TravelAbility Summit

InnovateABLE Pitchfest Returns for Its 7th Year in Honor of ADA35

June 6, 2025 by lkarl Leave a Comment

A Bonus Event for Registered TravelAbility Summit Attendees – July 25, 2025 (Virtual)

In recognition of the 35th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the 7th Annual InnovateABLE Pitchfest will take place virtually via Zoom on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM PDT. This bonus event is available to registered attendees of the upcoming TravelAbility Summit.

The InnovateABLE Pitchfest highlights cutting-edge advancements in accessible technology, products, and amenities designed for the tourism and hospitality industry. Participating companies are focused on practical innovations that can be implemented through destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and introduced to hotels, attractions, museums, and other key industry stakeholders.

Each company will present a 3-minute video pitch, followed by a 7-minute Q&A with a panel of judges comprised of investors, travel professionals, and accessibility leaders. The fast-paced format is designed to spark collaboration, inspire adoption, and bring visibility to scalable solutions that promote inclusion across the travel experience.

The winners of the Pitchfest will be invited to present their innovations in person at the TravelAbility Summit, taking place October 13–15, 2025, in Sunriver, Oregon. The summit serves as a national gathering of travel professionals, accessibility advocates, and industry innovators committed to advancing accessible tourism.

Attendance at the Pitchfest is included with TravelAbility Summit registration. Learn more and register for the TravelAbility Summit today!

Disabled Travelers Share The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

June 5, 2025 by lkarl Leave a Comment

The sometimes shocking experiences of real disabled travelers.

At the TravelAbility Summit, disability advocates and travel and hospitality professionals come together to reimagine what inclusive travel can truly look like. The event blends practical workshops, expert panels, and meaningful conversations that empower destinations, brands, and organizations to create more accessible experiences for all.

At last year’s summit, a panel of disabled travelers shared their firsthand experiences—the good, the bad, and the eye-opening. Lived experience remains the most powerful measure of true inclusion. We’re excited to keep the conversation going at our 2025 Summit in Sunriver, Oregon, taking place October 13–15th. Learn more and register today!

Watch the video below and explore the timestamped summary. How does your destination measure up?

At the 2024 TravelAbility Summit: Kristy Durso (TravelAbility, Incredible Memories Travel), Jessica Jordan Ping (The Rolling Explorer), Craig Radford (360 Direct Video), Sassy Wyatt (Blind Girl Adventures), and Talia Salem (Marriott).

Summary

Opening with Vulnerability – A wheelchair user shares a deeply personal and emotional experience of inaccessibility in Vancouver’s airport restrooms, transforming a humiliating moment into a story of compassion and advocacy.
➤ Restroom Accessibility Issue
Fairmont Hotel’s Kindness – The Fairmont Hotel provided sanctuary and dignity, reinforcing the power of empathy in service and influencing future travel recommendations.
➤ Fairmont’s Response
Denied Experiences on Honeymoon – Jessica recounts being refused full participation in a planned ATV adventure due to assumptions about her limb differences, underscoring the need for autonomy and transparency.
➤ Adventure Denied
Advocacy for Honest Accessibility Info – The discussion emphasizes how honesty about accessibility levels is more beneficial than misleading claims.
➤ Transparency in Accessibility
Communication Barriers for Deaf Travelers – Craig details a disappointing hotel and theatre experience where inadequate communication efforts highlighted systemic gaps in serving deaf guests.
➤ Lack of Accessibility for Deaf Guests
Navigational Struggles for Blind Travelers – Sassy shares multiple challenges at airports and train stations, from forced wheelchair use to being abandoned without communication or support.
➤ Travel Disorientation for Blind Travelers
Train Access Without Support – Despite being in a wheelchair and having heavy luggage, Sassy was left alone to navigate a train station without announcements or assistance.
➤ Abandoned at the Train Station

Insights Based on Numbers

While this session is anecdotal, the stories reflect pervasive issues affecting millions, particularly the frequent failures in communication and physical accessibility at transport and hospitality venues.
Real-time lived experience remains the most powerful metric for evaluating accessibility.

How the Industry can Make Travel More Inviting to Blind and Low Vision Travelers

April 30, 2025 by Eliana Satkin

Each year, the TravelAbility Summit brings together travel professionals, entrepreneurs, and disability advocates to explore how to make travel more accessible for everyone. Last year’s summit included a panel of blind travelers who shared the challenges they’ve encountered and offered insights on how destinations can eliminate barriers to blind travel.

