TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

TravelAbility Summit

Exploring Sustainable Travel: Insights from Andrew Leary, Director of Sustainable Tourism and Partnerships, Leave No Trace

by

Andrew Leary headshot
Andrew Leary

By Jennifer Allen

In a recent interview, Andrew Leary, the Director of Sustainable Tourism and Partnerships, shared valuable insights about the intersection of sustainable travel and the post-pandemic travel landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a fresh perspective to sustainable travel, transforming how we view outdoor spaces, communities, and the travel experience itself. Leary’s views shed light on the evolution of sustainability efforts within the United States and beyond.

During the pandemic, people worldwide embraced the outdoors like never before. Leary acknowledged the widespread increase in outdoor activities, highlighting how individuals from diverse backgrounds found solace and connection in natural settings. This surge in outdoor engagement underscored the importance of responsible recreation and stewardship. Leary noted that while positive impacts were evident, negative effects also took place due to the influx of visitors.

He emphasized the growing trend of destination communities and travel professionals taking on active roles in promoting sustainability and stewardship. This involvement aligns with the broader shift towards a more holistic understanding of sustainability, moving beyond the focus solely on outdoor spaces. Fraser explained that sustainability now encompasses considerations for communities, destinations, and various facets of travel.

Leary encouraged everyone, regardless of their level of involvement, to contribute to sustainability efforts. He emphasized that any effort, no matter how small, contributes positively to the cause. The past five years have witnessed a notable change in the sustainability landscape in the United States. The lens through which sustainability is viewed has expanded to encompass not only outdoor spaces but also the well-being of communities and destinations. Similar to making progress in disability inclusion, the key is to start talking about it, and never stop.

Diverse terms such as ecotourism and regenerative tourism have emerged, signifying different dimensions of sustainable travel. Leary introduced the concept of regenerative tourism, which places the community at the center of its focus. This approach prioritizes the well-being and development of local communities, creating a more inclusive and meaningful travel experience. This shift towards community-centered sustainability is shaping the trajectory of global sustainable tourism, including within the United States.

Leary also shed light on the role of various entities in fostering sustainability on a larger scale. He highlighted the importance of federal agencies, local governments, and organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. These entities collaborate to promote sustainable practices across the travel industry, envisioning a future where sustainability is not only a consideration but also a core principle.

As the interview with Andrew Leary demonstrates, the pandemic acted as a catalyst for reimagining sustainable travel. It heightened awareness of the interconnectedness between outdoor spaces, communities, and the travel experience. Leary’s insights underscore the importance of a collective effort in embracing sustainability, regardless of one’s level of involvement. With the evolution towards community-centered sustainability and the collaboration of various stakeholders, the travel industry is moving towards a more inclusive, responsible, and regenerative future.

The interview with Andrew Leary provided valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of sustainable travel. His insights emphasized the significance of responsible recreation, community involvement, and the broader understanding of sustainability. As travel professionals, communities, and destinations unite in their commitment to sustainability, the vision of a barrier-free world where all individuals can partake in meaningful travel experiences becomes more achievable than ever before.

The Problem: Ever increasing need for sustainable travel

The solution:

  • Destination communities and travel professionals are actively promoting sustainability beyond outdoor spaces.
  • Every effort, no matter how small, contributes positively to sustainability, akin to progress in disability inclusion.
  • Regenerative tourism focuses on community well-being, creating an inclusive travel experience.
  • Collaboration between entities like federal agencies and local governments promotes sustainable practices in the travel industry.
  • The pandemic highlighted the interconnectedness of outdoor spaces, communities, and travel experiences.
  • Community-centered sustainability and stakeholder collaboration drive the industry towards inclusivity, responsibility, and regeneration.
  • Andrew Leary’s insights stress responsible recreation, community involvement, and a comprehensive sustainability understanding.
  • Commitment from travel professionals, communities, and destinations brings a barrier-free travel vision closer to reality.

