TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Museums & Attractions

Accessible Experience: Lincoln Caverns

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By Jennifer Allen

Jennifer Allen and her 3 children, including a child using a wheelchair, explore an illuminated cave featuring dramatic stalactites and stalagmites along a railed pathway. The golden-hued limestone formations create a striking backdrop as they blend with the natural geological features.

A journey towards the center of the earth typically requires a lot of stairs. Thankfully, there are now a small handful of exceptions around the globe. One of those is in a small town in central Pennsylvania. For the first time, I was able to take my three children into a cave – something that I wasn’t sure we would ever be able to do.

While the main entrance to Lincoln Caverns is not wheelchair accessible, Lincoln Caverns has created accessible tours through the original entrance, along the highway. From this entrance, we were able to wheel through tunnels towards the heart of the cavern. I don’t know how much of the cavern we weren’t able to see, but I was really impressed by how much we were able to experience. We didn’t feel like we missed out on anything. Our guide showed us all the features of the cave and we followed his lead as we wandered and explored.

For your own convenience, it’s best to call ahead for the accessible tour, since you do need a personal escort.

Luray Caverns in Virginia also offers tours on wide, paved, well lit paths with a barrier free entrance. Due to some moderate grades, they don’t list themselves as wheelchair accessible.

Lived Experience: @Discover_with_dallas in Wheelchair Accessible Milwaukee

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Sand and forests are no longer barriers in Milwaukee, thanks to the city’s adaptive equipment options. Accessibility influencers Dallas and her mom—who inspire over 500,000 followers across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook—recently showcased Milwaukee in their latest vlog. From the accessible zoo and world-class museums to inclusive parks, playgrounds, beaches, and trails, the family highlighted just how much Milwaukee delivers for travelers of all abilities.

October News from the TravelAbility Community

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Myrtle Beach | AFAR highlights 5-Day Myrtle Beach Itinerary for All Abilities

A wooden beach access ramp leads through palm trees and coastal vegetation toward a sandy beach with turquoise ocean waters under a clear blue sky. Beachgoers can be seen in the distance along the shoreline, with the accessible boardwalk providing barrier-free passage from landscaped grounds to the beach.

Unlike many coastal locales, accessibility isn’t an afterthought in Myrtle Beach). The vacation destination is deeply committed to ensuring travelers of all abilities—those on the autism spectrum…

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Lotus | The Best Accessible Design of 2025

A black and white photo collage with pink geometric accents combines images of legs in white sneakers, a person sitting in a chair, someone holding a phone, and a mountain landscape, overlaid with a text box titled Alt Text that reads "The dust of the leaves turn orange below, The warmth of the light, The cool of the shadow, Cotton candy clouds look down where the Smoky Mountains grow, Postcard or painting, It's almost hard to know."

See all the honorees of Fast Company’s 2025 Innovation by Design Awards in the accessible design category…

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RightHear | accessiBe Partners with RightHear to Bring Accessibility Beyond the Screen

A partnership logo graphic features the "accessiBe" and "RightHear" brand names connected by a bright yellow circle with an "X" symbol, set against a blue and purple gradient background with subtle glowing effects.

Digital accessibility is just one part of creating an inclusive experience. For people with disabilities, accessibility doesn’t stop…

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Visit Florida and Wonders Within Reach | Wheelchair Accessible Restaurants in Sarasota, Florida

Jennifer Allen and her 3 children on a beach at sunset with arms raised joyfully, including a child using a blue wheelchair with beach-capable wheels. The group poses on white sand with lifeguard towers visible in the background during golden hour.

I don’t remember ever eating so well as we did in Sarasota. From Cuban sandwiches that melt in your mouth to donuts so fresh you’ll smell them before you see them, this city knows how to keep your tummy happy…

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Wheel the World | Colorado Tourism Office and Wheel the World Co-Host Nation’s First Travel Week Spotlighting Accessibility

The Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade logo combines the state's iconic "C" flag design with a circular certification emblem, followed by the agency's full name in black text.

The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), in partnership with Wheel the World, hosted a curated…

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Visit California | Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport Expands Accessibility with ASL Interpretation App

Two men collaborate at a touchscreen service counter in a modern, bright airport, with one person using a smartphone app to translate sign language.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) today announced the launch of a new accessibility initiative in partnership with Aira, offering free, on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for deaf and hard of hearing travelers…

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Visit Grand Rapids | ‘Priceless’: Grand Rapids Public Museum Unveils Sneak Peak of Accessibility Upgrades to Carousel

An empty carousel is brightly lit up.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is inching closer to the completion of their multimillion-dollar renovation project to its carousel and riverfront access…

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Wheel the World, North Alabama, Cory Lee, and Wonders Within Reach | Accessible Guide to Alabama: Hotels, Things to Do, Restaurants

Cory Lee, in a power wheelchair, travels along a brick sidewalk past the historic Miss Mylen Miller House, a white colonial-style building with black shutters surrounded by mature trees and maintained grounds behind a decorative iron fence.

North Alabama is one of those places that catches you off guard. You don’t expect mountains and canyons, but they’re here. You don’t expect world-famous music studios tucked into quiet towns, but…

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Live Nation and KultureCity Partner to Create Sensory Accessible Concerts

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The largest sensory accessibility partnership ever brings inclusion to live entertainment.

Live Nation is proud to announce a collaboration with KultureCity to certify 25 Live Nation-operated venues across the U.S. and Canada as Sensory Inclusive™, setting a new standard for hospitality and accessibility in live entertainment. 

