Why is this a problem?
Travel can be harder for D/deaf and D/disabled people, making it more expensive, stressful, and tiring. This can make it difficult to attend in-person meetings, and some members may not be able to participate or may attend under extra strain.
Common problems include:
- Support and guidance problems
- No clear contact person to help with accessibility planning
- No guidance on how to arrange accommodations for specific needs
- Traveling without regular caregiver or personal support.
- Higher travel stress, physical pain and fatigue because of limited support and long journeys
- Accessibility support issues
- Not having access to personal equipment or a full technology setup while travelling
- Risk of mobility equipment being damaged during travel
- No access to sign language interpreters during travel
- Inaccessible spaces
- Airports, trains, or taxis that are not fully accessible.
- Limited information about accessibility in the host city
- Funding and expense problems
- Extra costs and difficulty finding accessible transport, hotels, or flights
- Paying out of pocket for mobility equipment, support workers, or special insurance
Ways to address the barrier
Build in travel funding
Long-term Actions
- Create a travel fund to help cover extra costs like accessible hotels, support workers, or accessible transportation.
- Set aside emergency funds for unexpected access needs during travel.
- Provide clear information about what is covered and what is not
- Offer travel grants that people can apply for easily.
- Make the funding process simple, accessible, clear and quick.
Barriers these actions address
- Recruiting for diversity
- Inaccessible in-person meetings
- Lack of financial support or payment
- No funding for accessibility accommodations
- Travel barriers for D/deaf and D/disabled people
Help with travel planning
Quick Actions
- Share travel guides and advice from disabled and Deaf people who have previously attended similar meetings.
- Make a shared document or online space where people can share travel tips, resources, and experiences.
- Match first-time travelers with a “buddy” who has similar access needs and has traveled internationally before.
- Assign an accessibility contact person for each in-person meeting, including someone available at the venue to help.
- Provide an accessibility guide for each host city, with local information and tips.
- Offer a travel checklist and packing list that includes medications, mobility aids, chargers, and required documents, and provide information about possible travel restrictions when crossing international borders (for example, rules related to carrying certain medications, medical supplies, or assistive devices).
- Arrange a contact person for travel questions and support.
- Share information about accessibility at the venue including entrances, elevators, and bathrooms.
- Provide clear details about transportation including accessible taxis and public transit options.
Barriers these actions address
- Inaccessible in-person meetings
- Consultation fatigue in D/deaf and D/disabled communities
- No funding for accessibility accommodations
- Travel barriers for D/deaf and D/disabled people