Innovations that Drive Accessibility

by

photo of a hot air balloon flying over a rural area. The picture is divided in 2 to show the colors what a person who is color blind sees

Correcting color blindness with Enchroma Glasses

By Jennifer Allen

Each year, the InnovateABLE Showcase features leaders in a world where innovation is paving the way for progress. The event brought together a carefully curated selection of innovations, technologies, and services, each presenting a unique solution to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive world. Check out the highlights chosen for this year’s showcase.

Enchroma – Revealing the World’s True Colors

Kent Streeb presented Enchroma, a revolutionary solution for individuals with color blindness. Enchroma glasses unlock a world of vibrant colors, enabling those with color vision deficiencies to experience the full spectrum of hues. The glasses are tailored to specific needs of the most common types of color blindness, enabling the user to see colors never experienced before. For the first time, vibrant landscapes and artworks are accessible to all.

TranslateLive – Opening Pathways of Communication

TranslateLive, founded by Peter Hayes, is the first language communication solution that allows people to easily and instantly have a real-time, natural back-and-forth conversation, no matter the language, disability, device or location. Using the All-In-One ILA Pro Device, users can speak, spell out loud, or type, and the entire conversation is immediately communicated to the other party in their chosen language. TranslateLive ensures that everyone can participate actively in conversations and access information seamlessly. By harnessing the power of technology, TranslateLive unveiled a new realm of communication where diversity of languages was no longer an obstacle.

Picture Live – Experiences for All Senses 

Alain Cloet, the visionary behind Picture Live, showcased an innovation that transforms sightseeing for individuals with visual or hearing impairments. Through tactile plates, audio descriptions, and sign language, Picture Live crafts immersive experiences. The historic center of Ghent serves as an example of the incredible difference the technology can make for the disability community. This innovation makes the world accessible in a new way, proving that accessibility could be a gateway to richer, more meaningful connections with the world.

Senior Travel Companion Service – Empowering Seniors to Explore

Carol Giuliani’s Senior Travel Companion Service took the stage, offering tailored trip planning and travel escort services to seniors and couples. With a wealth of caregiving and fiduciary experience, this service empowers seniors to embark on journeys that are both enriching and accessible through the planning and company of a personal escort. Carol not only meets the needs of her clients with a range of needs, including dementia, but she trains others to do the same – extending her reach and helping a more diverse population around the country. By recognizing the unique needs of older travelers, this innovation redefines the concept of age and wanderlust, encouraging seniors to explore the world with confidence.

Grit Freedom Chair – Defying Boundaries of Mobility

Derek Sanchez introduced the Grit Freedom Chair, an engineering marvel that merges the functionality of a manual wheelchair with the versatility of a mountain bike. This innovation provides individuals with diverse abilities the freedom to explore terrains that were once considered inaccessible. The chair is rugged enough for mountain trails, and can be folded up to fit in a DMO closet or personal car trunk – bringing accessibility anywhere. From mountain trails to sandy beaches, the Grit Freedom Chair celebrates the spirit of adventure, proving that mobility challenges can be overcome with creativity and determination.

My Stream – Harnessing Connectivity for All

Richard Zelson’s MyStream, improves wireless connections and unlocks new accessibility services on existing smart devices, both online and offline. MyStream can enable live HD audio to be streamed right to attendees’ own devices and hearing-aids in theaters and cinemas; seamlessly deliver video and other accessibility content in museums and visitor-centers even if visitors’ devices are offline, and more.  The innovation’s adaptability showcased the evolving landscape of accessibility, where technology seamlessly catered to diverse needs, making experiences richer and more inclusive.

The InnovateABLE Showcase illuminated a path toward a more inclusive future, celebrating innovations that transcend barriers and redefine possibilities. From bridging language gaps to enabling immersive experiences and empowering seniors, each innovation highlighted the transformative power of human ingenuity. The event reinforced the idea that accessibility, is more than a nice concept – it can be made tangible through the dedication of individuals who believe in a world where every person can participate and thrive. As these innovations continue to make waves, they remind us that progress is possible when innovation is guided by the vision of a barrier-free world for all.

