TravelAbility Trusted Problem Solvers
Deaf / Heard of Hearing
The Problem
48M Americans live with hearing loss. HEARING LOOPS boost audio clarity in noisy public spaces for people who travel, in spite of their hearing loss.
Over 10 million adults who are deaf or hard of hearing can benefit from hearing loops, but a reliable one-stop source installers are difficult to find.
The major barrier for deaf travelers is the lack of communication of major announcements in public places such as airports, events and conventions.
Live ASL interpreters as well as foreign language interpreters for over 50 languages are in short supply and quite expensive.
Use Case
Hotels, attractions, convention centers, airports
Airports, convention centers, attractions
Airports, train stations, hotels, cruise lines
Check-in counters at hotels, attractions, airports
Contact
Peggy Bell peggy@ad4h.com
Jim Scott, CEO jim@contactainc.com
Guy Vales gvales@metcove.com
Jennifer Quigley jennifer.quigley@translatelive.com
The Why
ADA Compliance re: Effective Communications = Assistive Hearing LOOPS for 1:1 conversation at reception/info desks + FULL ROOM LOOPS for meetings, presentations, entertainment, etc.
Over the past 14 years, through their dealer network and relationships with the deaf community, Contacta has become the leading provider of hearing loop installers nationally.
Spoke is an app that captures and delivers audio announcements as text to passengers’ smartphones in any of 150 languages and ASL that would be translated and converted to English.
Translate Live is a two-sided device where users can speak, spell out or type in an entire conversation that is instantly communicated to the other party in ASL or their native language.
Blind / Low Vision
The Problem
Blind or low vision people traveling alone may need assistance navigating busy airports, train stations or other gathering points.
There are over 12 million people in America with colorblindness who cannot enjoy the vibrant colors of fall foliage, museum exhibits, or daily life.
Making visual information such as audio and ASL described brochures accessible to blind and deaf travelers has been a challenge.
Many destinations, attractions, museums and tours are not accessible to blind visitors due to the lack of accurate information and audio descriptions.
Blind or low vision people traveling need trained assistance navigating busy airports, buildings, hotel rooms, as well retail store environments.
Use Case
AI-powered visual assistance
Museums, attractions, restaurants, airports
DMO visitor guides, museums, attractions
Create audio-described itineraries for blind visitors
Visitors/locals recieve 5 free minutes of guidance/day
Contact
Todd Kyupers, CEO todd@bemyeyes.com
Kent Streeb kent@enchroma.com
Alain Cloet alainudprojects@gmail.com
Hailey Brown, Founder hailey@vacayit.com
Kevin
The Why
ADA Compliance re: Effective Communications = Assistive Hearing LOOPS for 1:1 conversation at reception/info desks + FULL ROOM LOOPS for meetings, presentations, entertainment, etc.
Over the past 14 years, through their dealer network and relationships with the deaf community, Contacta has become the leading provider of hearing loop installers nationally.
Spoke is an app that captures and delivers audio announcements as text to passengers’ smartphones in any of 150 languages and ASL that would be translated and converted to English.
Translate Live is a two-sided device where users can speak, spell out or type in an entire conversation that is instantly communicated to the other party in ASL or their native language.
Aira’s team of expertly-trained Visual Interpreters provide on-demand visual information for the blind and low vision community.
Mobility
The Problem
There are 95,000 miles of coastline in the US and conventional wheelchairs are not usable in sand and uneven surfaces.
ADA wheelchair lifts for 4-5 steps are essential for safety and emergencies, despite their lack of aesthetic appeal and they may not always be needed.
Wheelchair users have limited mobility in off-road conditions. Traditional wheelchairs often struggle with uneven terrain, grass, and gravel.
Many ADA-compliant hotel rooms often resemble assisted living centers or, in worse cases, hospital rooms in terms of their charm and ambiance.
Some buildings/locations built prior to ADA are grandfathered into an exclusion. They may need an affordable ramp to service guests and meetings.
People with disabilities need to know if the accessibility features of hotels, attractions and meeting venues fit their needs before they go.
Hotels as well as current online booking platforms do not provide precise information or images about the accessibility of hotel properties.
Use Case
Beach destinations and nature outdoor areas
Hotels, attractions, restaurants
Outdoor nature trails in all-weather conditions
Hotels (during renovation or development)
Hotels, attractions that may need a portable ramp
Hotels, attractions, museums, airports, restaurants
Site assessments for hotels, attractions, restaurants
Contact
Greg Scull greg.scull@mobi-mat-dms.com
Michaela Hayward, North America mha@liftup.us
Tish Skolnik, Founder tish@gogrit.us
Ed Warner, CEO ed@motionspot.co.uk
Kathy Magness, Co-Owner kathy@rollaramp.com
Seth Lawson seth.lawson@threshold360.com
Camilo Navarro camilo@wheeltheworld.com
The Why
Mobi- Mat provides slip-free rollout mats for beaches and uneven surfaces as well as floating wheelchairs for in-water experiences.
It’s an innovative space saving 2-in-1 solution that functions as a wheelchair lift as well as a short flight of stairs at the push of a button. A classic example of Universal design
Designed by MIT engineers, GRIT is a mix between a manual wheelchair and a mountain bike that enables wheelchair users to access mountain trails, sandy beaches and even snow.
Motionspot designs accessible hotel rooms that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing by creating accessible bedrooms and suites that meet ADA regulations without compromising on design.
Roll-A-Ramp offers portable, customizable ramps for wheelchair and scooter users. The ramps can be rolled up for easy storage and their length can be adjusted as needed.
Threshold 360 provides virtual tours for destinations, hotels and attractions, which can not only used by visitors, but also by meeting planners and local residents for weddings and events.
WTW is an accessible booking engine that measures 200 data points for hotels that matches disabled travelers with the hotels and tour programs that meet their specific needs.
Neurodiversity / Autism Spectrum
The Problem
There’s no discreet way to know whether someone with deafness, autism, dementia, or any other non-visible disable may need additional support
Neurodiverse or autistic travelers need their autistic children to experience the inflight and airport experience in order to reduce anxiety during flight.
Use Case
Airports, museums, attractions, restaurants
Link free "Fly for All" link to your landing page
The Why
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a symbol for non-visible disabilities and serves as a discreet sign that the wearer may need additional support, help, or a little more time.
A free app designed to take the anxiety out of air travel for guests with developmental disabilities including autism by walking them through the steps needed to get ready to fly.
All Things Accessibility, Sustainability, and DE&I for Tourism
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