Recently I have come across a program in Ohio, which may fundamentally change what it means to create accessible travel and tourism in a state. Accessible Ohio has the potential to impact accessible experiences for people with disabilities by educating and consulting with companies who would like to make their services more accessible and inclusive. Of course, such services existed before, but here the difference is that it is taken to the state level, and actually funds accessibility consultations. As I understand, such an initiative is unique in the United States.

Accessible Ohio is an initiative of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), made possible through Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted’s Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025. Accessible Ohio supports Ohio’s businesses, communities, attractions, and venues in becoming more accessible and inclusive so that everyone can fully enjoy and participate in Ohio’s travel and tourism destinations.

Accessible Ohio Specialists consult directly with partners to help identify barriers, establish goals for accessibility, and provide information about potential funding resources. Support is available in four main areas: planning and awareness, navigation, experience, and personal care.

Planning and Awareness to gain information about a venue or activity or planning for a visit and may include:

• Accessibility maps
• Sensory experience guides
• Training on disability awareness and accessibility features
• Website accessibility

Navigation involves the steps individuals take to arrive, enter, and navigate an environment and may include:

• Accessible signage
• Audio beacons and alerts
• Navigation apps
• Wheelchair and mobility device charging stations and rentals

Experience focuses on what individuals are at the venue or attraction to enjoy and may include:

• Accessible shopping and dining
• Sensory-friendly events
• Sign language interpreter
• Tactile and audio descriptions and captioning

Personal Care encompasses the personal needs all individuals have when in communities and public areas and may include:

• Accessible public restrooms
• Universal changing tables
• Sensory rooms and areas
• Service animal relief areas

The tourism industry has a tremendous opportunity to make a positive impact for all Ohioans by prioritizing accessibility and inclusion. By partnering with Accessible Ohio, venues and attractions can identify and address accessibility barriers, promote awareness and education, and develop innovative solutions that foster a more inclusive tourism industry that benefits everyone. Get started by visiting the Accessible Ohio webpage for more information. Together, let’s build a future where Ohio destinations are accessible to all.

If you live in Ohio, I would encourage you to promote this service.

If you are an Ohio tourism business or partner and need help on how to make your services more accessible for people with disabilities, reach out to the team. While they are not going to resolve all your accessibility needs, you will receive a great start, provide your staff with education, and refer you to the best services.

If you are a person with a disability and find any organizations which could benefit from accessibility improvements, refer them to Accessible Ohio.

I am very much looking forward to how this initiative will change the state of Ohio, and the inspiration it will provide to other states.