The Problem: Connecting the disabled with the world around them

The Solution: Innovative tech that connects the user with their environment.

Enchroma – Revealing the World’s True Colors

Glasses designed to help individuals with color blindness experience the full spectrum of colors. 

Price: $250-$450. Contact support@enchroma.com.

TranslateLive – Opening Pathways of Communication

TranslateLive offers real-time language communication using the ILA Pro Device, enabling natural conversations regardless of language, disability, device, or location.

Price: Varies by device and subscription – starting around $1,000. Contact info@translatelive.com.

Picture Live – Experiences for All Senses 

Transforms sightseeing for individuals with visual or hearing impairments through tactile plates, audio descriptions, and sign language, providing immersive experiences.

Price: Specific to the project. Enquire at info@picturelive.org.

Senior Travel Companion Service – Empowering Seniors to Explore

Service offering tailored trip planning and travel escort services for seniors and couples, including those with unique needs like dementia.

Cost: Varies by trip. Contact carolsgiuliani@gmail.com.

Grit Freedom Chair – Defying Boundaries of Mobility

Combines manual wheelchair functionality with mountain bike versatility, enabling individuals with diverse abilities to explore challenging terrains.

Price: Starting around $3,000. info@gogrit.us.

My Stream – Harnessing Connectivity for All

Enhances wireless connections and delivers accessibility services on smart devices, even offline. It caters to various needs, such as live audio streaming and accessibility content in museums.

Price: info@MyStreamTechnologies.com

Unlocking Hidden Potential: The Power of Partnering with Local Disability Organizations in the Travel Industry

by

Kristy Durso wearing a red dress adn seated in a wheelchair speaks with Neul LIgon, the Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living Savannah

By Jennifer Allen

Neil Ligon spoke at the 2023 Travelability Summit to share the hidden gem of a resource that the travel industry often overlooks: local disability organizations. Destinations are often wondering what they’re missing, seeking accessibility assessments, and struggling with marketing to the disability community, all while overlooking the free resource of local experts. These organizations, dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, offer a wealth of insights and opportunities that can greatly benefit destinations, businesses, and travelers alike. Neil shed some light on the untapped potential these partnerships hold.

Neil Ligon passionately believes that accessibility should not be confined to mere survival; it should extend to recreation, life enrichment, and the holistic well-being of all individuals. Travel, a fundamental aspect of life, should be accessible to everyone. Neil’s own experiences have shown him the transformative power of travel, especially in places like national parks that inspire imagination and offer new challenges and opportunities. 

One of the most significant hurdles lies in the perception of people with disabilities as individuals with different needs. Neil emphasizes that all people, regardless of ability, share fundamental needs, desires, and aspirations. It’s a common misconception that people with disabilities require heroes to guide them; what they truly need are opportunities, tools, and the freedom to pursue their dreams without others dictating how they should do so. When we’re trying to market to all travelers, all has got to mean all. 

So, where should the travel industry start in harnessing the potential of local disability organizations? Neil’s advice is simple: start with coffee and conversations. He highlights that the onus is on the travel industry to initiate contact. Nonprofit organizations, which are often resource-constrained, hold essential knowledge about barriers, expectations, and limiting factors. Start with looking up your “Independent Living Network,” “Statewide Independent Living Council,” “Centers for Independent Living,” or “Agency on Aging,” then make a phone call. Your office of aging may be the missing link in promoting travel – they work with seniors who have the funds, the time, and the priorities to make travel dreams a reality. Just call the general line and tell them you’d like to have a conversation about accessible travel. “We get excited about this, and we know who is in the best position for the conversation. You always need a champion, and the person on the phone will know who that is.”

The symbiotic nature of this partnership becomes evident when considering the invaluable local perspective these organizations offer. They can provide local guides who can show you insights into barriers, expectations, and the specific needs of their community. They can help with marketing strategies by sharing what’s already working in the disability community. By engaging in dialogue, both sides can unlock a universe of opportunities. and help tailor experiences to meet the unique needs of this demographic. Conversely, you can reignite the imagination that has been lost in the struggle of getting from point a to point b every day.

