A Familiarization (FAM) trip is a highly effective way to showcase a destination to travel agents, tour operators, and media representatives. When focused on wheelchair accessibility, the goal is not only to highlight the destination’s appeal but also to ensure that it meets the needs of travelers with disabilities. Here’s a guide to organizing a successful wheelchair accessible FAM trip:
1. Understand the Needs of the Participants
Before planning begins, it’s essential to have a thorough understanding of the specific accessibility needs of your participants. Reach out to the travel agents, media, or influencers who will be part of the trip, and ask detailed questions about:
- Mobility devices they use (manual wheelchair, power wheelchair, scooter, etc.)
- Assistance they may require with transfers, seating, and accessing restrooms
- Any accommodations they need in terms of transportation, lodging, and food
2. Partner with Accessibility Experts
Collaborate with organizations that specialize in accessible travel, such as WheelchairTraveling.com, which can offer insights into the needs of wheelchair users and help identify suitable destinations, hotels, and activities. Having an accessibility expert on the planning team ensures that all aspects of the trip are genuinely wheelchair-friendly.
3. Choose a Destination with Accessible Infrastructure
Select a location that has a solid reputation for accessibility, including:
- Accessible public transportation: Ensure that buses, trains, and taxis in the area are equipped with ramps or lifts.
- Wheelchair-friendly hotels: Choose accommodations that offer accessible rooms with roll-in showers, wide doorways, and barrier-free pathways.
- Attractions and restaurants: Include accessible tourist sites, restaurants with level entrances, and venues with accessible restrooms and seating arrangements.
- For example, cities like New York, Las Vegas, and Washington D.C. are often highlighted as wheelchair-friendly travel destinations due to their comprehensive public transportation systems and accessible attractions.
4. Plan the Itinerary with Accessibility in Mind
The itinerary is key to a successful FAM trip. Ensure that every stop, from transportation to restaurants, is fully accessible:
- Transportation: Arrange accessible buses or vans with lifts or ramps.
- Tourist Attractions: Verify the accessibility of all landmarks and attractions by visiting ahead of time or consulting local accessibility guides.
- Dining Options: Select restaurants that accommodate wheelchairs with ramps, wide aisles, and accessible restrooms.
- Rest Breaks: Schedule regular breaks to accommodate the needs of the group, including accessible restrooms along the route.
5. Communicate with Vendors
Work closely with vendors (hotels, restaurants, transportation providers) to ensure they fully understand the accessibility requirements for wheelchair users. If possible, provide them with a checklist or guide on meeting these needs:
- Ramps and Elevators: Ensure there are ramps or elevators at all entry points.
- Accessible Bathrooms: Confirm that there are accessible restrooms at every venue.
- Staff Training: Request that staff be trained in disability etiquette, such as how to properly interact with individuals using mobility devices.
6. Test the Accessibility in Advance
Ideally, you or a team member should visit the destination ahead of the FAM trip to verify that everything is truly accessible. Sometimes, facilities advertise themselves as accessible but fall short in practice. Pay special attention to:
- Steepness of ramps
- Narrow doorways
- Accessibility of sidewalks and curbs
- Adequate signage for accessibility features
7. Provide Accessible Travel Information to Participants
Provide your participants with detailed information about the accessibility of the destination:
- Maps with accessible routes
- List of accessible restaurants and rest stops
- Emergency contacts for accessibility issues (e.g., medical services or equipment repair)
- Ensure that your participants have contact information for accessible transportation companies and any local accessibility experts who can assist them during the trip.
8. Promote the Accessible Features
Once the trip is successfully completed, highlight the accessibility features of the destination in your marketing and promotion materials. Include feedback from participants about their experience, showcasing the inclusive nature of the destination. This could inspire more travel agents and operators to promote accessible travel to their clients.
9. Include Influencers or Experts in Accessible Travel
Consider inviting influencers, such as Ashley Lyn Olson from WheelchairTraveling.com, to your FAM trip. Their experience and knowledge of accessible travel can lend credibility to your efforts and ensure that your trip is thoroughly reviewed by experts in the field.
10. Follow-Up and Gather Feedback
After the FAM trip, follow up with participants to gather feedback on how the destination and the itinerary met accessibility needs. This will not only help improve future trips but also provide valuable insights for your promotional materials.
