The Market You’re Missing:People with Disabilities
Due to a variety of factors, ever increasing numbers of people with disabilities are traveling for work and/or pleasure. Consider these statistics:
What has your marketing efforts done to capture your share of this untapped demographic?
Are your staff aware of the needs of the disabled traveler and confident that they can interact appropriately with them?
As a destination marketing organization disability inclusion expert, I’m here to help.
"Rosemarie contracted with our organization, Experience Columbus, to assist in launching the city’s first accessibility guide in July 2022.
Rosemarie is a trailblazer and advocate in our community. We were proud to have her present our paid media efforts as an ambassador this past summer.
Working with her has been an incredible perk of my job and I have learned so much from her professionalism and kindness."
Having been paralyzed from the waist down with a spinal cord injury, my experience in a wheelchair has taught me about accessibility. I know what needs to be anticipated and arranged to accommodate people with various disabilities including limitations with mobility, cognition, sight, and hearing.
I am an expert in the Americans with Disabilities Act and other accessibility standards as well as universal design practices.
Accommodation Defined
There is a difference between accessible design and universal design. Accessible design is more than just code compliance. Its major emphasis is on usability. Good accessible design includes usability and equity as a goal. Thus, the end result is the optimization of the human experience.
Universal design goes above compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations, which are viewed as minimum standards. Universal design is a framework or philosophy benefitting people of all sizes, ages, and abilities. The people visiting your city!
What are the Problems that Rossetti Solves?
CHALLENGES related to ...
Exclusion
The unique needs of people with disabilities that are not taken into account when marketing a city.
Unfamiliarity
A lack of awareness about the needs of people with disabilities when planning and executing marketing campaigns.
Poor Outcomes
Failure to pre-plan leads to stress, costly makeshift solutions and unsatisfactory results. People with disabilities are not accommodated.
The Economic Benefits of Disability Inclusion
Increased Tourism Revenue
By actively promoting disability-inclusive travel, DMOs can attract a larger segment of the population that includes people with disabilities, their families, and friends.
This can result in increased tourism revenue as more individuals choose accessible destinations that cater to their needs.
Expansion of Customer Base
According to the World Health Organization, around 15% of the global population lives with a disability, representing a substantial consumer base.
By actively accommodating the needs of people with disabilities, DMOs can expand their customer base and attract visitors who might have otherwise been deterred by accessibility barriers.
Enhanced Reputation and Competitive Advantage
DMOs that prioritize disability inclusion demonstrate their commitment to accessibility and diversity.
Such organizations are likely to earn a positive reputation within the tourism industry and among travelers, including people with disabilities.
By positioning themselves as inclusive destinations, DMOs gain a competitive advantage over other locations that have not prioritized disability inclusion.
Longer Stays and Repeat Visits
By providing accessible facilities, services, and information, DMOs can encourage people with disabilities to extend their stay and explore more of what a destination has to offer.
Additionally, positive experiences can lead to repeat visits and word-of-mouth recommendations, attracting more visitors and fostering long-term tourism sustainability.
Job Creation and Accelerated Economic Development
Developing a disability-inclusive tourism sector requires investments in infrastructure, training, and services, leading to job creation and economic growth.
Accessible tourism initiatives can create employment opportunities in areas such as accessible transportation, accommodation, tour guiding, and specialized services, benefiting the local economy and communities.
Social Responsibility and Ethical Positioning
Embracing disability inclusion aligns with principles of social responsibility and ethical business practices.
DMOs that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities for all travelers, promoting a positive image and reinforcing their brand values.
What Can You Expect from Rossetti as your Disability Inclusion Consultant?
Create Appropriate Marketing Strategies
Review and suggest improvements for website accessibility and useability. Ensure compliance with WGAC standards. Make suggestions on how to improve the accessibility for people with low or no vision who use screen readers.
Work with your team to develop new content and review existing content to enhance attractiveness and engagement of potential disabled visitors. This content can include general website copy, blog posts, articles, podcasts, videos, social media posts, and interactive maps that showcase your destination's attractions, events, and experiences. Suggest photos/graphics to include more references to people with disabilities. Make suggestions for alt text for digital photos/graphics. Review and make improvements for language appropriateness.
Review and suggest improvements to advertising campaigns that will raise awareness about your region as an accessible destination. This may include print ads, digital ads, television commercials, radio spots, and outdoor advertising. Suggest judicious use of photos and graphics depicting disabled individuals / groups successfully visiting your region.
Review and suggest improvements to content that is distributed various media outlets, travel journalists, and influencers to generate positive coverage about your region as an accessible destination.
Review and suggest improvements to visitor guides, brochures, and maps that provide detailed information about your region's destination, including recommended attractions, activities, and services. These materials are often available at visitor centers, hotels, travel agencies, and online platforms.
Assess and make recommendations of your region's various amenities. Suggest low and no cost changes to properties to make them more accessible. Can include transportation modalities, public restrooms, access to elevators, etc.
Staff Training Demo (4:01)
Staff and Community Training
Your staff and DMO membership will become comfortable using proper protocols when interacting with people with disabilities.
Knowing what to say or do (or NOT what to say or do), will instill confidence in your staff and lead to positive feedback from your region's guests.