Check out the panel’s key takeaways below and click the YouTube link to rewatch the session. Want to learn more? Don’t miss the 2025 TravelAbility Summit at Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon, October 13-15, 2025, where you can connect with industry experts and disability advocates dedicated to making travel more inclusive for all.

Summary

🏨 Accessible Hotel Experience: Hilton integrates “Be My Eyes”, allowing blind guests to receive assistance in navigating their rooms and amenities.
🚖 Ride-Share Challenges: Blind travelers face cancellation issues with Uber/Lyft due to guide dogs. Some drivers refuse to pick them up, causing major inconvenience.
🌎 Consistency in Accessibility: Industry experts emphasize the need for standardized Braille signage placement, so blind individuals can easily locate information.
🗺️ Navigation Solutions: GPS apps, breadcrumb tracking, and NaviLens QR codes are proposed to enhance navigation in hotels, parks, and public venues.
🏕️ Accessible Outdoor Travel: Blind hikers prefer better trail markings and audio guidance over excessive infrastructure changes.
🏛️ Inclusive Museums & Attractions: Museums should provide tactile maps, high-contrast signs, and digital audio guides for blind visitors.
🐕 Service Dog Challenges: Despite legal protections, hotels and ride services often misunderstand service dog policies, leading to unnecessary restrictions.
🔊 Elevator Accessibility: Adding audio announcements to elevators improves accessibility, making travel easier for blind and visually impaired guests.
🌍 Advocacy & Industry Standards: Experts encourage travel organizations to advocate for more accessible experiences, including better training for staff and public awareness initiatives.

Insights Based on Numbers

20-40% of guide dog users face rejection from ride-share services due to misinformation or discrimination.
Hilton’s partnership with “Be My Eyes” enables guests to receive real-time visual assistance from trained personnel.
273 Oregon State Parks are working towards better accessibility through improved signage, GPS solutions, and advocacy.

Watch the full session on YouTube!

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

April 3, 2025 by lkarl

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.

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.

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.

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.

Presentation of the Month

March 10, 2025 by Eliana Satkin

Each year, the TravelAbility Summit brings together travel professionals, entrepreneurs, and disability advocates to explore emerging trends, challenges, and solutions in making travel more accessible for all. Last year’s summit included a panel of six influencers sharing their insights on how disabled content creators amplify authenticity in accessible destinations.

Check out the panel’s key takeaways below and click the YouTube link to rewatch the session. Want to learn more from disabled content creators? Don’t miss the 2025 TravelAbility Summit, happening at the beautiful Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon, October 13-15, 2025. The event will feature more panels with disability influencers, as well as exciting networking opportunities, including influencer speed dating sessions. Learn more and register today at travelability.net.

Leveraging the Insight of Content Creators to Amplify Authenticity

📌 Summary

♿ Disability Representation: Creators discuss their experiences growing up with disabilities, the challenges they faced, and how they now use their platforms to educate and inspire others.
✈️ Accessible Travel Challenges: Issues such as lack of accessible infrastructure, untrained staff, and misinformation on accessibility are highlighted as major barriers.
📱 Social Media and Awareness: Creators emphasize how social media plays a crucial role in spreading awareness, breaking stigmas, and educating people about disabilities.
📊 Audience Demographics: The panelists describe the diversity of their followers, ranging from individuals with disabilities to those seeking to learn more about inclusivity.
💡 Solutions for Accessibility: Suggestions include better staff training, clearer accessibility information online, and greater empathy from businesses.
🤝 Collaborating with Destinations: Content creators outline how they work with travel destinations to promote accessibility, including creating blog posts, social media content, and consulting on accessibility improvements.
📈 Impact of Authenticity: The importance of genuine representation and transparency when showcasing accessibility is emphasized, as misleading portrayals can be harmful.
⚠️ Handling Negative Experiences: Panelists discuss how they manage situations when accessibility falls short, advocating for constructive feedback and open dialogue.

🔢 Insights Based on Numbers

80% of blind people are unemployed, highlighting the need for workplace inclusivity.
A viral TikTok video with 25 million views showed the global interest in disability representation.
Many influencers have traveled to 40+ countries, demonstrating the demand for accessible travel.