Travel is a huge part of the average American lifestyle. According to recent surveys, a third of all
Americans go on up to three vacations every year. These trips are fueled mainly by personal
passions and travel goals.
Unfortunately, other studies have found that pursuing such vacation plans is not as easy for those
with disabilities. In fact, key findings posted by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics note that
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19 million respondents reported having a disability that they felt limited their travels. As a
result, many said they take fewer trips across the board. That being said, while the onus of
making travel more accessible should be on public officials and hospitality insiders, there are
tools that disabled travelers can adopt to make their adventures more fun and secure.
Here are a few of the must-haves that can help travelers with some of the most common
disabilities:
Assistive hearing aids
Being that almost 4% of the US population has some degree of hearing loss, hearing aids are
some of the most used assistive devices. Unfortunately, they’re not always widely used. Often,
this is because people want to avoid the stigma attached to traditional hearing aids, or they are
simply too expensive. One way that deaf and hard of hearing travelers can work around the
look like a regular pair of prescription specs. In truth, they offer an intersection between vision
and hearing, as the frames have an OTC hearing aid integrated into them.
Using an app for calibration and with special features like beamforming tech and ambient sound control, wearers
can tailor the amplification and sound directionality. For travelers, this can help them better
in an African safari, such a device could help them see the sights better and hear the rangers’s
explanations clearly without feeling like they stand out too much.
Collapsible mobility solutions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that over 12% of the population has a
mobility disability. In light of this, there are some destinations that now account for those who
need to use walkers, wheelchairs, or scooters. For instance, there’s Argentina’s Puerto Iguazu (check out my budget when I went). Known for its stunning ![]()
natural landscapes and wildlife, it also has a number of accessible
walking paths. However, until such a time that more inclusive opportunities become the norm in
all destinations, it helps to bring your own mobility solutions. Ideally, so as not to take up more
room in your luggage or complicate your transportation plans, collapsible ones like the Pepe
folding cane are ideal. Since this is designed to be durable for most body types and terrains, you
can rest assured it will keep up with your itinerary. Then, when it’s time to pack up or move
locations, it can easily fold up and tuck away.
Real-time communication apps
Language barriers are already a hurdle for able-bodied travelers. For those with disabilities, this
can be even more significant as it can create complications when discussing important matters
like medications or safety protocols. This is even more complex when you add other languages,
that can provide support. One such app is Google’s Lookout. Compatible on most Android
devices, this app is designed to help those who are blind or have low vision better understand
their surroundings. Using AI, the app can provide information under seven different categories.
This includes common traveler concerns like looking for public transport stations, bathroom
locations, local schedules, and much more. Such capabilities are especially valuable in countries
like China and South Korea, where most signages and information boards are mostly shared in
the local language and alphabet.