By being inclusive for people with disabilities today, we’re laying the foundation for the 77 million baby boomers, 40% of whom, according to the CDC, self-identify as having a disability after they turn 65. Additionally, they have an average net worth of $1 million, stand to inherit $13 trillion from their parents and not only do they have the time to travel, but consider it a priority.
While ADA law provides some baseline regulations for infrastructure for people with disabilities, it does not take into account that every disability has a spectrum. It took over 18 months to write the law, and it was written for the median. This means that even fully ADA compliant hotels only work for 50% of the people. The other 50% have to be detectives to find out if the accommodations meet their particular requirements because detailed information is not online.
Each issue will be carefully curated to include articles that take a useful and practical approach to innovations and guidance that will make hospitality more inclusive for ALL guests.
Jake Steinman, Founder, TravelAbility.
P.S. This newsletter is edited by Jennifer Allen – founder and editor of Wonders Within Reach, a disability travel blog for families. She is the mother of three, including a six year old son who uses a wheelchair.