Neil highlights a systemic issue in the benefits system that restricts many individuals with disabilities from pursuing their travel dreams. The paradox of needing to remain asset-poor to qualify for certain benefits creates barriers to saving for travel. Neil suggests innovative solutions like trips on layaway to make travel more financially accessible. He also reminds us not to overlook the extensions of the disabled traveler  – they often travel with family or caregivers. A 50th wedding anniversary trip could involve an extended family, all needing an accessible trip. Engaging in conversations, asking questions, and understanding the challenges can lead to meaningful solutions.

As Neil aptly puts it, disability is a part of the lived experience that impacts us all differently. By demonstrating the possibilities and showing that accessible travel is achievable, a tipping point can be reached. People who experience accessible travel will share their stories, becoming the best advertisement for destinations and businesses that prioritize inclusivity.

Neil was grateful for the opportunity to share at the summit, and emphasized the common thread of connection. The essence of travel is connection—with each other and with the world. Local disability organizations also serve as natural connectors, aligning with the core values of the travel industry. By embracing these partnerships, destinations can enrich their offerings, amplify inclusivity, and create lasting connections that benefit everyone. 

Neil’s insights remind us that as the travel industry evolves, so should our perception of accessibility. By embracing local disability organizations as allies, destinations can tap into a world of opportunity that leads to a more inclusive and enriching travel experience for all.

The Problem: Inaccessible destinations and a lack of connection to disabled travelers

Solution: Partnering for Inclusivity:

  • Recognize Valuable Insights:
    • Local disability organizations offer crucial knowledge about barriers and expectations.
  • Empower Shared Goals:
    • Disabled travelers seek enriching experiences, not just survival.
  • Challenge Misconceptions:
    • Disabled travelers desire opportunities, not heroics.
  • Initiate Productive Conversations:
    • Engage nonprofits for mutually beneficial partnerships.
  • Leverage Local Wisdom:
    • Gain insights into community needs and effective marketing strategies.
  • Break Financial Barriers:
    • Innovate solutions like layaway trips for affordability.
  • Foster Advocates:
    • Empowered travelers become promoters of inclusive businesses.
  • Celebrate Connections:
    • Travel thrives on connections; disability organizations amplify this.
  • Enrich Through Collaboration:
    • Embrace partnerships to enhance accessibility and inclusivity.

Introduction to the Summit

by

attendees at the The Emerging Markets Summit pose for a group photo with Founder Jake Steinman

By Jennifer Allen

“Feeling incredibly inspired and uplifted after attending the Travelabilty’s Emerging Markets Summit! The collective spirit and determination of the accessible community here has truly left me in awe… Every speaker, panelist, and attendee has brought their unique perspective and expertise to the table, fostering meaningful conversations and sparking innovative ideas. It’s evident that collaboration and cooperation are key to building a more inclusive travel industry. I’m leaving this conference with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep belief in the power of accessibility. Let’s continue to amplify the voices of those who have been marginalized, challenge the status quo, and create a world where travel knows no bounds.” 

This feedback from Lesly Palmer, of Pixie Travel, echoes the sentiments of attendees across travel industries at the 2023 Emerging Markets Summit. The summit included a wealth of information, from grant writing and technology breakthroughs, to accessibility travel research and guides on how to create change. 

The incomparable value of the summit comes from combining all of the elements for accessible travel in one place. The innovations; disability travel bloggers, who are really the detectives out to share the real scoop;  influencers; those with lived experiences; experts; and attendees all come together for a glorious three days of both education and support. The past five years have served as a foundation of trust, establishing not only TravelAbility, but also a community of like-minded world-changers.

The abundance of knowledge and innovation shared over the weekend couldn’t be covered in a single newsletter, but the following articles are a small sampling of the driving force for change that is the Travelability Summit.

