TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Vision

August News from the TravelAbility Community

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This summer is HOT with TravelAbility community action! From camping to flying, this community is shaking up the very foundations of travel. Check out the latest achievements and well-earned accolades from your fellow changemakers.

Jan Bonnville | Recapturing that Special Outdoor Feeling

A smiling woman reclines on a three-wheeled adaptive recumbent bike on a beachside trail, wearing sunglasses, a gray beanie, green vest, and black pants. Next to her sits a large Bernese Mountain Dog with its tongue out, also appearing to smile. An orange safety flag extends from the back of the bike. The dry, sandy terrain and open sky evoke a sense of freedom, adventure, and companionship in the outdoors.

For me, the saddest part of living with multiple sclerosis and losing mobility was no longer being able to go for walks. I loved strolling in the park, marveling at the stunning diversity of foliage…

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Sassy Wyatt | Guide to Digital Accessibility

Illustrated book cover for “The Smart Marketer’s Guide to Digital Accessibility” by Sassy Wyatt, featuring a red-haired woman and a blind man with a white cane working together at a table, with a guide dog sitting nearby.

I lost my sight at 22. That changed everything. But what made life harder wasn’t the blindness itself, it was trying to live in a world, especially a digital one, that wasn’t designed with disabled people in mind.

Suddenly I couldn’t finish my degree because the platforms weren’t accessible. I couldn’t apply for jobs because the forms weren’t usable. I couldn’t even use social media in the same way as everyone else, not because I didn’t want to, but because the tools weren’t built to include me.

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Visit Lauderdale | Destinations Moving in the Right (Accessible) Direction

Two people in separate boats navigate a misty, tree-lined river at dawn; the scene is quiet and atmospheric, with dense fog obscuring the background and creating a sense of mystery and solitude.

As the demand for inclusive travel continues to grow, TripAdvisor has unveiled a new initiative aimed at providing accessible travel experiences for all. In collaboration with Visit Lauderdale, the site has introduced a dedicated landing page that focuses on accessible destinations and…

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Visit California | Autism Certified Cities and Sensory Friendly Destinations

Children explore a brightly lit, interactive museum space featuring a large circular color mixing machine, colorful light installations, and various hands-on exhibits designed to engage sensory play and learning.

California’s attractions are designed for everyone to enjoy, including neurodivergent travelers and individuals with autism or sensory-processing sensitivities…

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Visit Mesa | MFA Announces First Grant Recipients

Graphic showing a desert landscape with tall cacti in the foreground and a hazy city in the distance. Centered in the image is the official IBCCES Certified Autism Center (CAC) seal. A yellow ribbon below the seal reads “Certified Autism Center.” Curved text above and below the seal reads: “Congratulations Grant Recipients!”

We’re excited to announce the inaugural recipients of the Mesa For All Autism Certification Grant Program!

The Mesa For All Foundation received 10 applications from Mesa-based businesses eager to become Autism Certified. After careful review, the board selected three outstanding recipients. The grant application opened in April 2025 in recognition of World Autism Acceptance Month and closed on June 16…..

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Taylor Aguilar | The Blind Movement TV Show

Logo for "The Blind Movement" featuring bold black text next to a stylized pair of sunglasses with a white cane tucked behind the ear, set against a marbled yellow and white background.

In 2020, filmmaker Taylor Leigh Aguilar suddenly and unexpectedly lost her sight. She took a leave of absence from film school at Loyola Marymount University to attend the Colorado Center for The Blind…

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Visit Lauderdale | Planning an Accessible Trip Just Got Easier with TripAdvisor’s New Tool

An older man in a power wheelchair rolls along a beach access path, holding a large black umbrella for shade and carrying plastic bags on the chair’s handles, with a crowded beach scene in the background.

Travelers looking to plan an accessible getaway may have a new first stop at TripAdvisor. The site, in partnership with Visit Lauderdale, introduced a landing page for accessible destinations and experiences, where reviews from fellow…

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Wheel the World | Survival to SafariNew Tool

Wheeltheworldlogo

Years ago, Lee and his wife, Ginny, were planning the trip of a lifetime: a safari in South Africa. But just weeks before, everything changed — Lee got sick, and ended up losing all four of his limbs. The trip never happened. Until now.

Watch Here

Sunflower Lanyard Program | Wings of Wonder: Accessibility for all Who Want to Travel

A box filled with green sunflower lanyards, symbolizing hidden disabilities, sits on a table with the words “Hidden Disabilities” printed on the front, alongside a sunflower graphic and a QR code.

The Rapid City Regional Airport partnered with local organizations for  Wings of Wonder. The event’s goal is to help people with disabilities easily navigate the airport from the moment they park their car until they find their seat on the plane…

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AARP | Accessible Campgrounds

Two yellow-orange tents are set up in a peaceful forest clearing, with tall pine trees casting long shadows as golden sunlight filters through the trees.

The rising costs of accommodations can be one of the biggest barriers to taking more trips. One way to keep travel more affordable is to consider the many campsites available across the U.S….

