By Jennifer Allen
“Competing is not hating, it’s actually putting appreciation into action.” ~50 Cent
This is what we learned through the friendly coopetition – cooperation and competition – at the TravelAbility Summit. Pure Michigan’s announcement that they have more track chairs than any other state may be pushing Travel Oregon to top that number, but no one’s complaining. Coopetition is a force for positive change.
On that token, I dare you to outdo these initiatives.
- Visit Mesa sends weekly emails with simple, practical things partners can do to be more inclusive.
- Oregon is the first Accessibility Verified state – involving all seven tourism regions, covering accommodations, attractions, hotels, and restaurants, with information for visitors with both visible and non-visible disabilities.
- The TravelAbility Playbook is launching an AI companion to help destinations create accessibility solutions on the spot.
- Southern Oregon, North Alabama, and Discover Lancaster have offered independent Accessibility in Tourism workshops.
- North Alabama published a print guide on accessible adventures, covering multiple disabilities and including sample itineraries.
- Visit California launched a centralized accessibility resource site, paired with a video road-trip series by disability advocate Sophie Morgan to showcase inclusive travel experiences.
- Kansas City’s MCI Airport added Aira — offering real-time visual navigation assistance via the Aira app for blind and low-vision travelers.
- Tennessee State Parks recently installed eight additional adult-sized changing tables, now available in 18 parks across the state.
- Clendenin, West Virginia, is building the first adaptive downhill mountain biking trails in the U.S..
Don’t be intimidated – be inspired! How will you add to the Coopetition?
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