TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Parks and Public spaces

Dubai Makes Night Swimming Possible for People with Disabilities

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Dubai had announced the opening of three new beaches for night swimming in May 2023. Now, authorities have made these beaches accessible to people of determination. Residents and tourists can swim on these beaches anytime — even after sunset.

The Dubai Municipality has equipped the beaches with lighting systems and electronic information panels and has now employed dedicated services for people of determination. The beaches will have qualified cadres of rescuers and supervisors to ensure a comfortable and safe night swimming experience for all.

New signs have been installed pointing out the beaches are now accessible to people of determination. The beaches have been fitted with special ramps to ease movement to the beach. A ‘Beach Floating Wheelchair’ has been allocated, further expanding beach accessibility. Read More.

Our Takeaway: Beaches have always been one of the most challenging destinations for people with mobility needs. Dubai has gone beyond the standard beach wheelchair and mobi mat to truly welcome all to enjoy the full beach experience.

Featured Destination of the Month: Travel Oregon Creates Accessible Outdoor Guide

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Our Takeaway: Oregon is arguably the most proactively accessible state in America with a generous grant program that underwrites accessibility for all seven of their regions and for this project they prudently partnered with three local disability organizations at the outset.

With rushing waterfalls, verdant hiking trails and scenic viewpoints inspiring people of all ages and ability levels. Before you head out, be sure to download the Accessible Outdoor Recreation Travel Guide created in partnership with Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Connection, Adventures Without Limits, and Willamette Partnership. This guide was created specifically for people in the disabilities community, to provide the information you need to plan a fabulous trip before you head outdoors. While this guide is by no means an exhaustive list of all the accessible recreation spots in Oregon, it includes popular favorites and hidden gems that came directly from the local community.
Read More.

Greece Ramps Up Accessibility By Retrofitting Over 200 Beaches With Ramps That Fully Submerge Wheelchair Users Into The Sea

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picture o a beach in Greece with Thatched umbrellas

Our Takeaway: Here’s an example of a country drawing a line in the sand, so to speak. They are spending tens of millions of dollars to make Greece the most preferred beach destination in the world for beach lovers.

Describing access to the sea as an inalienable human right, Greek tourism authorities are retrofitting 287 beaches across the country with self-operating wheelchair ramps.

Self-operating means that wheelchair users can operate it by themselves without assistance from a friend or employee, offering a flexible freedom rarely found in difficult terrain such as beach sand.

So far, work crews have already installed the Seatrac system on 147 beaches, where disabled people can enjoy swimming in the country’s famous blue waters. Read More.

Has Virgin Atlantic Airlines Gone to the Dogs?

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The airline’s cabin crew will receive training from experts at the British charity Guide Dogs to better accommodate blind and visually impaired passengers

Flight attendants will learn best practices when helping passengers with sight loss, including how to approach and assist them with navigating narrow or crowded spaces, stairs, and doorways and taking their seats. Read more.

Our Takeaway: Richard Branson has done it again.  While other airlines blunder when addressing the needs of blind passengers, his airline zigs when they zag.  This initiative is already proving to be a bonanza of effusive p.r. as they have tapped into the love affair that 34% of UK residents and 65% in the U.S.A. have as dog owners. 

Audubon “All Persons Trail” Helps Birders with Multiple Disabilities Enjoy Nature

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photo os 5 people on a birding expedition ; one man has a white cane and sunglasses and another woman is using a walker

Mass Audubon’s Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary debuted its new All Persons Trail on Oct. 12, as dozens of supporters, well-wishers and staff celebrated an outdoor route designed to welcome and engage an increasing number of visitors including those with mobility, sensory and other accessibility needs.

The trail features a rain garden, tactile exhibits of natural artifacts, an interactive audio tour and Braille signage. Introduced on a beautiful fall afternoon, the Wachusett Meadow trail is Mass Audubon’s 14th APT, with more to come as the statewide conservation organization honors its commitment to making nature more accessible to everyone.

Our Takeaway: This is an example of how local non-profit organizations are able to raise funds to provide access to nature for people with multiple disabilities, which can then be promoted and amplified by the local or state tourism organization. Read More.