The Intersection of Travel and Disability
Dating while disabled comes with a unique set of challenges. It’s something Jacqueline Child, 28, knows all too well as she deals with chronic illness. She and her sister Alexa Child, 32, hope to combat stigma with their new dating app Dateability. By and for the disabled community, it launched Oct. 21. Will it bridge some gaps? Read More.
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.
The Beach is a place where everyone can find where they belong – and we mean every body, every ability, every family, every one.
The Myrtle Beach community welcomes thousands of people each year from all walks of life, including those living with autism and sensory processing disorders and their families, and is an inclusive destination for visitors of all abilities.
Visit Myrtle Beach is partnering with the Champion Autism Network (CAN) and TravelAbility for The Beach is for everyBODY: Sensory-Friendly Pledge. CAN and TravelAbility both work tirelessly to bring awareness to the challenges persons with varying abilities and neurodiverse disabilities face in their day to day lives, especially when traveling. As part of this pilot program, Visit Myrtle Beach is working with local business partners to promote the sensory-friendly pledge. The process is as follows:
The work of VMB to promote best practices for inclusion to its local business partners is a critical step in making a destination accessible to the disability community. Great work!
To learn more, check out VMB’s The Beach is for everyBODY landing page.
TDF, the not-for-profit service organization for the performing arts, presented the first in-person autism friendly performance of a Broadway show in almost 2 years with COME FROM AWAY on Sunday, January 30, 2022 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. Autism friendly performances provide access for families with children and adults on the autism spectrum and other developmental disabilities. The last autism friendly performance prior to the pandemic was on March 1, 2020 at HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD.
A full list of upcoming autism friendly Broadway performances is available in Jake Steinman’s recent LinkedIn article.
Amy & Ben Wright are the proud parents of four children — Lillie, Emma Grace, Beau and Bitty. Lillie was born with autism, and Bitty & Beau were born with Down syndrome.
With over 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities unemployed nationwide, the Wrights founded Bitty & Beau’s Coffee to create a path for people with disabilities to become more valued, accepted and included in every community.
The original shop opened January 2016 in Wilmington, NC, and employed 19 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and it has since expanded to 22 locations in 11 states and the District of Columbia!
To learn where you can get a cup of joe, visit the Bitty and Beau’s website.
You must be logged in to post a comment.