TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Travel Industry People

Travel Michigan’s Dave Lorenz Wins National Award as State Travel Director

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Dave Lorenz, State Tourism Director of the Year,. speaking at a podium at ESTO. (Photo Credit: U.S. Travel Association)

Travel Michigan’s Dave Lorenz has been named the State Travel Director of the year for 2023 by U.S. Travel’s National Council of State Tourism Directors If the Council had a Triple Crown Award, Dave would probably win that too. Not only has he revitalized the state’s tourism industry (and he has the stats to prove it), he has also played a leading role in accessibility and sustainability. Under Dave’s Leadership, Travel Michigan invested in developing a website promoting accessible travel options in the state, and recently launched a grant program to encourage local destinations to improve accessibility for disabled travelers. And in his spare time he has championed sustainability by promoting the expansion of electric vehicles throughout the state. 

“Dave was the first travel director in the country to recognize the potential for accessible travel,” commented Jake Steinman, founder of TravelAbility. “And through his leadership, Michigan was the first state to provide matching coop marketing to DMO’s for accessibility assessments. A true visionary.” Read more.

Our Takeaway:  The Council could not have chosen a more deserving recipient of the award than Dave Lorenz. We’re proud to claim Dave as a member of TravelAbility’s Advisory Board for the past five years. He puts into action our core principles of accessibility leadership and innovative marketing.

Scenes from the Summit

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30 Attendees from th etate of Oregon pose for a group shot
Oregon wins the award for most attendees at the Summit! Go Team!
Mike May of APH with his guide dog speaks with one of th eSummit attendees
Mike May and a Summit attendee chat during the break
Cory Lee in a power wheelchari chats with Craig Kennedy in a wheelchairfrom Open Doors organization
Social Media Influencer Cory Lee chats with Craig Kennedy from Open Doors
Taylor Aguilar wearing large sunglasses adn carrying a white cane poses with Houston Vandergriff
Documentary Filmmaker and TravelAbility Fellow Taylor Aguilar and Summit photographer/influencer Houston Vandergriff
John Sage in a wheelchair and wearing a white shirt chats with Shira Stanfield sitting in a wheelchair
John Sage of Accessible Travel Solutions and Shira Standfield from Parks Canada chat during a break in the sessions

Utilizing Influencers to Market Your Destination’s Accessibility

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photo ofTravel Influencer panel at the Emerging Markets Summit Kristy Durso in a wheelchair wearign red dress adn cowboy boots, Cory Lee in his power wheelchair wearing khaki pants adn a green shirt, Chelsea Bear on her scooter wearing a floral printed shirt, Jennifer Allen sitting in a chair wearing a white sweater and floral print jumpsuit, Houston Vandergriff wearing brown pants and a white shirt

(L-R): Kristy Durso, Incredible Memories; Cory Lee, Curb Free with Cory Lee; Chelsea Bear, The Real Chelsea Bear, Jennifer Allen, Wonders within Reach; Houston Vandergriff, Downs and Towns.

By Jennifer Allen

Disability travel influencers are changing the face of inclusion in travel. They offer destinations a unique opportunity to simultaneously promote and improve inclusion. Four influencers of diverse backgrounds came together at the 2023 Travelability Summit to share insights on how a DMO can partner with influencers for growth and change.

Jennifer Allen, of Wonders Within Reach shared “First, it’s a celebration of an accessible destination. I love to share places that families like mine can do with minimal obstacles. That’s worth sharing. Second, I create content for better representation and inclusion. We’re naturally drawn to places that reflect who we are – and a place that showcases wheelchair users shows me that it’s a place I can visit! So we create media for the destination’s content as well as for our own page. Third, we love to help improve inclusion as we go. A lot of destinations aren’t sure how accessible they are or are not, so we give feedback as we go, so that the destination can improve. We use a combination of things from video to photos to blog posts and articles.”

These strategies were consistent across panelists, showing the trifecta of change initiated by partnering with disability travel influencers – in addition to creating DMO marketing materials, they bring their own audience to the mix and offer constructive feedback to improve the visitor experience for all.

