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The Intersection of Travel and Disability

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News from the TravelAbility Community

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MMGY, Open Doors Organization | The State of Accessible Travel

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Blind Travels | What if You Could Touch a Sunset?

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TravelAbility Celebrates the 35th Anniversary of the ADA with a Powerful Lineup of 2025 Events

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"TravelAbility CelebratingADA35"

In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), TravelAbility is launching a powerful yearlong lineup of events and programs designed to educate and inform travel industry professionals, spark innovation, and create more inclusive experiences for travelers with all abilities. From data-driven insights to inspiring showcases and strategic collaborations, 2025 will mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of accessible travel.

“The 35th anniversary of the ADA is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come – and how much opportunity there is to design travel experiences that welcome all kinds of travelers,” said Jake Steinman, Founder of TravelAbility. “This yearlong initiative was created to give industry professionals the tools and insights they need to make accessibility a core part of their business strategy. When destinations and businesses are informed, they often discover that accommodating travelers with disabilities is simpler than they expected, and that it can lead to increased visitation and loyalty.”

2025 ADA Anniversary Programming at a Glance

To mark the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, TravelAbility is launching a powerful lineup of initiatives designed to educate, engage, and equip the travel industry to better serve travelers with disabilities. From research and resources to workshops and innovation showcases, here’s what’s ahead:

June: Rethinking Accessibility – It’s Not What You CAN’T Do…It’s What You CAN Do!

This DAC (Destination A11y Club) member-exclusive initiative kicks off with a nationwide survey to uncover and highlight accessibility features, services, and amenities across destination networks. The results will shine a spotlight on what’s working and inspire new best practices across the industry.

The cover of the Accessibility Playbook featuring a blind person sitting down on a outdoor bench with a white cane. A yellow ang green banner is at the top with the book title. Below are the logos for Travelability and Destination International along with various disability icons.

July: ADA-Themed Accessibility Playbook (2025/2026 Edition)

In collaboration with Destinations International, TravelAbility will release a special edition of its Accessibility Playbook. This guide will include a historical look at the ADA, inclusive marketing case studies, emerging accessibility trends, and practical strategies to help tourism professionals create more welcoming experiences.

the TravelAbility logo, a simple text logo with a blue, yello, and green triangle in place of the A. Below is the word "presents" followed by the INNOVATEable logo, a simple text logo with the "innovate" part in green and the "able" part in black.

July 25: InnovateAble Showcase (Virtual)

Back for its 7th year, this fast-paced, shark tank-style event features trailblazing assistive technologies and breakthrough solutions for inclusive travel. From AI-driven tools to adaptive adventure gear, the InnovateAble Showcase offers a glimpse into the future of accessibility. Open to the public via Zoom.

USAE News logo in white on a blue background. the words "The premier Weekly News Source for Associations, Hotels, and CVB's.

August: “M.I.C.E. and Accessibility” Study Released in Partnership with USAE News

This groundbreaking study explores the accessibility needs of the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (M.I.C.E.) sector. The findings will offer valuable insights for planners, venues, and hospitality professionals to enhance inclusion in events of all sizes. This effort is part of a TravelAbility initiative to build a business case for inclusion.

The longwoods international logo on a blue background. Simple logo in white text with the first "O" replaced by a globe.

September: Longwoods International Study on Disabled Travelers

The most comprehensive study of its kind to date, this national survey captures insights from over 53,000 U.S. travelers – including those who travel with companions requiring accommodations. Initial research findings will assist destinations and businesses in comprehending the scope and implications of this rapidly expanding travel segment. This effort is part of a TravelAbility initiative to build a business case for inclusion. 

A group of people sitting in chairs at a conference. Photo courtesy of Houston Vandergriff, 2023.
Photo by Houston Vandergriff, 2023.

September: Interactive Master Class Workshops

In partnership with Rosen College of Hospitality Management and host destinations, TravelAbility will convene three one-day immersive workshops designed to cultivate accessibility leaders. Each event includes expert panels, hands-on breakouts, and networking sessions with top accessibility content creators. Confirmed locations are as follows: Orlando, FL – September 19; Myrtle Beach, SC – Date to be determined; Lansing, MI – Date to be determined.  

October 13th-15th: 7th Annual TravelAbility Summit

The signature event of the year, this in-person summit brings together accessibility leaders, changemakers, and industry innovators for two days of collaboration and discovery. Programming includes keynotes, innovation showcases, and interactive sessions focused on advancing accessible travel. Register Today!

November: Heads in Accessible Beds

This nationwide initiative will document hotel bed heights to support wheelchair users in selecting accommodations that meet their needs. The findings will be shared publicly on participating destination websites offering a valuable resource for travelers and hotel partners alike.

What Would You Do?

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August Scenario: Wheelchair accessible accommodations.

A traveler in a wheelchair is at the hotel where they booked an ADA room thinking the bed height would work out for them. It does not. How would you handle the situation? 

Arturo Gaona, Chief Partnership Partner, Wheel the World:

Hotel staff should be ready to lower or raise beds, either by taking down bed legs (which most cases require, at least in the US) or having available legs or a thinner mattress that can raise the bed. Another great option is to have at least one hoyer lift available; of course, this requires a minimum available space below the bed.

However, this should be addressed by preventing the scenario. How? Providing accurate and verified accessibility information, such as the bed height. Being ADA compliant in this case is not enough; the bed height should adapt to the user, not the user adapting to the law.

