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The Intersection of Travel and Disability

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Now Hotels Can Make Any Room Accessible To People Who Are Blind Or Have Low Vision

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Now Hotels Can Make Any Room Accessible To People Who Are Blind Or Have Low Vision

screen grab of the Blind Faith Upgrade Kit Film showing an illustration of a man and a carAmong the most celebrated accessibility initiatives in 2018 was the Blind Faith Upgrade Kit launched by Isobar India, part of the global Dentsu Aegis Network. The kit includes Braille labels that can convert any phone into a Braille-enabled phone, reusable-tactile paving tiles to help customers negotiate their room in the hotel and an audio assist pen to help guests read menus and more. It was first introduced at Hotel Ramada in Ajmer, Rajasthan, and the campaign really put them on the map. The company won a prestigious CLIO award (which recognizes innovation and creative excellence in advertising, design, and communication) recently. You can see a short film about the kit and learn more in this NewzHook report. READ MORE

Product of the Month: Hoo-Box.com’s Wheelie Navigation Kit

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The Brazilian company Hoo-Box.com has developed a Wheelie Kit (shown left), which uses a 3D camera to read 14 facial expressions (even a wink or a raised eyebrow) to navigate a wheelchair. The technology is particularly helpful for people who lack the ability to move their body below the face or neck. It uses AI and machine learning—and as Hoo-Box-ers like to say, it’s fully smile-compatible. Here’s an interview with their founder, Paulo Pinheiro. SEE THE VIDEO

Top Technology Trends to Transform Mobility in 2019

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Good news for the travel community: Inclusive and accessible mobility will continue to be a focus in 2019. In addition, trip planning that uses technology will also grow considerably this year. Other trends include (everyone’s favorite) data sharing and curbside management. While there has been much discussion over the past few years about how significant an impact curb usage has on mobility, 2019 will bring actual pilot projects that show how to effectively manage the curb, explains Carol Schweiger in this recent Intelligent Transport report. READ MORE

Interview: Ms. Wheelchair California Reports from CES 2019

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woman with a crown and sash in wheelchair representing ms CaliforniaKrystina Jackson, a northern California resident for 27 years, earned the title of Ms. Wheelchair California 2018 this past March. With a background in corporate finance and a BS in Business Administration, Krystina is passionate about encouraging women with varying abilities to pursue their passions fearlessly. Here are her thoughts from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show:

Q: What were your impression of CES this year, from an accessibility product/technology perspective?
A: I was blown away by the products and services presented at the expo. It’s safe to say the future is looking extremely bright for accessible travel.

Q: As TravelAbility’s correspondent, could you tell us about the products you think have you saw that have the most potential to make traveling easier for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, here are my four favorites:

  • AISINO is a smart hotel check-in that uses facial recognition for guests. It removes many of the physical challenges surrounding checking in. It allows guests of all abilities to be able to select the amenities they prefer for their needs.
  • WHILL is an autonomous personal electric vehicle (PEV). PEVs have leveled the playing field for people with mixed abilities so that they can enjoy the same recreational activities together.
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT (WWE) is engaging the disability community by allowing families with mixed abilities to enjoy the sport together
  • PANDORA is addressing the six dimensions of sound to create a more harmonious audio experience during travel. It’s ideal for people with varying mental and physical abilities.

Q: Who were the most interesting and fun people you met? 
The met the most amazing people, including executives from WWE; Sinbad, an American actor, and comedian who currently has a show on Hulu called Rel; and my top pick, of course, is Stevie Wonder—that’s me grabbing a photo with him (left). He was wonderfully warm and inviting. As a musician with a disability, he is a blessing to have as a role model.

Q: How did you become disabled and what is the extent of your disability?
A: I broke my neck while snowboarding in 2002. I fractured my C4 and C5 vertebrae resulting in paralysis from the chest down. Initially, I wasn’t able to breathe well enough to even speak or move my arms. I am tremendously grateful for my recovery and rehab remains a part of my daily lifestyle.

Q: Why did you enter the Ms. California Wheelchair competition?
A: I entered to have an impact and to make a difference. Many tell me I’m a natural born leader and I feel like those type of gifts are given to be shared. I have a responsibility to serve my community with the best of my abilities and I feel empowered doing so.

 

IBM Scientist Develops AI to Transform Lives of People Who Are Visually Impaired

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With new apps comes more independence for people who are blind. credit: IBM
credit: IBM

Japanese-born Chieko Asakawa, now a technologist at IBM, was inspired to improve the lives of people who are visually impaired after she was injured in an accident as a teenager. (She was completely blind by age 14.) Today, Chieko Asakawa has already made huge contributions to accessibility research. She’s won many awards, including Japan’s Medal of Honour for her work. The IBM team’s latest idea uses AI to help people who are visually impaired to navigate complicated indoor locations via an app. Ultimately, the app will help people to use a cane less and to seamlessly navigate offices and other indoor spaces where mapping technology can’t do the job. Read more.

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