As travel evolves, more efforts are being made to ensure that people with disabilities can explore the world without facing the traditional barriers. Across various destinations, from scenic trails to bustling airports, accessibility is being prioritized, offering hope and opportunities for millions of travelers who once faced significant challenges.
In Yarmouth, Maine, the West Side Trail is a prime example of how thoughtful design can make a difference. With gentle slopes, sturdy boardwalks, and minimal obstacles, the 1-mile section of the trail that is already complete has become a welcoming space for individuals with limited mobility. According to Dan Ostrye, a trail coordinator and Rotary Club member, the accessible features were incorporated without much extra cost but have significantly improved the trail for all users.
“Everyone assumes making a trail accessible only benefits people with disabilities. In reality, it improves the experience for everyone,” Ostrye explains. The upcoming extension of the trail aims to expand these benefits over the next 2.5 miles, helping nature lovers of all abilities enjoy the surrounding wetlands and forest.
While this marks a positive shift, the wider travel industry still faces challenges. Maayan Ziv, the founder of Access Now, an online platform that provides detailed accessibility information for businesses and attractions, highlights the growing realization among the tourism sector about the importance of catering to a wide range of needs. “People think of travel as a luxury, but it touches so many aspects of life,” says Ziv, whose platform provides users with critical data about sensory experiences, entry points, and accommodations.
It’s estimated that one-sixth of the world’s population lives with a disability, and an increasing number of them are traveling. In fact, Americans with disabilities spent $58.7 billion on travel before the pandemic, and the sector continues to grow, especially as the aging population seeks more accessible travel options.
However, gaps remain, particularly at airports. Peter Tonge, an accessibility consultant and frequent traveler, describes flying as “the absolute worst” form of transit for those using mobility devices. Issues such as damaged wheelchairs, inaccessible bathrooms, and inadequate handling of equipment have plagued air travel for years. In 2023 alone, U.S. airlines mishandled 11,527 wheelchairs and scooters.
“The problem is that airlines treat mobility equipment like luggage,” Tonge says, citing personal experiences of having his wheelchair damaged multiple times. Despite these frustrations, Tonge remains hopeful that awareness and advocacy will drive change, particularly in museums and cultural sites, which are beginning to recognize the importance of accessibility.
In Winnipeg, for example, the Rotary Club of Winnipeg-Charleswood is helping improve accessibility at the Assiniboine Forest, a large urban forest. Efforts to enhance washrooms, widen trails, and ensure the park is navigable for those with disabilities reflect a broader commitment to inclusivity.
One crucial change is how accessibility is defined. For Ziv, who uses a wheelchair herself, the experience of accessibility is highly individualized. Her platform, Access Now, allows users to rate various features, such as whether a space is quiet or includes Braille signage. This empowers people to make informed decisions based on their unique needs.
Other companies are also responding to this need. Wheel the World, a platform that connects people with accessible travel options, ensures that every hotel room listed is checked for key features such as bed height and sink accessibility. According to Joy Burns, the site’s alliances and community coordinator, this level of precision is essential, as even seemingly minor details can make or break a trip for travelers with specific needs.
The growing demand for accessible travel options is also sparking broader societal change. As more people with disabilities embark on adventures, they challenge the status quo and encourage the tourism industry to be more inclusive.
Susan Sygall, CEO of Mobility International USA, has experienced the transformative power of travel firsthand. Despite challenges, she has cycled through the rugged Outer Hebrides islands, backpacked across Europe and Israel, and explored Paris using expanded bike lanes.
“Travel is about the power of human connection,” Sygall says. “It’s about turning strangers into lifelong friends—and that’s something everyone can experience.”
Although challenges remain, the increasing availability of accessible travel resources, from wheelchair-friendly beaches in Florida to improved accessibility at cultural institutions, is helping make the world more inclusive. As awareness grows, more opportunities are opening up for those with disabilities to explore the world, ensuring that travel is a possibility for all.
This collaborative story is brought to you by Rotary magazine and Reasons to be Cheerful, a nonprofit solutions journalism outlet.
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