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National Parks | How U.S. National Parks are Becoming More Autism Friendly

A sunlit forest trail winds through towering sequoia trees, with a few visitors visible in the distance, and wooden fences guide the accessible path through the dense, majestic landscape.

The sense of peace is palpable along the Big Trees Trail in California’s Sequoia National Park. All around my family, 2,000-year-old giant sequoia trees—some of the world’s oldest and largest—stand in quiet solitude in a mountain landscape suited….

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Visit Richmond and John Morris | Richmond, VA, Wheelchair Accessible Travel Guide

A panoramic view of downtown Richmond, Virginia, featuring a mix of modern and historic buildings, a long freight train crossing a trestle bridge over the James River, and autumn-colored trees lining the riverbanks.

Incorporated in 1742, Richmond is the capital city of the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of the oldest cities in the United States. Located along the James River, the city has been at the center of…

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Visit Florida | Best Destinations for Senior Travel

A group of older adults strolls along a tropical garden pathway lined with vibrant flowers and palm trees, with mountains and the ocean visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Winter often brings a desire for cozy escapes and relaxing getaways, but as people grow older, their travel preferences and habits often shift. International trips may lose their appeal due to challenges like mobility issues, health concerns, and the complexities of travel logistics….

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Travel Oregon | Travel Oregon Awards Nearly $6.2M to Dozens of Groundbreaking Projects Across the State

Travel Oregon Logo

Travel Oregon is awarding nearly $6.2 million to 65 groundbreaking projects that it says will transform visitor access across the state while also strengthening local economies.

The 2024-25 Travel Oregon Competitive Grants Program was designed to increase access…

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Travel Oregon Accessibility Grants

Travel Oregon is seeing the fruit of their awarded accessibility grants. Check out these grant-funded projects.

Prineville Golf Course Unveils Cart for People in Wheelchairs

A man drives an accessible single-rider golf cart across a scenic golf course in Prineville, Oregon, surrounded by grassy hills and clear blue skies.

Derek Shike is a 31-year-old medical coder in Portland. Golf wasn’t always his cup of tea.

“For me, golfing, I always thought it was…

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Oregon Adaptive Sports Receives $60,000 to Implement Adaptive Paddling Program

Three cyclists, including one using an adaptive handcycle, ride along a dirt trail through a pine forest on a sunny day, showcasing accessible outdoor recreation.

Oregon Adaptive Sports, a Bend-based nonprofit,  has received $60,000 from Travel Oregon to expand the adaptive mountain biking program and introduce an adaptive paddling program for locals and visitors with disabilities…

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Dirty Freehub’s Inclusive Gravel Cycling Campaign Empowers Riders with Disabilities

A cyclist rides along a gravel trail in a scenic, dry landscape surrounded by shrubs and trees, while an inset image of the "Western Oregon All Access Gravel Guide" cover shows a rider on a similar trail through golden fields with Mount Hood in the background.

Dirty Freehub, a Bend-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting gravel cycling adventures, is launching a new statewide campaign to empower and inspire people with visible and non-visible disabilities to explore Oregon by gravel bike…

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NE Oregon Projects Receive State Tourism Grants

A lake with a mountain in the background

Six projects and programs in Northeastern Oregon have received big state tourism grants.

Travel Oregon announced Monday, June 30, it has awarded $6.2 million….

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ADA 35 Lineup

TravelAbility logo with the tagline "Celebrating ADA35"

We’re only at the beginning of TravelAbility’s lineup of events to celebrate ADA’s 35th anniversary. Here’s what’s on the schedule!

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INNOVATEAble Pitchfest 2025 Results: The Envelope Please…

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The virtual competition took place last Friday, July 25th, and highlighted impressive pitches from:

  • ADAPTS: A lightweight transfer sling for safer mobility in tight or inaccessible spaces.
  • BoardSafe Docks: Adaptive kayak launches and floating docks that expand waterfront access.
  • Koda: AI-powered live captioning that works on any device, no app required.
  • Lotus: A smart ring that controls devices with a simple point—no Wi-Fi or rewiring needed.
  • RightHear: Audible wayfinding for blind and low vision travelers navigating indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • ScanMeHome: A QR-code ID system that helps quickly reunite loved ones who may wander.
  • Touch2See: 3D Tablets that let blind sports fans follow the action in real time.

The judges praised the caliber of entries and noted just how tough the competition was this year. With so many standout innovations, choosing winners wasn’t easy. In the end, real-time announcements revealed the final rankings:

1st Place (tie): BoardSafe Docks and Lotus
2nd Place: ScanMeHome
3rd Place: Koda

People’s Choice Award: Scan Me Home

Special thanks to our judges: Nick Nerbonne of Travel Michigan, Chris Maher of Samaritan Partners, Autumn Saxton-Ross from the National Recreation and Park Association, and Kristine McConnell of Travel Oregon.

Stay tuned for videos and special features highlighting each innovation!

Meet the 2025 INNOVATEAble Finalists: 9 Breakthrough Travel Accessibility Solutions Pitching at ADA 35

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The world’s only pitch event showcasing innovations, technologies and amenities that make travel easier for people with disabilities.