Accessibility/Inclusion training can be delivered in person, virtually or hybrid to your:
- DMO full-time and part-time staff
- Board of Directors
- DMO Membership
- Certified Tourism Ambassadors
DMO Ambassador
Need a seasoned pro as video or audio talent for your accessibility marketing efforts?
Or, will you have a major event in your region and need guidance for exhibitors, vendors, attendees and facilities?
Rosemarie can serve as a liaison to consult, advise and direct staff and suggest adjustments. She will help avoid serious problems that people with disabilities may experience.
Why Rossetti is the Right Choice
- Knows from personal experience as a woman who has used a wheelchair since June 1998 how the built environment can either restrict or enable independence.
- Since 1997 she has been an international speaker at various venues, knowing firsthand the potential problems and challenges people with disabilities face.
- Has extensively traveled throughout North America to access built environments.
- Delivered presentations in-person and virtually on the topic of disability inclusion.
- Wrote on the topic of disability inclusion in publications.
- Interviewed on podcasts on the topic of disability inclusion.
- Is a master communicator and consummate professional.
- In the know as a leading expert on the topics of disability inclusion, universal design, and accessible design.
Make an intentional choiceto take advantage of thisgrowing disability inclusionopportunity.
ContactRosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D.and put her on your team today!
Media / Articles — click / tap to view
Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association
Attracting, Serving and Supporting Disabled Travelers
Visit Loudoun
Six Accessible Places to Visit in Loudoun
Visit Loudoun
Ways to Make Loudoun County Businesses More Accessible
The Palm Beaches
Designing Accessible Meetings with Rosemarie Rossetti - PODCAST
Thrillist
The Truth About Traveling While Disabled
Association Conventions and Facilities Magazine
All Access - Going Beyond ADA Compliance
Travelability Insider
Roll Play: Wheelchair User Shows PCMA Meeting Planners how Columbus Convention Center can be more Inclusive
Skift Meetings
Are Your Business Meetings Truly Accessible?
Skift Meetings
PCMA Convening Leaders Takes Over Columbus, Ohio
Mélange Accessible Journeys Magazine
Cruising on Wonder of the Seas
Experience Columbus
2022 Holiday Performances in Accessible Columbus Theaters
Experience Columbus
Accessible Parks in Columbus
Experience Columbus
Where to Find Accessible Transportation in Columbus
Experience Columbus
Tips for Planning an Accessible Meeting in Columbus
Experience Columbus
Accessible Outdoor Dining in Columbus
Experience Columbus
2022 Summer Ambassador Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D.
Skift Meetings
What Makes Events Truly Accessible
AARP Travel
How to Find the Best Hotels for Wheelchair Users
HUBB Webinar On Demand
What We Talk About When We Talk About Inclusion at Events
ASAE Blog Article
How to Better Accommodate People with Disabilities at Meetings and Events
MPI Blog Article
Tips to Help Meeting Professionals Plan Inclusive Meetings and Events
Northstar Meetings Group
How to Create Accessible Digital Events (Podcast)
Special Events Galore
Adapt to Dining and Networking Challenges
MPI Blog Article
How to Provide a Ramp and Stage for Speakers
Northstar Meetings Group
How to Assist and Best Communicate With People With Disabilities at Your Events
PUSHLiving Magazine
The Gift of Inclusive Design (Podcast)
Northstar Meetings Group
How to Plan Truly Accessible Meetings and Events (Podcast)
MPI Blog Article
Tips to Accommodate Participants with Disabilities
MPI Foundation Research Report
The State of Inclusion in Meetings & Events
Smart Meetings Online
How To Accommodate People with Disabilities at Meetings
Partial Client List
- Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals
- American Society of Association Executives
- Disability Training Alliance
- Experience Columbus
- Hubb
- IMEX America
- Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association
- Meeting Professionals International World Education Congress
- Meeting Professionals International - Michigan Chapter
- Meeting Professionals International - Mid America Conference
- Meeting Professionals International - Middle Pennsylvania Chapter
- Meeting Professionals International - North Florida Chapter
- Meeting Professionals International - Ohio Chapter
- Meeting Professionals International - Philadelphia Chapter
- Meeting Professionals International - Pittsburgh Chapter
- MeetingsNet
- National Diversity Council
- Northstar Meetings Group Independent Planners Education Conference
- Professional Convention Management Association [Multiple Engagements]
- Society of Government Meeting Professionals [Multiple Engagements]
- The Ohio State University Hospitality Management Program
- The Palm Beaches
- Visit Denver
What Clients Say
"Rosemarie's session at our meeting on being inclusive when planning meetings was a hit! In-person and virtual participants rated our speaker a 4.86 out of 5 which is outstanding!
Her willingness to tailor her program to our audience was so appreciated and gave the attendees usable takeaways. She is definitely an expert in this field and an asset to any event."
"I am continually impressed with Rosemarie's passion and insight around designing inclusive events. Rosemarie joined Hubb for a panel on inclusive hybrid event design and her depth of knowledge, powerful personal story, and masterful speaking blew our audience away. We had one of our highest net promoter scores and received glowing reviews from our audience.
Rosemarie can introduce new ideas and actionable strategies in a way that is easy to understand and connect with. I highly recommend to any meeting planner to invite Rosemarie to be a part of your event or to use her extensive knowledge on inclusive design thinking at your next meeting."