lot of uncertainty in how to respond to the disability community. Comments like, “I’m actually not sure. I know if it was a pregnant woman or elderly person I’d probably just open the door because it’s nice and polite. But sometimes I feel like with a person with a disability, in a wheelchair, blind, etc., that I’d need to ask if they need a hand first” remind us that a lack of awareness is stunting our kindness.

Our own Tricia Roth, DIrector of Marketing and Engagement for TravelAbility recommends you, “don’t assume the guest needs help – ask. If a package does drop down, offer to pick it up – just as you would with someone not in a wheelchair.”

While responses from the hospitality community and other would-be door openers were split pretty evenly between just opening the door and asking to open the door, responses from within the disability community were a little more diverse.

While responses from the hospitality community and other would-be door openers were split pretty evenly between just opening the door and asking to open the door, responses from within the disability community were a little more diverse.

Overall social media responses

Comments ranged from, “PLEASE OPEN THE DOOR. it’s not about being in a wheelchair, (which I am) it’s human decency” to “the assumption that we need help can be off putting.”

Other responses included:

From a wheelchair user’s perspective, I always appreciate when people ask and don’t assume. I can tell you that in my wobbly walking days, I often used doors for balance, and if someone opened one without asking, I’d fall.

As an ambulatory wheelchair user – ask – whether I’m in the chair or if I’m walking. It helps give us autonomy and independence if we want it

I would be happy with them opening the door for me as a wheelchair user, especially with packages in my lap. They don’t need to rush like it’s a 911 emergency because sometimes then I feel pressure to rush through the door and then risk dropping the package and also I feel like I’ve inconvenienced them more. And then there’s the question about how the door is held open. Standing in the doorway to hold it open is always awkward. Making a casual comment like you would to anyone else who has their hands full could be nice too, “Can I get the door, you’re carrying quite a bit!” Also, if there is an automatic door opener, they can just hit that for us so the door is already opening when we approach and the path is wide open (but wait for a second to make sure the button actually works). 

If this is for the hospitality industry, then I’m wondering why the front door to the establishment isn’t accessible in the first place. I mean, it’s fine if someone politely asks to open the door for me, but an automated door would be accessible to anyone carrying packages, whether they are a wheelchair user or not. And those heavy outside doors? Very difficult to open from a wheelchair even without packages in your lap.

In SummaryThere is no one-size approach. Personality and preference impact the players on both sides of the door. Overall, it seems best to offer assistance and graciously accept whatever response is received. You can read more of the conversation, here.

InnovateAble Pitch of the Month

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Each month we feature the 3-minute pitch from an innovation, technology or amenity presented at the 2024 InnovateAble Showcase held on July 26th. 

Hero Door Opener took second in both Judge’s Selection and People’s Choice. The Hero Door Opener is an ingenious adaptive hinge mechanism that automates doors in hotels using a battery operated unit in the door hinge. You can check out their winning pitch, here.

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