Cory Lee Woodard – Founder of Curb Free Cory Lee – Wheelchair Travel

Since starting his disability travel blog ten years ago, Cory Lee has visited every continent and built an impressive platform of information for wheelchair travelers. He is often the go-to for wheelchair travel information, because of his vast experiences. Facebook is his most engaged platform, with 65k followers. He has similarly high numbers on Instagram.

His favorite DMO partnerships are when he’s offered unique experiences, like adaptive skiing and rock wall climbing. It’s great to be able to experience, and showcase, a world of travel that goes beyond the standard museums and tourist attractions.

Cory has an organized pricing structure, starting at $1,000 a day, that makes it easy for DMOs to assemble a partnership.

Chelsea Bear – Content Creator behind Real Chelsea Bear – Scooter Travel

While Chelsea may seem newer to the scene of content creation,she grew her social media from 1K to 315K+ followers organically in just two years Chelsea. She has built a large following through sharing life through the lens of Cerebral Palsy, and she recently hit 100k subscribers on YouTube. More recently, she has begun utilizing that platform to share accessible travel adventures. She brings that same perspective to the travel industry, highlighting accessibility and improving inclusion through representation.

What she appreciates most from DMO’s is when they’re open to feedback when it comes to accessibility. “I never expect anywhere to be fully 100% accessible, but the most important thing to me is when the people are willing to listen and make changes. For example, I went to a restaurant once that didn’t have a ramp at the front so instead I had to go into the building through a backdoor that was completely out of the way. The owner took my feedback and worked with the city to get approval to add a ramp along the curb to create an easier access point for people who use wheelchairs. I think it makes such a difference!”

Her travel content follows the theme of her lifestyle content – sharing genuine and authentic content that creates a comfortable space for productive conversations.

Chelsea’s costs vary, since she works with each destination to create a customized approach based on the DMOs current marketing needs. She’s typically willing to work with different DMO’s and squeeze in as much as she can for their allotted budget, but it really depends overall.

Houston Vandergriff – Founder of Downs and Towns – Intellectual Disabilities Travel

Houston’s specialty is top notch photography. He’s traveled to 29 countries, 49 states, and all 95 Tennessee counties. His biggest platform is TikTok, with over 417k followers, and more than 7 million likes. He travels with his mom, Katie, and they’ve had front row seats to the changing attitudes of disability inclusion in the travel world. 

They’re favorite part of working with DMOs is contributing to the growing awareness for people with disabilities. They spoke about the importance of awareness in changing attitudes. Katie expressed that, “Showing a diverse range of travelers lets everyone be able to imagine themselves able to do the same thing. It’s empowering on an entirely different level.”  

When asked about their price scale, Houston’s mom, Katie, responded, “We’ll travel for food, and our bags are always packed!” They’re an incredible team, always up for an adventure.

Jennifer Allen – Founder of Wonders Within Reach – Caregiver and Family Travel

When Jennifer received the diagnosis that her son would never walk, she envisioned herself spending the rest of his life trapped in their playroom. She had no idea that they could live life to the fullest with a wheelchair, because she had never seen someone else doing it. As she began to rediscover the world with a wheelchair user, she began to share the experience so that other parents wouldn’t have to learn the hard way. She built her audience through connecting with other parents who are trying to figure out how to get back to exploring and has an audience of 20k between Instagram and returning blog readers. 

Jennifer enjoys featuring the family fun side of accessible destinations, from trails and outdoor activities, to children’s museums and theme parks.

Jennifer’s prices are as diverse as her packages, since she does a combination of photography, video, UGC, content creation, and writing. Single posts for attractions start at $175.

An influencer campaign is a great marketing opportunity, since they offer a package deal of model/photographer/videographer, and sometimes writer, for one price. Influencers also  automatically extend the reach of a destination’s audience through their own connections within the disability community. All four influencers agreed that their favorite partnerships were with DMOs who showed a genuine interest in inclusion. Cory Lee even had an experience when he was asked to present his findings to the destinations leaders after his trip. They would all love to see this become a normal part of collaborations, because that’s where change comes from.

The Problem: Reaching the disability community with marketing efforts and representing diversity.

The Solution: Working with disability influencers to improve accessibility and spread the word.

