Our Experience with the Best Travel Apps for People with Disabilities
Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but for travelers with disabilities, it can also be overwhelming and limiting. From navigating airports to finding accessible accommodations to booking transportation, every step of the journey requires careful planning and consideration. However, a crop of apps and programs have emerged to make travel more accessible and easier for individuals with disabilities.
One such platform is accessibleGO, which goes beyond the basic “wheelchair accessible” toggle feature in most hotel booking apps. Users can filter accessibility options to find lodging with specific features like roll-in showers, accessible swimming pools, and outdoor space for service dogs. After booking, an accessibleGO team member contacts the destination to ensure all accommodations are met, making travel more comfortable for individuals with disabilities.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is another web-based initiative that provides travelers with invisible disabilities a free lanyard to easily identify themselves to airport staff. By wearing the bright green lanyard decorated with sunflowers, travelers can receive assistance and navigate airports more easily. This program has expanded globally, with over 200 airports participating and incorporating sunflower lanyards into their accessibility offerings.
For visually impaired travelers, the Be My Eyes app provides a solution by allowing users to scan and interpret written documents or photos with the help of AI or volunteers. This app can provide valuable assistance in navigating airports, hotels, and other unfamiliar locations, making travel more accessible for visually impaired individuals.
Additionally, TSA Cares is a program available in all US airports that modifies security and travel requirements to meet the needs of travelers with disabilities. It also offers support for military families, families with young children, and other groups facing travel challenges. The MyTSA app provides information on packing rules, wait times, and disability accommodations, further enhancing the travel experience for individuals with disabilities.
Google Maps has also introduced accessibility features like crowdsourced accessibility information, wheelchair-accessible routes, and screen reader capabilities to help travelers with disabilities navigate new locations. These updates, spearheaded by Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Features Lead Sasha Blair-Goldensohn, have significantly improved the travel experience for individuals with accessibility needs.
Lastly, the Roadtrippers app allows travelers to plan road trips with accessibility in mind, filtering attractions based on wheelchair accessibility and providing reviews from other travelers. For transportation, zTrip offers wheelchair accessible vans and trained drivers, providing a reliable option for travelers with disabilities in select locations.
Overall, these innovative apps and programs have made significant strides in making travel more accessible and enjoyable for individuals with disabilities, empowering them to explore new destinations with confidence.
