Tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world, with millions of people traveling to different destinations every year. However, not all tourists can enjoy their travels similarly, as many destinations are still not fully accessible to people with disabilities or other special needs. 

Hosting a public event that is accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is not only the right thing to do but also the law. Enacted in 1990, the ADA ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to public accommodations, including events. In this blog, we’ll discuss some tips for hosting an ADA-compliant public event that remains accessible to all attendees!

Walking surfaces are an integral part of our built environment. They serve as the foundation for how we move around daily, and their design directly impacts our safety and comfort. To think about the future of these surfaces, we must go back to the past.

There are detectable warning surfaces everywhere, including the base of every ramp leading to the street and at the corner of every intersection. Even though individuals frequently walk over these surfaces without giving them much thought, they play a crucial role in many people's lives, including those with limited or no vision.

Traversing stairs can be dangerous for individuals, especially those with visual impairments. How would one detect a shift in level without risking their life? Detectable warning tiles, also known as truncated domes, work to inform pedestrians before trekking the stairs. The circular bumps on top of tactile warning surfaces indicate individuals to pause, avoiding tripping or falling.

Universal, accessible, and usable design are all concepts that promote environments fit for everyone, including people with disabilities.

Railway accessibility refers to the ease with which people can use the railway system, particularly those with disabilities or mobility issues. Ensuring that railways are accessible and approachable allows people with disabilities to travel independently and feel welcomed in society. Accessibility makes public transport more convenient for everyone, and it can improve public health by promoting active modes of transport such as walking and strolling.

Supporting disabled employees goes beyond hiring in the workplace. Focusing on accessibility in physical and remote workplaces, offering various accommodations, and emphasizing respect help create a welcoming and inclusive environment. To improve your company's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), you could focus on understanding disability inclusion and supporting employees with disabilities.

Since the 1800s, people with disabilities pushed for recognizing disability as an aspect of identity that influences experiences and is not the sole-defining feature of a person. Unfortunately, harmful biases, assumptions, stereotypes, and irrational fears created a stigma around disabilities that followed a lack of advancements in access to public transportation, telephones, bathrooms, stores, office buildings, and other work sites. This stagnation left disabled individuals unable to find employment and kept them from opportunities for meaningful work.

Preparing for college can be daunting for high school students, and when you are disabled, there are many things to prepare for after graduation. Even during the first year of high school, it’s helpful for students who are blind or have low vision to start exploring their options through the Individual Education Program (IEP). Depending on the student's interests, the IEP team might suggest attending a two-year college, vocational school, or four-year college.

When going on a vacation, wheelchair users may want to consider the accessibility of the city they are planning to visit. Wheelchairs can go to more places in the United States than ever, and these are the five most accessible cities for wheelchair users to adventure:

Traveling by plane as a wheelchair user can be tricky when navigating security, boarding your flight, layovers, and everything else that comes with getting on an airplane. And, not many resources exist to guide wheelchair users on ways to plan for the experience and avoid any challenges. Here are four tips to make traveling by plane with a wheelchair easier!