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The Intersection of Travel and Disability

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New Wheel the World verifications, accessibility awards, and TravelAbility partners highlighted as they lead the way in welcoming through accessibility

The Future of Inclusive Travel Takes Center Stage at TravelAbility Summit 2025

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The 2025 TravelAbility Summit in Sunriver, Oregon, marked a true turning point for inclusive travel through record attendance, powerful storytelling, and partnerships that prove accessibility is shaping the future of tourism.

Nearly 200 industry leaders, from DMOs and hotels to tech innovators and disability advocates, came together under the theme “The Future of Inclusive Travel.” Ideas flowed, connections sparked, and the message was clear: accessibility is the heart of good hospitality.

“One of the most gratifying things to me is that the conference has added a moral dimension to the travel industry, creating purpose in attendees as they learn how to make a real difference in the world,” said Jake Steinman, Founder and CEO of TravelAbility. “This is what drives change. The next step is leadership buy-in, and the Longwoods study we presented gives the data to back the purpose. By partnering with AARP, we’re bridging today’s disability travel with tomorrow’s aging market.”

New This Year: Film Fest, Influencer Project, and More

This year’s Summit unveiled a series of firsts designed to keep accessibility at the forefront of tourism growth:

  • The TravelAbility Film Fest premiered during the event, celebrating powerful, real-world storytelling that builds empathy and understanding through the lens of accessible travel.
  • The Influencer Project paired destinations with disability creators to tell authentic accessibility stories and reach new audiences hungry for representation.

Partnerships in Action

This wasn’t a summit centered on talking, we were serious about doing.

Destinations took big steps – from partnering with Wheel the World to commit to accessibility verification and transparency, to moving forward with the Accessibility Playbook or connecting with innovators to transform spaces.

“This community is ENGAGED, we’re PASSIONATE, and we have a SOLID PLAN,” said Robert Harris, Manager of Global Accessibility at Royal Caribbean Group. “I came away with so much energy and so many ideas—now, to put them to work in a sequential, developmental, and sustainable way.”

Panels featuring disabled travelers grounded the discussions in lived experience, turning data into empathy and empathy into strategy.

Looking Ahead

As we wrap a record-breaking year, TravelAbility’s mission is clearer than ever: to educate, empower, and connect the industry so every traveler feels welcome.

Next year, we’ll take the momentum to Tampa, Florida, on November 9-11th, 2026 where we’ll continue helping host cities become models of accessibility.

“Our goal is to help future host cities become examples of what’s possible,” said Steinman. “We’ll help them implement plug-and-play innovations to create destinations truly worth celebrating.”

TravelAbility Announces 2025 Accessibility Superstars: The Architects of Inclusive Culture

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Only a select few have been named as TravelAbility’s Accessibility Superstars. These industry leaders have gone beyond tireless advocacy to complete cultural overhauls. Their efforts have not only transformed policies, practices, and mindsets, but have also inspired global movement towards equitable travel experiences. They have laid a new foundation for an accessible future.

Toni Bastian: Transforming Richmond’s Tourism Landscape

Toni Bastian with dark brown hair smiling at the camera

Toni Bastian from Visit Richmond has transformed accessibility from a checklist into a mindset. Under her leadership, Richmond’s tourism culture now embraces accessibility as a core value—from frontline hospitality to strategic planning. Toni’s efforts have enabled local businesses to see accessibility not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to welcome all travelers with dignity and warmth.

Superstar Initiatives:

  • Accessible RVA Strategic Plan: A comprehensive plan that integrates accessibility into Richmond’s tourism strategy, ensuring that all visitors have a seamless experience.
  • Accessible RVA Champions: A program that trains local businesses to become more accessible, fostering a community-wide culture of understanding and respect.
  • Disability Inclusiveness Training: Workshops designed to educate frontline staff about disability etiquette, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Sasha Blair-Goldensohn: Pioneering Accessible Navigation at Google

Sasha wearing a light blue shirt and gray pants poses in his wheelchair in a NY Subway station

Sasha Blair-Goldensohn from Google Maps has redefined what it means to build for everyone. His advocacy has sparked systemic change within Google, embedding accessibility into product development, UX design, and global mapping standards. Sasha’s lived experience and relentless drive have helped cultivate a culture where accessibility has been a model for innovation. In addition to mapping accessibility, he’s actively advocating for building accessibility as the voice behind NYC’s commitment to an accessible Metro system.

Superstar Initiatives:

  • Wheelchair-Accessible Transit Routes: Because of Sasha, Google Maps offers wheelchair-accessible transit routes in over 20 cities, in addition to widespread accessible walking route options, helping users navigate public transportation with ease.
  • Accessibility Icons: Through Sasha, Google Maps added icons indicating which establishments are wheelchair accessible, providing users with essential information at a glance. These icons have been expanded to include accessibility details for all canvassed locations.
  • Detailed Voice Guidance: Launched enhanced walking directions for individuals with low or no vision, improving navigation in unfamiliar areas.
  • Crowdsourced Accessibility Information: Thanks to Sasha’s efforts, Google Maps now provides crowdsourced accessibility information for more than 50 million places, empowering users to make informed decisions about their travel destinations.

Tami Reist: Championing Accessibility in North Alabama

Tami Reist smiling with long blond hair

Tami Reist from North Alabama Mountains and Lakes has championed accessibility across rural tourism with unmatched zeal and creativity. She’s cultivated a regional culture where accessibility is a celebrated value. From training local partners to spotlighting accessible trails and attractions, Tami’s leadership ensures that accessibility is not just an afterthought—it’s proudly visible in every visitor experience.

Superstar Initiatives:

  • Accessibility Handheld Guide: Published a print guide on accessible adventures, covering multiple disabilities and including sample itineraries.
  • Destination Verified Status: The region earned “Destination Verified” status for accessible travel, marking a significant step forward in inclusive tourism.
  • All-Terrain Mobility Device Donation: Through a TVA grant, Tami’s team purchased a state-of-the-art all-terrain hopper and donated it to Joe Wheeler State Park, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to explore rugged trails and scenic landscapes more freely.
  • Inclusive Marketing: Launched a new accessibility website alongside hosting disability content creators and sharing multimedia itineraries.

Honoring the Architects of Inclusive Culture

Toni, Sasha, and Tami exemplify the essence of leadership in the realm of accessible tourism. Their unwavering dedication to creating inclusive environments has not only transformed their respective regions but has also set a global standard for what it means to be truly accessible. As we celebrate their achievements, we are reminded that true accessibility is not merely about removing physical barriers but about fostering a culture of inclusion, empathy, and respect.

To Toni, Sasha, and Tami—thank you for showing us that true accessibility is not just what we build, but how we lead. You are the architects of inclusive culture and we honor you as TravelAbility Superstars.

Around the Web November 2025

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AI leading the charge for inclusion and other surprising news and inspiration. Dive in Below!

Coopetition: TravelAbility’s New Word for Driving Change

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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.
  • 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.

Don’t be intimidated – be inspired! How will you add to the Coopetition?