TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Mobility

Katy Perry Headlines Music Festival That Is Accessible For All

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On 19 and 20 November 2022, the True Colors Festival concert in Tokyo will bring together an international line-up of diverse singers, dancers, and musicians from around the world–including the fabulous Katy Perry.

They’ve gone above and beyond to ensure inclusivity for the concert event, in line with their mission to show what’s possible when it comes to disability and diversity. The concert will have sign language interpreters (for both Japanese Sign and International Sign), real-time subtitles and audio descriptions, and dedicated personnel on site for guests who need assistance.

Plus, for those who want to take part from home, it will be live-streamed for free as part of the True Colors Festival’s commitment to accessibility. Their website has been optimized to make it as inclusive as possible ahead of the event (compatibility with screen readers and switch control software, different pathways to necessary information using assistive technologies, and close vetting of all digital content to ensure accessibility).

Although Katy Perry is the headline act, the two-hour True Colors concert will feature over 90 performers. Read More.

A Wheelchair User’s Guide To The Hilliest City In America: San Francisco

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San Francisco, the City by the Bay, is one of California’s most ethnically and culturally diverse cities. With popular attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, it is also one of the state’s most visited by tourists.

For tourists, San Francisco is a great choice due to its generally positive accessibility. Wheelchair users can ride trains, city buses and most street cars without having to leave the comfort of their chair. It is also possible to access the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and sightseeing ferries in a wheelchair. San Francisco boasts a cultural sense of inclusion for all persons, regardless of physical ability, and this is carried throughout with the accommodations available at most hotels, museums, restaurants and other public places. Read More.

A $30,000 motorized wheelchair is broken by Air Canada. Here’s what happened next.

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By Maayan Ziv | Toronto Life

In September, Maayan Ziv got off a flight from Toronto to Tel Aviv to find her wheelchair completely destroyed. Here, she explains why—and how—we need to improve travel for people with disabilities. Read her story.

On-Demand Wheelchair Rentals Launch in Seattle and San Jose

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Bird-branded electric wheelchair superimposed over Seattle skyline.
Image courtesy Bird.

There’s a new, more accessible way to move around Seattle and San Jose, thanks to the expansion of a new program by Bird and Scootaround.

Bird’s exclusive On-Demand Accessible Mobility program enables disabled people to find, reserve and pay for a selection of accessible vehicles using a custom rider interface available only in the Bird app.

Bird riders in Seattle and San Jose benefit from exclusive discounts and have unique access to a variety of accessible vehicles including the WHILL Model Ci2, a popular power wheelchair. Bird says “these vehicles offer greater independence to those with mobility issues by helping them navigate hills and long distances in a city.”

Bird’s On-Demand Accessible Mobility program, which first launched in New York City in 2021, has expanded to more markets including San Francisco, San Diego and Yonkers. More cities, including Chicago, will soon be added to the list as the company expands its exclusive partnership with Scootaround to serve at least 15 markets in 2022.

To read more about Bird’s new wheelchair rental offering, see the Bird website.

Tampa International Airport Testing Self-Driving Wheelchairs

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Line of power wheelchairs at Tampa International Airport.

Innovative power wheelchair manufacturer Whill has a new customer: the Tampa International Airport. TPA is the latest airport to trial its AI-powered mobility devices to help passengers with reduced mobility navigate throughout the terminal building.

The pilot program, which ran from mid-November through December 10th, came at an important time as maintaining the necessary staffing levels for wheelchair assistants has been challenging during the pandemic. The powered wheelchairs offered passengers greater independence than they might otherwise have received through traditional airport wheelchair assistance services.

To read more about this innovative solution, read the article from The Points Guy.