• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Hotels

What the Founder and CEO of TravelAbility Just Doesn’t Get

July 6, 2024 by Eliana Satkin

Jake Steinman shares the simplest, and most essential, missing piece in hotel accessibility in this Travel Weekly article. Read the article here, or get the gist with this rap version!

Hey, hotels, listen up, it’s time to take a stand,
Spent millions on compliance, now let’s lend a hand.
ADA’s in place, but there’s more to be done,
Add an accessibility page, make it number one.

You got the ramps, the lifts, the wide doorways,
But what about the info that truly paves the way?
Dimensions and details, post ’em online,
For travelers with disabilities, it’s a lifeline.

From compliant to welcoming, it’s not that hard,
Transparency’s the key, let down your guard.
Post the data, make it clear and bright,
For every guest in a wheelchair, make it right.

CDC says one in four got a disability,
But only 15% travel, that’s the reality.
Hotels, step up, make a change today,
Post the info online, show the way.

Heads in accessible beds, let’s make it known,
Hotels can be welcoming, let it be shown.
From compliance to care, it’s a simple move,
Let’s make every stay a welcoming groove.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Accessibility, Editorial, Hotels

News From Around The Web

June 4, 2024 by Eliana Satkin

Australia: The Year of Accessible Tourism

Unlocking the economic power of accessibility: Queensland’s $12 million initiative is transforming tourism through accessibility grants and improved marketing representation, paving the way for businesses to tap into a $13.5 billion market.

MORE

Sesame Place San Diego receives Autism Certification

Sesame Place San Diego is leading the way in autism accommodations. Discover how their certified autism center renewal and expanded amenities is helping them reach neurodiverse visitors.

MORE

Adventure Sports; Diving for People with Disabilities at the Red Sea

Red Sea Global uses “commercial good sense” in creating Project Aurelia to ensure Red Sea is one of the most inclusive destinations in the world.

MORE

US Airlines Improve in their Handling of Wheelchairs

US airlines’ handling of mobility devices in 2023 exposed! Ranked by reports of mishandling, you may be surprised by which carriers are falling short and who’s making improvements.

MORE

Hyatt Outlines Support for Neuro Diverse travelers

Hyatt’s game-changing survey reveals how hotels can cater to neurodivergent travelers, enhancing every step of their journey from booking to check-out.

MORE

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Accessibility, Accessibility Awards, Hidden Disabilities, Hotels, Neurodiversity

Accessibility Article Round Up

April 30, 2024 by Eliana Satkin

Information and inspiration from around the Web

Screen shot of an example of a government site with arrows signifying call outs for accessibility features

DOJ issues new ADA rules for public sector sites; private sector is next

From the article: “It is important for all hotels, restaurants, stores, and other places of public accommodation to be aware of the requirements set forth in this final rule and . . . to start preparing for the issuance of a similar rule.”

MORE

A hotel employee standing with a woman with a service dog at the entrance to a hotel

Training video of the month: Welcoming a blind guest

15 training tips in 77 seconds (courtesy of Scandic Hotels)

MORE

A young woman showcasing one of the scooters to rent in Albuquerque

Visit Albuquerque launches Destination Accessibility

Innovative service rents out scooters and wheelchairs to travelers

MORE

New Hulu series, co-created by a woman with autism, lauded for avoiding stereotypes

Scottish comedian Ashley Storrie (left) found it liberating to “unmask” herself

MORE

Signers at the Coldplay concert in Singapore included lead singer Chris Martin shown in action

Coldplay leads the way in making concerts more accessible and enjoyable for deaf fans

In addition to a crew of signers, the shows in Singapore included handouts of vibrating vests

MORE

Image of gondola ride

Legoland introduces accessible gondola ride

It may look like a ski lift but the new Minifigure Skyflyer features seven individually-themed pods from pirates to space and beyond, 

MORE

$5k Tax Credit for ADA Website Compliance

How to qualify for $5K tax credit for ADA website compliance

Two minute video tells you all you need to know about annual credit

MORE

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Accessibility, Accessible Landing Pages, ADA//Law, Government, Hidden Disabilities, Hotels, Mental Health, Mobility, Restaurants, Service Animals, The Arts, Vision

TravelAbility Introduces Bed Height Mapping Pilot Program for Accessible Travel

March 30, 2024 by Eliana Satkin

A woman in a wheelchair with her hand on the bed in a hotel room.
Photo Credit: Wheel the World

TravelAbility has announced the launch of a pioneering initiative to map hotel bed heights, addressing the primary concern for wheelchair travelers: the unpredictability of bed heights in hotel accommodations.

Why This Matters: For individuals who use wheelchairs, traveling can often feel like a gamble due to the lack of standardized information on hotel accessibility. While their homes are tailored to their needs, and they are familiar with accessible local businesses, the same cannot be said for hotels they may visit. Images of hotel amenities abound, yet details on ADA-compliant rooms are scarce, leaving wheelchair users without the necessary information to plan their travels.

The Challenge: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets forth certain requirements for hotels, but bed height is not among them. Given the variation in wheelchair sizes, a one-size-fits-all approach does not exist, making this an area of concern for travelers seeking accessible accommodations.

TravelAbility’s Solution: In collaboration with five  Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) that are members of the Destination A11Y Club, TravelAbility is spearheading a pilot program called Heads in Accessible Beds to collect and share essential data on the accessibility of hotel sleeping rooms and bathrooms. This information will be made available on a dedicated, easy-to-find landing page on each DMO’s website, ensuring that wheelchair users—as well as locals hosting visitors with mobility challenges—have access to the information they need to make informed travel decisions. Additionally, hotels can feature this data on their own accessibility pages, further aiding travelers in their planning.