Dive into 7th Annual InnovateAble 2025, The Shark Tank for Accessible Travel Innovations technologies and amenities to Celebrate ADA 35

Get ready for an inspiring virtual showcase like no other! On July 25, 2024, we’re celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a groundbreaking event that’s all about empowering travel for those with disabilities.

I’m thrilled to announce InnovateAble, a unique pitch fest that’s reminiscent of Shark Tank, but with a twist. It’s dedicated to showcasing assistive technology, services and innovations that promise to revolutionize travel for people with disabilities and seniors.”

Jake Steinman, Founder of TravelAbility.

Event Details:

  • Date: July 25, 2025
  • Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM Pacific Time on Zoom
  • Format: Quick-fire 3-minute pitches with a 7-minute Q&A
  • Location: Zoom – Open to registered attendees of the 2025 TravelAbility Summit.
Register Today
Learn More

This event is not just a competition: it’s a beacon of innovation, organized by the forward-thinkers at TravelAbility. The TravelAbility team spent hours researching over 45 companies/products and after an exhaustive process selected 9 finalists to present to our panel of judges. We’re proud to share that past participants have raised a staggering $563.4 million in funding, proving that these innovations are not just visionary but also viable.

2025 Line-Up Includes:

Mobility

Rio Mobility designs lightweight manual and power attachments that can effortlessly convert most standard wheelchairs into power wheelchairs capable opening off-road as well as on-road experiences.

ADAPTS is a portable transfer sling designed for safe, manual wheelchair transfers in inaccessible places such as airplanes, hotels, or stairwells.

BoardSafe Docks is the leading designer and manufacturer of premium aluminum floating docks and adaptive launch systems.

Effortless Lifts, an innovative boat mobility system specifically designed to facilitate access to water-based activities for individuals with mobility impairments.

Deafness/Hard of Hearing

Koda is a powerful, device-agnostic live captioning platform that uses AI and data to boost accessibility, engagement, and retention at events—no downloads required.

Blind and Low Vision

Tourch2See provides tablets allowing blind and visually impaired community to attend live sporting game.

RightHear is an audible wayfinding system that helps enhance accessibility, by enabling visitors to navigate indoor and outdoor spaces more independently.

Neurodiversity

Scan Me Home is a simple ID system using QR codes—on an app or iron-on patch—to help quickly reunite lost loved ones who may have eloped with their families.

Lotus is a wearable ring that lets people with limited mobility control home devices by simply pointing—no apps, rewiring, or Wi-Fi required, and it’s travel-friendly too.

Practical Hacks From the Accessibility Playbook

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Seven years in the making, the Travelability Accessibility Playbook, created in partnership with Destinations International, is an end-to-end toolkit to equip destination organizations on their accessibility journey, enabling them to better welcome and accommodate people with disabilities within their destination. 

Blind and Low Vision Do’s and Don’ts: A Lesson from the Playbook

DO’S:

• Ask Before Offering Assistance:

Always ask if a blind person needs help before providing assistance. Respect their autonomy and independence.

• Identify Yourself: When approaching a blind person, introduce yourself and let them know that you are there to assist if needed. This helps establish trust and facilitates communication.

• Communicate Clearly: Use clear and descriptive language when providing information or giving directions. Be specific and avoid vague or ambiguous terms.

• Offer Assistance: If a blind person requests assistance, offer your help willingly and respectfully. Be patient and help without taking over or assuming control.

• Guide Properly: If guiding a blind person, offer your arm for them to hold onto, and

walk slightly ahead while describing the surroundings and any obstacles. Allow them

to maintain their own pace and follow their Lead.

• Respect Personal Space: Be mindful of a blind person’s personal space and avoid

touching them without permission. Offer verbal cues instead of physical guidance whenever possible.

• Be Patient: Allow extra time for blind individuals to complete tasks or navigate unfamiliar environments. Be patient and understanding of any challenges they may Encounter.

• Use Descriptive Language: When describing visual information, use descriptive language to convey details about colors, shapes, sizes, and spatial relationships. Paint a vivid picture with your words.

DON’TS:

• Assume Help is Needed: Don’t assume that a blind person needs help or cannot perform certain tasks independently. Always offer assistance respectfully and allow them to decline if they prefer.

• Use Patronizing Language: Avoid using patronizing language. Treat them with the same level of respect and dignity as you would anyone else.

• Touch Without Permission: Never touch or grab a blind person without their consent, even if your intention is to assist. Always ask before providing physical guidance or assistance.

• Rush or Pressure: Avoid rushing or pressuring a blind person to move quickly or complete tasks faster than they are comfortable with. Allow them to set the pace and respect their need for extra time.

• Make Assumptions: Don’t make assumptions about a blind person’s abilities, interests, or  references based on their disability. Treat them as individuals with unique strengths and experiences.
• Leave Without Offering Assistance: If you notice a blind person struggling or appearing in need of assistance, don’t ignore them or walk away. Offer your help politely and respectfully.

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

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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.