Cory Lee:

Chelsea Bear:

Houston Vandergriff:

Jennifer Allen

  • Family travel (caregiver)
  • Over 12k IG followers and wide blog readership
  • Varied pricing by package, starting in low $100’s
  • jennifer@wonderswithinreach.com 

Accessibility Superstars Recognized by TravelAbility

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By Jennifer Allen

In a landmark initiative that resonates with the ethos of inclusivity and progress, Travelability proudly presents the first-ever Accessibility Superstars Awards. These awards shine a spotlight on individuals whose resolute dedication and visionary leadership have transformed the travel industry into a more accessible and welcoming realm. This distinguished group of accessibility superstars comprises trailblazers who have not only redefined standards but have also ignited a movement toward a world where every traveler, regardless of ability, can embark on enriching journeys without hindrance. In this inaugural edition, we honor remarkable individuals whose commitment to accessibility and inclusion has propelled the industry forward.In the dynamic landscape of travel and tourism, a group of remarkable individuals have been shining beacons, championing the cause of accessibility and inclusion. Their relentless efforts have not only transformed the way the industry perceives accessibility but have also set new standards that inspire us all. In this spotlight, we honor the superstars of accessibility whose dedication is driving us toward a more inclusive world of travel. As we congratulate our winners, let’s learn from their initiatives.

(Photos by Houston Vandergriff)

Jake Steinman congratulates Visit Orlando’s Danielle Hollander on being named an Accessibility SuperStar.

In a landmark initiative that resonates with the ethos of inclusivity and progress, Travelability proudly presents the first-ever Accessibility Superstars Awards. These awards shine a spotlight on individuals whose resolute dedication and visionary leadership have transformed the travel industry into a more accessible and welcoming realm. This distinguished group of accessibility superstars comprises trailblazers who have not only redefined standards but have also ignited a movement toward a world where every traveler, regardless of ability, can embark on enriching journeys without hindrance. In this inaugural edition, we honor remarkable individuals whose commitment to accessibility and inclusion has propelled the industry forward.In the dynamic landscape of travel and tourism, a group of remarkable individuals have been shining beacons, championing the cause of accessibility and inclusion. Their relentless efforts have not only transformed the way the industry perceives accessibility but have also set new standards that inspire us all. In this spotlight, we honor the superstars of accessibility whose dedication is driving us toward a more inclusive world of travel. As we congratulate our winners, let’s learn from their initiatives.

Orlando readily springs to mind as an exceptionally welcoming destination for numerous disabled travelers, and this recognition is well-deserved. The renowned attractions of the city have been thoughtfully made accessible to all, with a dedication that transcends mere compliance. A comprehensive and empathetic approach, aligned with the diverse needs of travelers, has been the cornerstone of these efforts. Projects initiated by Visit Orlando have brought sensory-friendly experiences to theme parks, empowered hospitality staff through disability-focused training programs, and seamlessly integrated accessibility information into marketing materials. These remarkable initiatives have collectively established Orlando as a destination that embraces visitors of all abilities.

New York City Tourism and Conventions:  Makiko Matsuda Healy, Senior Vice President, Tourism Market Development at New York City Tourism + Conventions

Photo of Makiko Matsuda Healy wearing a yellow dress and Jake Steinman wearing a blue sweater and open colored shirt. He is presentign her with an award that is crystal with a blue star.

New York City’s travel landscape is transforming in a way that resonates with travelers of all abilities. This transformation isn’t just a result of individual effort, but also a reflection of the destination’s commitment to collaboration with disability creators and consultants. The visionary direction set by NYC & Company has manifested in an array of initiatives. From introducing accessible transportation options to crafting informative guides for accessible attractions, and engaging in meaningful partnerships with businesses to bolster their accessibility offerings, the city has truly become an embodiment of inclusive travel experiences.

New York has has also invited someone with a disability who can contribute lived experiences to the accessibility initiatives on their board; to work with a disability consultant; to set a plan in place to keep you accountable as you go; and to always be open to learning along the way.

Open Doors Organization, Craig Kennedy,  Program Director  (accepting for Eric Lipp, Founder)

Craig Kennedy sitting in a wheelchair wearing a plaid shirt accepts an award from Jake Steinman wearing a lightblue sweater and open collared shirt

Eric Lipp, the visionary mind behind Open Doors Organization, has dedicated his life to creating a more accessible world. His organization, which he founded after a personal experience with mobility challenges, has been reshaping the world for travelers with disabilities. Lipp’s unwavering positivity and passion to foster awareness, education, and collaboration is evidenced through Open Doors Organization and has transformed the way businesses and airlines approach accessibility. 