If the bed is too high, I would have the box springs removed. But next time I would remember to call Wheel the World to book my accessible room.

Stefan Muhle, Vice President & Regional Managing Director, Noble House Hotels:

Handling this situation requires empathy, understanding, and a proactive approach. Here’s how I’d manage it:

  • Listen, Empathize, and Acknowledge:
  • Listen to the guest’s concerns.
  • Acknowledge the issue and express understanding and empathy for their situation.
  • Immediate Action:
  • Check if our property has any other ADA rooms with different bed heights or adjustable beds that might better suit the guest’s needs.
  • If available, offer to move the guest to another room that better suits their needs.
  • Temporary Solutions:
  • If no other ADA rooms are available, look for temporary solutions such as bed risers or a different mattress (or topper) to adjust the height or providing a platform or step to make it easier for the traveler to get in and out of bed.

Social media responses from disability moms:

Talk to the hotel to see if they can adjust the bed height or change the room.

Ask for a refund.

Move to a different hotel if the beds aren’t adequate for your needs.

Take the box spring out or request a layaway bed.

Question of the Month: Where Have You Seen the ROI for Accessibility?

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Robert Kneschke | Stylephotographs

Aside from “The Right Thing to Do,” where have you seen a return on investment (ROI) for accessibility? With the increasing attention on accessibility in the media and the proliferation of assistive technology, innovations, and amenities, disability awareness today is at a similar stage as sustainability was five years ago. We reached out to several members of the Destination A11y Club—a consortium of DMOs committed to proactively promoting accessibility—to learn about the ROI they are experiencing.

Answers from Destination A11y Club Members:

Courtney Cacatian, Executive Director, Visit Charlottesville/Albemarle:

  • “Designing and promoting accessible experiences allows communities to access new audiences. These audiences may already be aware of your destination and want to travel there but may be unaware of how. By answering how, you’re addressing that demand and growing word-of-mouth through an often-close-knit community.”

“Designing and promoting accessible experiences allows communities to access new audiences. These audiences may already be aware of your destination and want to travel there but may be unaware of how.”

Ed Harris, President and CEO, Visit Lancaster:

  • Top 5 Reasons for Accessibility ROI:
    1. More respect from internal staff members and community stakeholders.
    2. Positive feedback and relationships with elected officials.
    3. Compliance with ADA regulations.
    4. Positive PR and media placements.
    5. Attracting a more diverse population.

Patrick Harrison, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Tampa Bay:

  • “At the end of the day, this is a money business, so hotel bookings are the ROI. The number of travelers with accessible needs is enormous, and they want to travel and spend their money.”

Brett Laiken, VP Marketing, Visit Florida:

  • “Seeing people comment on social media about accessibility in Florida is what I look for. And obviously, bookings through Wheel the World.”

Jason Holic, Sr. VP, Operations and Community Engagement, Experience Kissimmee:

  • “Ultimately, we’d like to measure ROI in incremental room nights. Until we can achieve that through co-ops and partner booking data, ROI comes from additional partner engagement opportunities, co-op campaign matching funds, and destination marketing thought leadership.”

Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Myrtle Beach:

  • For stakeholders (hotels and attractions):
  • A massive reduction in the risk of costly lawsuits.
  • A significant untapped market of people with disabilities who represent potential customers and employees. Accessibility opens the door to serving this segment and boosting market share.
  • Consumers with disabilities offer high value due to their strong ties to their community and increased likelihood of repeat visits.
  • Investing in accessibility demonstrates commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility, enhancing brand image and fostering customer loyalty.

Julie Pingston, President and CEO, Visit Lansing:

  • “I spoke twice at the Michigan Tourism Conference this week on accessibility, sharing our ‘why’ for developing and promoting accessibility:
    1. It connects to our organizational goal of being welcoming to all.
    2. We’re addressing the needs of an emerging market for travel to our destination.”

Patrick Lennon, VP Marketing, Visit Fairfax:

  • “As part of our accessibility involvement with the DAC, we reached out to various county and city manager departments to learn about the features and services they’ve developed for people with disabilities. This has resulted in new relationships with city staff, where their accessible features are now being promoted through us.”

Travel Agent Survey: 61% Already Working with People with Disabilities

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B&W photo closely cropped of a wheelchair and steps

The world is not built for people with disabilities. As a full-time wheelchair user, Kristy Durso knows this well. What some simply see as an inconvenience — a heavy door, a tight airplane lavatory, or even the awkward placement of shower controls in a hotel bathroom — could pose a safety risk for her and other individuals with limited mobility. 

In fact, when Durso, the owner of Incredible Memories Travel, is on the road, she’s always scanning her surroundings, taking note of any obstacles that may ruin a future trip for a client with accessibility needs.

“Imagine if you got to a hotel room, and you are not able to get into the bed because it’s at chin height,” she said. “High beds are very fashionable, but a super-high bed means we can’t get in it. Or imagine that your shower had a lock on it, and the only way to get into that shower is if you call down to the staff and ask them to bring you the key. That’s the kind of thing that happens to us.”

Our Takeaway: That 61% of travel agents surveyed are already selling to clients and up to 80% want to learn more about accessibility is indicative of their client base aging into the next chapter of their lives in which disability, or caring for a spouse with a disability, is becoming a reality. Read More.

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