The five destinations that will be participating in the pilot program are Visit Alexandria (VA), Experience Kissimmee (FL), Visit Tampa (FL), Visit Lex (KY) and Visit Myrtle Beach (SC). 

Contact Information: Tricia Roth tricia@travelability.net

About TravelAbility: TravelAbility is committed to making travel more accessible for everyone. By providing crucial information and resources, TravelAbility empowers individuals with mobility challenges to explore the world with confidence.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Accessibility, ADA//Law, Disability Awareness, Hotels, Mobility, Trends Tagged With: assessments, measurement, pilot program

Accessibility Champion: Apoorva Gandhi

March 30, 2024 by Eliana Satkin

Head shot of Accessibility Champion: Apoorva Gandhi

Senior Vice President, Multicultural Affairs, Social Impact and Business Councils, Marriott International

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

Q 1. What motivated you to become involved in accessibility and do you have a personal connection to disability? 

I have been connected to disability almost my entire life. One of my oldest and best family friends is deaf as well as my youngest daughter. This fuels my passion to do my part to create a world that is inclusive, empathetic, and welcoming to all. I have seen first-hand the innovative skills of people with disabilities, and I am proud to work to create business inclusion for all.

Q 2.  What is the goal of your organization? 

Marriott International’s goal is to connect people through the power of travel. As part of that, we work to welcome all to our hotels no matter who you are, where you come from, what your abilities are or who you love. We want all to have a sense of belonging when you come through our doors. Additionally, our core values include putting people first and serving our world. One way we do that is through our Serve360 social impact and sustainability global program.

Q3: Aside from budget, what are the most difficult obstacles or barriers you face around accessibility and what actions/initiatives are you taking to address them?  

It is generally important to make sure that when the topic of inclusion arises that the disability community is included. Disability exists across all demographics and backgrounds. I work to ensure that the voices and opinions of this important community are contributed to the venues and discussions that I am in.

Q4. What accomplishments are you most proud of? 

One of the projects I am most proud of is our ‘Room for All’, where we worked with the disability community to listen, try to understand, and practice inclusive design to improve the travel experience for travelers with disabilities. We created an accessible hotel room that was welcoming, elegant, and comfortable. We believe in the idea of ‘nothing about us without us’ and we’re honored to host many travelers of all abilities to our HQ and hotels to listen and learn about accessibility and help us evolve how we inclusively welcome all.

Q5: Who do you follow?  Name an organization/company/individual you look to for ideas or inspiration. 

I am inspired by the example of my parents who came to the United States as immigrants back in the 1960’s. Through the great generosity of the United States and its people, their hard work and sacrifice, they were able to create a life full of opportunity for my sister and me. Their story inspires me and allows me to stand on their shoulders daily and to pay it forward.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Accessibility Awards, Disability Advocates, Expert Q&A, Hotels, Travel Industry People

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to page 4
  • Go to page 5
  • Go to page 6
  • Go to page 7
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 20
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe Now to TravelAbility Insider

Get insider accessibility updates right to your inbox

Our promise: Your name and email will never be sold to third parties.

Recent Posts

  • Ambassador Report: On the Road with Kristy Durso

Recent Comments

    Archives

    Categories

    • Accessibility (320)
    • Accessibility Awards (50)
    • Accessibility Champion of Change (1)
    • Accessibility Funding (20)
    • Accessible Experience of the Month (3)
    • Accessible Landing Pages (31)
    • Accessible Meetings (21)
    • ADA//Law (64)
    • Adaptive Sports (21)
    • Advice Line (1)
    • Advisory Board (21)
    • Airlines (90)
    • Ambassador Report (3)
    • Amputees (4)
    • Artificial Intelligence (1)
    • Autism (62)
    • Baby Boomer Travel (4)
    • Blind Travel (20)
    • Conferences & Events (65)
    • COVID-19 (19)
    • Cruising (10)
    • Destination of the Month (4)
    • Digital Accessibility (24)
    • Disability Advocates (140)
    • Disability Awareness (114)
    • Editorial (73)
    • Education (24)
    • Emerging Markets Summit 2024 (6)
    • EmergingMarketsSummit23 (14)
    • Expert Q&A (50)
    • Explorable Podcast (3)
    • Family Travel (37)
    • Fashion (10)
    • Food (10)
    • Government (29)
    • Hearing (44)
    • Hidden Disabilities (44)
    • Hotels (100)
    • Mental Health (12)
    • Mobility (112)
    • Museums & Attractions (50)
    • Neurodiversity (57)
    • Parks and Public spaces (72)
    • Plus Size Travel (6)
    • Products (66)
    • Restaurants (19)
    • Service Animals (10)
    • Speakers 2019 (11)
    • Surveys (6)
    • Sustainability (12)
    • Technology (102)
    • The Arts (39)
    • Tourism (23)
    • Transportation (69)
    • Travel (220)
    • Travel Industry People (69)
    • TravelAbility 2021 (10)
    • TravelAbility 2022 (9)
    • TravelAbility Summit (36)
    • TravelAbility Week 2020 (3)
    • Trends (99)
    • Uncategorized (165)
    • Video of the Month (5)
    • VIRTUAL2020 (4)
    • Vision (61)
    • What would you do? (1)

    An industry service provided by

    Copyright © 2025 · Metro Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

     

    Loading Comments...
     

    You must be logged in to post a comment.