The Arts

Houston Vandergriff Named Official Photographer for the 2025 TravelAbility Summit

September 8, 2025 by lkarl

A smiling man with glasses wearing an orange jacket holds a black camera while standing on a city street. Behind him is a blurred urban scene with historic brick buildings, parked cars, and a typical downtown streetscape.

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

July 30, 2025 by lkarl

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

July 30, 2025 by lkarl

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!

Learn More

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.

TravelAbility Backs Slamdance’s Boldest Move Yet: Unstoppable Goes Mobile

July 3, 2025 by lkarl

Poster for the Unstoppable Summer Tour featuring a turquoise background and a hand wrapped around a red eyeball.

TravelAbility partners with Slamdance to sponsor Unstoppable: On the Road – a summer film series programmed exclusively by artists with visible and non-visible disabilities. The tour, happening in arthouse cinemas in seven cities across the US, kicked off on June 10^th in Salt Lake City and moved onto Santa Ana on June 19^th at the Frida Cinema. Here’s the remaining schedule:

July 6 – Seattle, SIFF Cinemas

July 8 – Chicago, Music Box Theater

July 19-20 – Milwaukee, Milwaukee Film

July 29 – New York City, Marlene Myerson JCC

August 1-3 – Miami, O-Cinema

Launched in 2020, Slamdance Unstoppable is a showcase of films made by filmmakers with visible and non-visible disabilities and aims to eliminate the prejudices and gatekeeping that have historically kept disabled filmmakers from being represented in the entertainment industry. Slamdance Unstoppable: On the Road will bring the section’s vital programming to a national tour that aims to elevate disabled artists, connect with audiences, and expand opportunities for authentic storytelling in independent film.

The Slamdance Unstoppable: On the Road lineup was programmed from major festivals, including Slamdance, Sundance, ReelAbilities, Superfest, and Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. Each venue has curated a unique selection from the Slamdance Unstoppable programming, ranging from single-night screenings featuring a short and feature pairing to full three-day showcases. Slamdance has partnered with accessible venues for the tour and prioritized venues that provide ASL interpretation, captions, audio descriptions, and other accommodations. The tour will also feature in-person Q&As with local filmmakers and discussions at key locations. Slamdance will be providing travel and accommodation for filmmakers to be able to attend the events in person.

TravelAbility is delighted to partner with Slamdance on this breakthrough tour through promoting it within the accessible travel community and amplifying its reach.

Taylor Miller, Festival Director, shares

“Our ‘Unstoppable On The Road’ tour is all about breaking down barriers and bringing vital, disability-led stories to communities everywhere. Partnering with Travelability is absolutely essential to this mission. Their expertise ensures that these powerful films and the talented filmmakers behind them can truly reach and connect with diverse audiences, creating a more inclusive and accessible world, one screening at a time.”

For more information about Unstoppable: On the Road please visit their web-site.

News from the TravelAbility Community

April 30, 2025 by Eliana Satkin

Wheel the World & Travel Michigan | Grand Rapids Gains “Destination Verified” Status for Accessible Travel

Lynn Osmond Joins Wheel the World and TravelAbility to Champion Accessible Travel Nationwide

Cannes Film Festival & Visit California: The American Pavilion to Launch Inaugural “California Day”

EnChroma | EnChroma Glasses Come To Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival For Color Blind Visitors

Visit Florida | Survey Reveals: Top Winter Destinations and Travel Trends for Seniors in 2025

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program & Autism Doublechecked | 4 Qualifying Questions Travel Advisors Should Ask Clients with Autism

MMGY, Open Doors Organization | The State of Accessible Travel

Blind Travels | What if You Could Touch a Sunset?

The Arts

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