TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Vision

Not-So-Best Practices

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The Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, AZ has introduced several groundbreaking accessibility features at its Astronomy Discovery Center, one of the best “dark sky” experiences in America; including wheelchair-accessible telescopes, ADA-exceeding exhibits for visitors with vision impairment, advanced assistive listening systems for those with hearing impairment, and optimal sightlines in lecture spaces for wheelchair users. 

Despite these impressive improvements, neither the Observatory nor the Discovery Center provide an accessibility page on their websites to share this information, truly a missed opportunity.

Around the Web: June 2025

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Accessibility news and inspiration from around the web

Ashland’s Trail System Adapts for Wheelchair Using Speed Demon

What is Beep Baseball? Boston Team of Blind Athletes Plays America’s Favorite Pastime

To Improve Accessibility, Closed Captioning Gets An Overhaul

Touch2See Increases Accessibility for Visually Impaired, Blind Sports Fans

Clair Global Puts Weight Behind Audio Accessibility Alliance

I’m Obese and Refused to Give Up My Second Seat on a Plane for a Toddler

Time to Check-Out… the European Accessibility Act and Its Impact on Travel, Hospitality and Leisure

News from the TravelAbility Community: June 2025

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Tourism season has begun and both accessible destinations and disabled travelers are ready. Check out what Visit Richmond, Explore Prineville, and the National Park Service have done to prepare, then read about how our travelers kicked off the season.

Visit Richmond and John Morris

Richmond, Virginia Wheelchair Accessible Travel Guide

TravelAbility and Wheel the World

World Cup Cities Prioritize Accessibility

Prineville Chamber Unveils Remodel Ahead of Tourist Season

John Morris

Accessibility Takes Center Stage at 2025 Passenger Experience Conference

National Park Service

How the U.S. National Park System Is Welcoming Neurodiverse Travelers

Kristy Durso

Love, Promises, and Possibility at Beaches Turks & Caicos

Explore Prineville

Golf ‘Fore’ All: Explore Prineville Awarded Grant to Launch Adaptive Golf Program

Golf ‘Fore’ All: Explore Prineville awarded grant to launch adaptive golf program 

North Alabama and Jennifer Allen

A Family Guide to Wheelchair Accessible North Alabama: Small Towns, Big Adventures

Lynn Osmond

Lynn Osmond, CAE, Partners with Wheel the World and TravelAbility to Drive Accessibility in Tourism

Tom Babinzski, Even Grounds

Access4you Empowers Travelers Alike with Objective Information

Hidden DIsabilities Sunflower

Wings of Wonder: Accessibility for All Who Want to Travel

Alvaro Silberstein

5 Entrepreneurs With Disabilities to Know About

Sage Traveling

Disabled Travelers Are Often Ignored. Ras Al Khaimah Hopes to Change That

Visit Alexandria

Alexandria Disability Awareness Awards Set for June 25

Waymo

Riding Into the Golden Years: For older Angelenos, Waymo Promises Adventures for a Lifetime

Josh Loebner

Alexa Helps Make a Home More Accessible

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

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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!

Hotel Spotlight: Omni Dallas

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A social media follower raved about Omni Dallas as their top pick for an accessible hotel. What made it unforgettable? The stunning rooftop pool and hot tub—both equipped with lifts—plus a spa experience that was not only relaxing but also truly accessible, thanks to an exceptionally helpful staff.

The hotel’s accessible room page also mentions:

  • Accessible guest rooms with entry that provides 32″ of clear width
  • Lowered light switches, peephole, deadbolt, evacuation instructions and closet rods in guest rooms
  • Roll-in shower with adjustable height hand held shower head
  • Toilet and sink are no higher than 34′ from the floor
  • Grab bars near toilet
  • Visual notification for hotel alarm system, door and phone available
  • Audible alarm notification
  • The hotel has a TTY for guest use
  • Closed caption TV
  • Accessible business center entrance
  • Accessible fitness center entrance
  • Accessible restaurant entrance
  • Accessible main entrance
  • Accessible access to front desk and concierge desk
  • Accessible meeting space
  • Assistive listening devices for meetings available
  • Accessible route from public entrance to accessible guest rooms
  • Accessible route from public entrance to front desk
  • Accessible route from public entrance to restaurants
  • Accessible route from public entrance to meeting rooms
  • Accessible elevators
  • Braille elevator
  • Braille room numbers
  • Accessible pool area and pool lift
  • Hot tub lift
  • Accessible parking space for self-parking available
  • Accessible vehicles can be accommodated
  • Service animals allowed for guests with disabilities