Open Doors organization’s groundbreaking Disability Travel Survey, conducted since 2002 with the Harris Poll,  and training programs have equipped countless professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to offer a more accessible experience. Open Doors is bridging gaps between travelers with disabilities and the travel industry, making them a true accessibility superstar.

Visit Mesa.  Alison Brooks, Director of Destination Experience and Advocacy

Photo o fJake Steinman in blue sweater and Aliosonon Brooks wearing a black floral print dress and holding a crystal award

Visit Mesa has channeled substantial effort into making the city a shining example of inclusive hospitality. Through strategic planning and collaborative endeavors, the destination has established itself as a role model for other locales aspiring to elevate their accessibility offerings. Under Visit Mesa’s guidance, the destination has been the first to join  hands with a range of forward-thinking companies featured by Travelability, including Aira, which provide visual interpreters for blind visitors, the pioneering Sunflower program, Wheel the World, AbleVU, Threshold 360 for know-before-you-go videos and, their most ambitious initiative: becoming the nations first Autism Certified Destination, with over 5000 individuals and 60 businesses being certified by IBCCES. 

Brooks shared how her own lack of awareness shaped her dedication to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and welcome. Her main advice to other destinations is to “just do it.” There is a lot of work to be done, and you’ll never be perfect, but the most important step is the first one.

Visit Lauderdale, Ivonne Macmillan, (Accepting for Stacy Ritter)

Visit Lauderdale, a leader in advocacy for accessibility and inclusion through its “Everyone Under the Sun” campaign, has taken significant strides to ensure an inclusive travel experience. Their dedicated landing page for visitors with special needs offers a curated list of accessible accommodations, attractions, theaters, beaches, and transportation providers, reflecting a commitment to inclusion. During Autism Awareness Month, Visit Lauderdale introduces tailored options for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), facilitating their exploration of Greater Fort Lauderdale. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport’s Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program discreetly offers assistance to those with visible and invisible disabilities. Moreover, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents a Sensory-Inclusive Season, featuring adjusted shows for individuals with sensitivity issues or developmental disabilities.  Additionally, they have adopted Aira to help blind visitors navigate the Lauderdale experience as well as Wheel the World  to provide accurate assessments of hotels and attractions and became a sponsor of the the Deaf Seniors Convention held this year in their destination. This comprehensive approach underscores Visit Lauderdale’s dedication to creating an inclusive travel environment for everyone.

These accessibility superstars have elevated the travel industry’s commitment to inclusion. Their passion, innovation, and unyielding determination to eliminate barriers have set new benchmarks for others to follow. As we celebrate their achievements, may we be inspired to embark on our own journeys toward a more inclusive world.

It’s a S**t Show: Disabled Travelers Share their Worst Memory

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photo of panelists at Emerging Markets Summit including Toby Willis, Dan Tobin, Houston Vandergriff and Becky Large

By Jennifer Allen

There’s nothing more powerful than learning from mistakes. Four disabled travelers took the stage at the Travelability Summit to share their worst experiences, and what the travel industry can learn from them. Here’s who shared, and what we can take away from their experiences.

Cory Lee, Founder, Curb Free with Cory Lee

Cory Lee is arguably the biggest name in disability travel. As a travel blogger, adventurer, and full-time wheelchair user who has visited all seven continents, you can bet that he has some stories to tell. Through his blog and social media platforms, he provides valuable insights into various destinations, offering advice on accessible attractions, accommodations, transportation, and more.

Cory was traveling for his work with his blog when he was given an “accessible” room that had a twelve inch step to enter. When he called to arrange for a new room, he was told that he could figure something out. It ended up being an ordeal to move to a different hotel that had a room that was meant for his power chair.

The big takeaway here has little to do with physical accommodations and everything to do with disability awareness and attitudes. The person on the other end of the phone couldn’t get their mind around the fact that he couldn’t just hop his heavy chair up a large step. We train people to ask questions, which is a great starting place, but they also need to accept the answers as what they are.

