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Snail pace progress, but at least it’s progress. 

The recent court ruling on elevator maintenance is a win, but seven years seems like a long time to the 12% of the population who can’t utilize most of the current Metro system. Wheelchair users are grateful for the 2023 settlement to build more elevators, but it still feels like riding an elevator lottery. Read the full scoop here.

Information and inspiration from around the web.

By Jake Steinman

Sensory travel is getting a whole lot easier, thanks to these strides through KultureCity

Sausalito, CA — TravelAbility is excited to announce a new partnership with KultureCity, a leader in sensory inclusion, to scale initiatives across the travel industry. This collaboration aims to create more inclusive environments for individuals with sensory processing challenges, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their travel experiences on any given calendar date.

“If we’re truly chasing an equitable and inclusive world for individuals with invisible disabilities, then sensory inclusive travel must be prioritized. At KultureCity, we want those who often go unseen to know that they belong and that nothing is off limits–certainly not a beach vacation with grandparents, an overnight staycation in a hotel or a cruise with friends and family. It ALL must be accommodating, and with our partnership with TravelAbility, we’re making huge steps to make that happen.” -Meg Raby of CultureCity

“If we’re truly chasing an equitable and inclusive world for individuals with invisible disabilities, then sensory inclusive travel must be prioritized.”

Meg Raby

KultureCity has made significant strides in promoting sensory inclusion, having trained over 5,000 locations, including all NFL stadiums, NBA arenas, Major League Baseball stadiums, and LEGO theme parks. Their proven track record demonstrates a commitment to creating welcoming spaces for individuals with sensory processing challenges and needs.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

1. Certification for Sensory Inclusion: Each location that undergoes KultureCity’s training receives a certificate once at least 50% of their consumer-facing workforce has passed a comprehensive exam. This certification signifies a commitment to sensory-friendly practices.
2. Ongoing Audits: To ensure the effectiveness of the training, KultureCity sends “secret shoppers” to audit each location six months after the initial training. This process helps maintain high standards of sensory inclusion and provides valuable feedback for continuous improvement.
3. Sensory Bags: As part of the training, each location receives five sensory bags designed to assist individuals with sensory processing challenges. These bags include tools and resources to help create a more comfortable environment for guests.
4. Endorsements from Industry Leaders: Jake Steinman, founder of TravelAbility, has reached out to several locations that have successfully implemented KultureCity’s training. One notable endorsement comes from Allison George, who oversaw the KultureCity training for all seven Travel Oregon Welcome Centers. “You can’t go wrong with KultureCity,” she stated. “The sensory bags they provided to each welcome center was a great complement to their training highlighting the positive impact of their programs.

TravelAbility is committed to fostering an inclusive travel experience for all individuals, and this partnership with KultureCity is a significant step toward achieving that goal. By working together, we aim to set a new standard for sensory inclusion in the travel industry.

For more information about TravelAbility and our partnership with KultureCity, please contact Jake Steinman.

About TravelAbility
TravelAbility is dedicated to making travel accessible for everyone, focusing on innovative solutions and partnerships that enhance the travel experience for individuals with disabilities and sensory processing challenges.About KultureCity
KultureCity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sensory inclusion and acceptance. Through training and resources, KultureCity empowers businesses and organizations to create welcoming environments for individuals with sensory processing challenges and needs.

Accountability for airlines’ mistreatment of the disabled community is finally coming. American Airlines is leading the way as an example of what not to do. Read more about the $50 million fine, here.

Experience Kissimmee and Autism Travel Club Unite to Create an Inclusive Central Florida.

Kissimmee, FL, August 30, 2024 – Experience Kissimmee and Autism Travel Club (ATC) are excited to announce its new  partnership to increase autism awareness and training and educate businesses in Central Florida. This collaboration  aims to make the greater Kissimmee area a more welcoming and accessible destination, especially for visitors with  autism and their families. 

This partnership will harness the expertise of Autism Travel Club and the wide-reaching influence of Experience  Kissimmee and will kick off with a series of ‘Level Up’ seminars led by Becky Large, CEO of ATC scheduled for  September 25, 2024. She will share her extensive knowledge of the benefits of autism training and its positive impact  on businesses. It’s an opportunity for businesses to level up and make a real difference in the community. 

“Partnering with Autism Travel Club is a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in Central  Florida. By integrating autism training for local businesses, we are working to ensure that Kissimmee becomes a more  welcoming destination for visitors with autism and their families,” said Jason Holic, Sr. Vice President of Operations &  Community Engagement from Experience Kissimmee. “This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a supportive  environment for all.” 

“Partnering with Autism Travel Club is a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in Central  Florida.

Jason Holic

To further their commitment to the Autism Ready Destination initiative, the first 20 businesses to register for autism  training will receive 50% reimbursement from Experience Kissimmee for the first year of training. Experience  Kissimmee will also donate the first year of training access to several local organizations, including Kissimmee Gateway  Airport and Osceola County Fire Rescue and EMS. This is a significant step towards achieving an “Autism Ready”  designation for the entire destination, demonstrating Kissimmee’s commitment to inclusivity. 

Becky Large states, “This partnership is more than just a collaboration; it’s a celebration of shared values and a  commitment to making Central Florida a place where everyone feels welcome. With Experience Kissimmee and  Autism Travel Club leading the way, the future of Kissimmee looks brighter—and more inclusive—than ever!” 

For more information, please visit www.experiencekissimmee.com and www.autismtravel.club. 

About Experience Kissimmee: 

Experience Kissimmee is the official tourism authority for Osceola County, Florida. Located at the heart of Central  Florida, Kissimmee is 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), minutes from world-famous theme parks  and attractions, and nestled in carefully preserved outdoor spaces so visitors can reconnect with nature. Also known  as the Vacation Home Capital of the World®, Kissimmee has sprawling resorts with thousands of options ranging from  two-bedroom condominiums to 15-bedroom mansions. Learn more at experiencekissimmee.com 

Media Contact:  

Experience Kissimmee Public Relations 

Media@experiencekissimmee.com 

About Autism Travel Club 

Autism Travel Club, a part of Lead with Love Training Co., is dedicated to spreading autism awareness and equipping 

businesses with the tools needed to create welcoming spaces for individuals and families with autism. For more  information: autismtravel.club 

Contact:  

Becky Large 

CEO, Autism Travel Club 

becky@autismtravel.club 

609-744-0099 

839 Surfside Drive, Suite 107 

Surfside Beach, SC 29575 

autismtravel.club