WESSCO International’s Post

TravelAbility Insider: September Issue Highlights --Travel Agent Training Workshop: Led by Kristi Durso, this special workshop is a must-attend. --Accessibility at the Paris Olympics: Special correspondent John Morris provides a firsthand view of the accessibility challenges. --Evolution of Paralympics Videos: Discover how these inspiring videos have changed over the years. --Accessibility Champions Read about Kevin Wright of Travel Oregon and Ron Pettit from Royal Caribbean and their paths to accessibility. --Scenario of the Month: Focus on blind travel and the unique challenges faced. --Community News: Stay updated with the latest from the TravelAbility Community. --News Round-Up: A comprehensive round-up of news from around the web. Don’t miss out on these insightful articles and more! https://lnkd.in/gHg-ECYU #TravelAbility #Accessibility #EmergingMarketsSummit #InclusiveTravel #Paralympics #CommunityNews

Last weekend, CBS Philadelphia ran a story on our new campaign to make air travel accessible for people with disabilities by 2026. While nearly every form of mass transportation – trains, buses, cruise ships – is accessible for people with disabilities, air travel is not. In fact, it’s a nightmare for millions of Americans trying to fly. For example, 31 wheelchairs are damaged by airlines every single day. Americans saw how pivotal this issue is over the Thanksgiving travel season when a viral video showed airline employees in Miami grossly mishandling a wheelchair. https://lnkd.in/etxgz2U8 In response to Easterseals’ campaign, the Department of Transportation told CBS Philadelphia that at some point in the future, it was “possible passengers would eventually be allowed to stay in their wheelchairs on flights.” We cannot wait any longer for safe, reliable access to air travel. Airlines need to act NOW to ensure disabled Americans are able to fly in their own wheelchairs. #AccessibleAirTravel

We hear a lot of varying reports on how different airlines treat passengers with disabilities. Some are great and some are definitely NOT great. Today though, let’s focus on the positives. Do you have any amazing experiences flying with a particular airline that you’d be willing to share? Which airline have you found was the best for you as a traveler with a disability? Let us know in the comments below, or as always, feel free to come on over to tabifolk.com to continue the conversation there! #Tabifolk #AmazingAirlines #AccessibleAirlines #AccessibleTravel #AccessibleTourism

More awareness = more change. 💪 Sadly, there are countless stories just like Akii's, serving as a real reminder for airlines to update their processes and enhance accessibility measures. Delta Airlines are currently trying to tackle this change, sharing a prototype where a wheelchair accessible seating configuration allows a wheelchair user to stay in their chair, and simply back into the seating position on the plane. 💡 What else do you think could be done to help wheelchair users traveling? https://lnkd.in/gTqaDD7e

10 Valuable Lessons I’ve Learned as a Disabled Traveler

*Right to Flight, Not Dream to Flight* As the documentary will be released next Monday on Channel 4, here are some highlights of my study on #accessibletourism and the #RighttoFlight for People with #Disability. Accessible tourism aims to bridge this gap by promoting the design and implementation of #inclusive services and environments. One critical component of accessible tourism is ensuring the right to flight for people with disabilities, enabling them to travel by air with #dignity and #independence. This right is enshrined in #UNCRPDPolicies and complied with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines. Here's some key areas of improvement: airport infrastructure, aircraft Accessibility, Information and Communication, Legislative and Policy Support, Collaboration and Training.

10 valuable lessons I’ve learned as a disabled traveler After twenty years of traveling while disabled, this is the advice I'd give my younger, newly-disabled self.

How can sites promote Neuroinclusive and accessible design to addressing both physical and digital access needs? By creating accessible tourist sites, businesses and organizations can help to promote understanding and empathy for individuals with sensory sensitivities and other challenges. These sites prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity are likely to gain a positive reputation among visitors, which can help to attract more visitors and build brand loyalty. While physical access is essential for individuals who are able to visit sites in person, digital twins and virtual experiences provide a crucial avenue for accessibility and inclusion for those who may not be able to visit a site in person due to physical, financial, or other constraints. By addressing the needs of diverse travelers through neuroinclusive and accessible design, tourist sites can create more enjoyable, engaging, and educational experiences for all visitors. #Inclusion #Travel #Accesibility #PositiveBranding

If driving or use of a car isn't possible due to restricted #mobility or #disability (#poliosurvivor), use Hubs Mobility Advice Service. It offers free impartial advice on accessible travel options including buses, coaches, rail, air & community transport https://lnkd.in/ecwiN2q8