Toby Willis, Sr. Product Manager, Expedia

Toby Willis is currently building an inclusive travel product strategy and vision for the Expedia Group Marketplace division. The goal is to help travelers from marginalized backgrounds feel safe, welcome and understood. Accessible travel is at the heart of this effort. He is also a founder and current President of the Ability Inclusion Movement, which is the first Expedia employee resource group to give voice and representation to Disabled employees with a diverse range of accessibility requirements. 

As a frequent traveler with vision loss, Toby has had his share of rough experiences. The one that sticks out most in his memory was when he was denied entrance to a hotel because of his service dog… repeatedly. At the end of a long travel day, the last thing you want to do is try to find a hotel that will accept you. On his third try, a hotel clearly labeled as “pet-friendly” let him in.

Similar to the way we educate people that a wheelchair is a mobility impaired person’s legs, a service dog is a part of the body for someone with vision loss. The dog cannot simply be left behind any more than a part of the body could be stashed in the coat room. The dog is not a pet, it is an essential.

Dan Tobin – Traveler with Parkinsons

Dan Tobin is a versatile writer and editor with deep experience in journalism, educational publishing, and nonprofit communication. He’s also a frequent traveler who has Parkinsons.

Dan’s travel nightmare was a fall in a hotel shower. The shower didn’t have a mat or tread strips and as soon as he stepped in, he wiped out. He was unable to move for a while, but eventually forced himself up because he knew his daughter was on her way to the hotel, and he didn’t want her to find him that way.

Dan’s story is a great example of how little differences go a long way in accessibility. A bath mat or shower strips aren’t a big financial investment, but they make a big difference in safety.

Houston Vandergriff, Founder, Downs and Towns

Houston Vandergriff is a travel photographer based in Knoxville, Tennessee.  He has traveled far and wide with the simple vision of making the world a better place through inspiring others to live life to the fullest and to live life with compassion.

Houston, and his mom, Katie, have been to 26 countries and 49 states and have experienced a changing world as accessibility and inclusion have become more mainstream. Their worst story was from a flight with family, when a cousin’s son who has autism and Down syndrome got sick on a plane. No one helped. They cleaned everything themselves, without even a flight attendant offering so much as a napkin. And after they got everything cleaned up she accidentally left her bag with all their clothes on the plane and they wouldn’t let her go back. The experience spoke to the attitudes and lack of awareness of both the crew and passengers. 

Thankfully, their next hardest travel moment was redeemable. They left the camera… with all of the trip pictures… on a train in Italy. They cried and tried to move on. Incredibly, the police department called and everything had been handed in, unharmed. The police officer’s daughter happened to know Houston from Instagram, and reached out to them after the fact to make the connection. This became another example for them of how the attitude towards people with special needs is becoming more open. There’s an awareness that they didn’t see before, and it makes all the difference.

The main thread that all four travelers kept coming back to was the need for training. They all agreed that was the number one way for destinations to improve. Patience, kindness, and understanding go further than any other accessibility initiative.

The Problem: Travel can be a nightmare for disabled travelers

Solution: Enhancing Accessibility and Attitudes in Travel Experiences

  • Prioritize disability awareness training for travel industry personnel to bridge gaps in understanding.
  • Educate staff about the diverse nature of disabilities and encourage open communication with travelers.
  • Emphasize that service animals are essential to individuals with disabilities, not merely pets.
  • Invest in simple safety measures like bath mats and tread strips in showers to prevent accidents.
  • Implement clear guidelines for handling emergencies involving disabled passengers, ensuring timely assistance.
  • Foster an inclusive and compassionate environment through training, promoting patience and understanding.
  • Recognize the importance of service animals as extensions of the disabled traveler and vital companions.
  • Promote awareness of accessibility requirements for individuals with Parkinson’s and other mobility challenges.
  • Encourage the adoption of accessibility initiatives beyond compliance to ensure the comfort and safety of disabled travelers.
  • Develop standardized protocols for handling incidents involving disabled travelers, ensuring prompt and respectful assistance.
  • Elevate the role of training in transforming attitudes towards disabled travelers, fostering empathy and inclusivity.