Accessible Travel and Tourism by Design

On Monday, August 15, 2016, the Northwest Universal Design Council steps into a new realm of good design with a special presentation on accessible travel and tourism.

From accessible communications from planning to completion of a trip, to the height of hotel beds, to courteous and thoughtful customer service, businesses and organizations that depend on tourism can design their facility, programs, and services to support all ages and all abilities.

At the August 15 presentation, you can learn more about Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations that apply to your business or organization and also how to provide professional service that will ensure a positive experience for travelers and visitors with disabilities, their family members, and their friends. If you are a traveler who has a disability, you can share and receive travel tips.

Presenters include:

• Patt Copeland, Vision Loss Connections and Seattle Commission for People with disAbilities
• Steve Lewis, Alliance for People with Disabilities and Seattle Commission for People with disAbilities
• Peggy Martinez, Creative Inclusion
• Jim Parsons, Wheelchair Jimmy
• Michael Richardson, Northwest ADA Center

This forum takes place from 9:00–11:00 a.m. in the Bertha Knight Landes reception room at Seattle City Hall (600 4th Avenue, between Cherry & James Streets in downtown Seattle).

People who work in the hospitality industry or with organizations that welcome business from tourists and business travelers, including travel agents, arts and cultural organizations, retail establishments, and organizations that provide indoor and outdoor experiences, are particularly encouraged to attend.

Sponsored by the Northwest Universal Design Council, Port of Seattle, Seattle Commission for People with disAbilities, Seattle Arts & Culture, Seattle Hotel Association, Visit Seattle, Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Association, and other community partners, the event is free and open to the public.

Reservations are encouraged so that adequate seating and beverage service can be arranged. RSVP at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NWUDC-Aug15-RSVP.

CART captioning will be provided. If you require an additional accommodation, e-mail info@environmentsforall.org at your earliest opportunity. For directions and building access information, click here.

The Northwest Universal Design Council is a group of volunteers who promote the incorporation of universal design principles—equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, and size, and space for approach and use—in planning and design of the built and social environments, enabling everyone, regardless of age or ability to “live actively by design.” For more information, visit www.environmentsforall.org.