The Arts
Discover the Winning Films from the Inaugural TravelAbility Film Festival
The 2025 TravelAbility Summit introduced exciting new features this year, including the inaugural TravelAbility Film Fest, a creative showcase celebrating the voices and visuals of accessible travel. Designed to highlight storytelling that inspires empathy, understanding, and action, the Film Fest put accessibility in the spotlight, giving filmmakers and destinations a platform to share how they are shaping a more inclusive world.
The festival drew 52 entries from around the globe, including India, Ireland, England, Scotland, Lithuania, South Africa, Canada, and the United States. From immersive destination experiences to innovative accessibility programs, the films captured creativity, purpose, and real-world impact.
Fourteen finalists were selected by a team of screeners and reviewed by a distinguished jury of experts in film, design, and accessibility:
- Jule Sisk, Founder, The American Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival
- Josh Loebner, Global Head of Inclusive Design, VML
- Taylor Miller, Founder, Slamdance Film Festival
- Monika Skerbelis, Director, Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at Cannes
- Jennifer Casey, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Gray Television
“Communication about accessibility to create empathy is all about storytelling, and these are examples of excellent storytelling that create empathy, understanding, and connection, taking mindsets from awareness to action,” said TravelAbility Founder and CEO Jake Steinman.
Throughout the Summit, all finalist films were shared between major sessions, giving attendees the chance to experience these stories firsthand. Participants noted that interspersing the films throughout sessions grounded the importance of accessibility in real, lived experiences, creating moments of reflection, inspiration, and motivation. The festival concluded with a celebration of all films and an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 14, honoring the most impactful stories from around the world.
2025 TravelAbility Film Festival Winners
Grand Prize Winner
- GLP Films & The Oregon Coast Visitor Association — Accessible, Inclusive Travel on the Oregon Coast
Attractions Category
- 1st Place — Ximuwu: The First Truly Accessible Safari Lodge
- 2nd Place — WetWheels: Barrier-Free Boating for Everyone
- 3rd Place — KultureCity: It’s More Than Just A Bag
Content Creators Category
- 1st Place — Traveleyes: Share the Adventure
- 2nd Place — Downs and Towns: THIS is Yuma
- 3rd place — Vineet Victor: Overcoming Barriers: India and Beyond
Destination Category
- 1st Place — Travel Alberta: Alberta Adapts
- 2nd Place — VML and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development: Sound Sites
- 3rd Place — AMLA: Under the Sun, Moon, & Stars: Accessible North Alabama with Wonders Within Reach
Houston Vandergriff Named Official Photographer for the 2025 TravelAbility Summit
We’re thrilled to announce that Houston Vandergriff of Downs and Towns has been named the official photographer for the 2025 TravelAbility Summit.
Houston is an award-winning photographer, advocate, traveler, and artist — a talented young man who also happens to have Down syndrome. He has a long history with TravelAbility, from supporting the movement early on, to speaking at the Summit, and joining the advisory board. This next step feels like a natural extension of a partnership built on shared vision and creativity.
Houston has traveled far and wide, capturing the beauty of the world through his lens. We’re excited to see the 2025 Summit through Houston’s eyes.
Live Nation and KultureCity Partner to Create Sensory Accessible Concerts
The largest sensory accessibility partnership ever brings inclusion to live entertainment.
Live Nation is proud to announce a collaboration with KultureCity to certify 25 Live Nation-operated venues across the U.S. and Canada as Sensory Inclusive™, setting a new standard for hospitality and accessibility in live entertainment.
Each venue in the partnership has received KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive™ Certification, which includes:
- Sensory Training: Crew members are trained to recognize and support the needs of fans who may think or process things differently.
- Sensory Bags: Reusable bags filled with items to reduce sensory overload and enhance comfort for fans of all ages.
- Venue Signage: Clear indicators for quiet zones, sensory bag pickup locations, and other helpful guidance.
- KultureCity App Integration: Allows individuals to find certified venues and prepare ahead of events.
Fans can look out for signage directing them to sensory bags, headphone zones, and designated quiet areas. These resources are available at no cost for individuals or families who may need them during their visit. Live Nation crew have dedicated team members focused on accessibility and inclusion, ensuring fans receive the support they need throughout their experience.
“We’re committed to making sure fans feel welcome at our venues and we’re extremely proud of this certification,” said Karl Adams, Head of Venue Operations for Live Nation.
Thanks to our partnership with KultureCity, our venues are taking a new approach to hospitality and improving fan experience.”
Certified venues include Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront (Richmond, VA) and MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre (Tampa, FL).
With an eye to the future, Live Nation will certify an additional nine indoor venues this Fall.
Calling All Filmmakers: TravelAbility Launches Inaugural Film Festival Showcasing the Future of Accessible Travel Storytelling
TravelAbility is proud to announce the launch of its First Annual TravelAbility Film Festival, a dynamic new showcase celebrating excellence in accessible travel video storytelling.
Premiering at the 2025 TravelAbility Summit (October 13–15 at Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon), the festival will spotlight short videos that explore accessibility with originality, purpose, and impact. From lived experiences to destination campaigns, the Film Festival honors the creators, brands, and advocates who are reshaping how accessible travel is seen and shared.
Accessibility is not just a trend; it’s a critical aspect of how travel is evolving. Accessible storytelling is already happening across platforms, from destination marketing videos and social media reels to firsthand accounts of travelers with disabilities. However, until now, there hasn’t been a central place to honor these creators and the work they’re doing. The TravelAbility Film Festival fills that void, bringing together creators who are reshaping the narrative surrounding accessible travel.”
travelandtourworld.com
Submit Your Entry Today
Submissions are now open in three categories:
• Destination Marketing Organizations
• Attractions, Hotels & Restaurants
• Content Creators & Influencers
Each entry must be submitted as an MP4 video no longer than 5 minutes, with participants limited to one category per submission.
Submissions will be accepted through August 15, 2025, or until the limit of 75 entries is reached.
View the full guidelines and submit your entry below!
Finalist videos will be screened live during a special session at the TravelAbility Summit in front of travel professionals, destination marketers, and accessibility leaders. A diverse jury comprised of filmmakers, disabled travelers, and inclusive marketing experts will evaluate submissions. The top three videos in each category will be recognized, and one standout will be awarded Best in Festival.
Our goal with this festival is to amplify the voices and visual storytelling of those leading the way in accessible travel. We’re excited to honor creativity, inclusivity, and innovation in ways that inspire the entire travel industry.”
Jake Steinman, Founder of TravelAbility.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
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