TravelAbility Summit Review:  Showcasing the Market Potential of Accessibility, Sustainability, and DEI

by

Oregon set the record for most attendees from one state.

By Dan Tobin

The name TravelAbility may violate a few rules of capitalization and punctuation, but it’s the perfect expression of founder Jake Steinman’s vision for the company: a place where travel and accessibility are inseparable. 

The company has broadened its focus by adding a second intersection to its sold-out Emerging Markets Summit in Savannah in August: the joining together of accessibility with sustainability, and DEI. That may sound like a lot to navigate, but Steinman, founder and CEO of the company, and his team bring a light touch to the event. In fact, the Summit is one of the most upbeat conferences I’ve attended.

The key to the success of the event is that it positions accessibility, sustainability, and DEI as emerging markets to tap rather than challenges to overcome. That aspirational idea was made concrete early on day one with InnovatABLE, a Shark Tank-like competition of unique products and services.

The Judges Top 3 Choices:

1-2 Tie: Enchroma: glasses that allow people with color-blindness to see a much wider spectrum of colors. 

1-2 Tie:Translate Live: It uses AI  organizational intelligence  and human interpreters  to deliver accurate and reliable translations in 250 languages-including ASL.

3. GRIT Freedom Chair: an all-terrain wheelchair designed for beach, snow, and ice

The People’s Top 3 Choices (from the post-event survey)

  1. PictureLive, which produces multi-sensory guides for destinations
  2. Grit Freedom Chair, an all-terrain wheelchair designed for beach, snow, and ice
  3. Enchroma

Part of what gives the event its special power and welcoming atmosphere is the eclectic mix of presenters and perspectives, including representatives from leading travel organizations like Expedia, TripAdvisor, Airbnb, the National Park Service, and Leave No Trace; consultants/trainers like Greg DeShields of Tourism Diversity Matters; a number of disability travel influencers; and a large collection of leading-edge DMOs.

The DMOs who have put accessibility at the top of their priorities are a close-knit group who share their experiences freely. “It was the most motivating conference I have attended,” one attendee wrote in their post-event survey. “We are like one big family and every one of us is trying to make the world a better place.”

For many attendees, the highlight of the event was the unique perspective and expertise of disabled travelers that gave the Summit its special power, as they combined personal experiences with entrepreneurial insights. Several sessions featured disabled travelers who are building careers as social media influencers. For example, Cory Lee Woodard, who uses a wheelchair, has amassed tens of thousands of followers to his social media. Destinations hire Cory to consult and to post videos and articles about his experience on his blog, Curb Free with Cory Lee. Houston Vandergriff, a photographer, and Downs Syndrome self-advocate, is heading down a similar path with his Downs and Towns blog.

“One of our goals is to help the travel industry change the perception of people with disabilities from that of a compliance headache to an advanced form of guest service,” says Steinman.

In a sign of the maturing of the movement, DMOs reported on various tools they are using to measure results. One particularly innovative approach is a pilot project between Visit Charlottesville, Destinations International, and TripAdvisor. The Tourism for All project is analyzing TripAdvisor comments and user reviews looking for signs of the impact of three years of outreach and visitor education focused on accessibility and DEI.

Research also lies at the heart of Wheel the World, perhaps the most frequently referenced success story at the Summit. Founded by Chilean best friends Alvaro Silberstein and Camilo Navarro, the company has built a massive search engine for accessible travel with fully verified data. The company sends teams out to destinations with tape measures in hand. They’ve assessed hotels in more than 250 destinations using a long list of data points, including width of doorways, height of beds, and amount of turning space in the bathroom.

Wheel the World is also known for its soaring videos of its multi-day trips for disabled travelers including several featuring a beaming Silberstein, who uses a wheelchair, climbing mountains, ziplining, and surfing.

Miles Partneship took conference attendees on a Deep Dive into their most current research on the accessible travel market. The research provides insights into the travel habits of people with disabilities and underlines the power of this travel segment to re-shape the industry in the future.