Each venue in the partnership has received KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive™ Certification, which includes:

  • Sensory Training: Crew members are trained to recognize and support the needs of fans who may think or process things differently.
  • Sensory Bags: Reusable bags filled with items to reduce sensory overload and enhance comfort for fans of all ages.
  • Venue Signage: Clear indicators for quiet zones, sensory bag pickup locations, and other helpful guidance.
  • KultureCity App Integration: Allows individuals to find certified venues and prepare ahead of events.

Fans can look out for signage directing them to sensory bags, headphone zones, and designated quiet areas. These resources are available at no cost for individuals or families who may need them during their visit. Live Nation crew have dedicated team members focused on accessibility and inclusion, ensuring fans receive the support they need throughout their experience. 

“We’re committed to making sure fans feel welcome at our venues and we’re extremely proud of this certification,” said Karl Adams, Head of Venue Operations for Live Nation.

Thanks to our partnership with KultureCity, our venues are taking a new approach to hospitality and improving fan experience.”

Certified venues include Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront (Richmond, VA) and MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre (Tampa, FL).

With an eye to the future, Live Nation will certify an additional nine indoor venues this Fall.

Rethinking Accessibility Survey Highlights How Travel Industry Partners Can Better Share Accessibility Features Already in Place

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In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), TravelAbility has released a new nationwide survey to spark a shift in how accessibility is presented across the U.S. tourism sector.

The Uncovering Accessibility survey, part of TravelAbility’s ongoing “Rethinking Accessibility” campaign collected responses from 143 tourism businesses, including hotels, attractions, restaurants, museums, and outdoor recreation providers. The goal: to better understand the accessibility features already in place and how they are (or aren’t) being communicated to travelers.

What the results revealed is encouraging: many businesses already offer inclusive features—but aren’t promoting them.

“Travelers with disabilities aren’t just looking for compliance—they’re looking for clarity. The ADA mandates certain physical features, but there’s no ADA for information. People with disabilities often have to guess what will or won’t work for them. That’s why Accessibility Landing Pages are so important—they help travelers discover what they can do, not what they can’t.”

– Jake Steinman, founder of TravelAbility

Key Findings from 143 Respondents

  • 85% offer step-free entry
  • 81% have accessible restrooms
  • 81% offer ramps or elevators
  • 68% provide accommodations for blind or low-vision guests, such as braille signage or audio guides
  • 60% offer features for deaf or hard of hearing travelers, including hearing loops or text transcripts
  • 44% offer sensory-friendly features such as calm spaces, sensory bags, or quiet hours
  • Yet 78% do not have a dedicated accessibility page on their website

In other words: accessibility is happening—it’s just not being shared.

This Isn’t About Perfection, It’s About Visibility

From large print menus and calm rooms to free pet stays for service dogs, many businesses already offer helpful features. An Accessibility Landing Page brings that information together in one place—helping guests plan confidently while showcasing the efforts of local businesses.

Simple, Scalable Steps for Progress

The report also highlights accessible features that businesses can easily promote—many of which are low-cost or already in place:

  • Sensory-friendly hours and quiet spaces
  • Tactile exhibits, large print menus, and guided tours
  • Use of visual or assistive apps (e.g., Aira, Be My Eyes)
  • Staff training or service dog-friendly policies
  • Accurate details about physical access, parking, and signage

“This survey gave us a whole new outlook on how we could be more accessible,” shared one respondent. “Our buildings were constructed in the 1960s, and as a small business, meeting some ADA compliance standards has felt cost-prohibitive. That said, many guests in wheelchairs still come and enjoy the property—and they find ways to navigate the shortcomings. This survey showed us how we can still be supportive. We already offer free pet stays for service dogs, and we’re looking forward to tackling more from the list.”

The Role of the Destination A11Y Club

Ten leading DMOs in TravelAbility’s Destination A11Y Club are already paving the way. Each maintains an Accessibility Landing Page highlighting inclusive local experiences for travelers with disabilities and older adults.

With help from the Uncovering Accessibility survey, they’re now expanding those listings—often uncovering accessibility assets they didn’t know they had. It’s a win-win for both visitors and the local businesses they rely on.

What’s Next

The survey findings are just the beginning. Here’s what TravelAbility and participating destinations are doing next:

  • Creating a best practice guide to help businesses build or improve accessibility pages tailored to the types of organizations surveyed.
  • Connecting interested businesses with training opportunities through TravelAbility’s partner network.

As destinations take these next steps, the goal is simple: empower travelers with better information and create more welcoming travel experiences for all.

Participating DMO’s

Media Contacts

Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau
Anna Whitlow, Director of Marketing & PR
awhitlow@albemarle.org

Discover Lancaster
Olivia Novak, Senior Marketing Manager
onovak@discoverlancaster.com

Experience Kissimmee
Deirdre Shaw, Destination Stewardship Manager
dshaw@experiencekissimmee.com

The Palm Beaches
 Christine DeMichael, Director of Integrated Marketing
CDeMichael@ThePalmBeaches.com

Visit Lauderdale
Attiyya Atkins, Senior Manager, Global Integrated Marketing
aatkins@broward.org

Visit Loudoun
Jennifer Christie, Director of Marketing
christie@visitloudoun.org

VisitLEX
Arin Arnold‑Davis, Director of Destination Stewardship and Community Engagement
aarnold@visitlex.com

Visit Mesa
Zoey Shircel, CATP, Communications Manager
zoey@visitmesa.com

Visit Myrtle Beach
Stuart Butler, President
stuart.butler@visitmyrtlebeach.com

Visit Richmond
Toni Bastian, Director of Accessibility & Tourism Sales
tbastian@visitrichmondva.com

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