TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Parks and Public spaces

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.

Gotcha! Spanish City uses Sensors to Discipline Handicap Parking Cheats

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The installation of smart sensors on disability parking spots has begun in the Spanish Basque city of San Sebastian aiming to have 350 such devices operational. The purpose is to prevent or at least lessen the possibility of having other drivers occupy these spaces illegally and bring about more social justice in the traffic environment. What’s more, the U-Spot M2M sensors will indicate to drivers of reduced mobility status the availability and location of nearby parking spots that have been set aside for them. Read more.

Is it a Wheelchair or a Tank? It’s Both!

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Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources and the Aimee Copeland Foundation unveiled a fleet of all-terrain power wheelchairs for rent at 11 state parks and outdoor destinations, including Cloudland Canyon. Read more.