How Wheel the World is Transforming Accessible Travel
Read how Wheel the World is transforming travel for those in need. Wheel the World empowers travelers with disabilities through curated accessible travel services & experiences.
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Everyone should be able to travel. Everyone deserves a chance to experience the true essence of travel, and that includes people with disabilities too. Far too often, we have seen accessible options treated merely as filters on platforms rather than comprehensive solutions for travelers with disabilities.
In 2018, a startup called Wheel the World embarked on a mission to improve travel for people with disabilities.
Their mission resonates with the idea that individuals with disabilities should have the ability to make well-informed travel decisions that are tailored to their accessibility needs.
A dream that turned to a solution
Solving for the needs of those with disabilities, Wheel the World was co-founded by Alvaro Silberstein in 2018. Unfortunately, at the age of 19, Alvaro experienced an accident that left him unable to walk.
Alvaro had always dreamt of visiting Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile. Despite the challenges, he and his best friend Camillo decided to plan a trip to Chile.
They reached out to tour operators and travel companies to make arrangements, but they were met with discouraging responses. The park was known for its rugged terrain, and they were told that wheelchairs had never been used there.
However, Alvaro and Camillo refused to let go of their dream. They began searching for solutions and discovered the Joëlette, a special wheelchair designed for hiking. Unfortunately, it came with a hefty price tag of $8,000.
Undeterred, they decided to start a crowdfunding project. Their idea was to use the wheelchair during their trip and then leave it with the local team, while also providing training to the team to assist people with disabilities in having the same experience.
With the necessary funds secured, they documented their journey in a film that soon went viral. This caught the attention of others who desired the same experience.
This newfound interest led them to organize trips for other travelers and ultimately led the launch of Wheel the World.
Building supply & tailoring listings for those with diverse needs
Wheel the World ensures that each listing on their platform, whether it's an accommodation, experience, group tour, or multi-day trip, includes all the necessary accessibility information for travelers who require such information to make informed decisions.
To provide these listings, Wheel the World partners with suppliers who have incorporated accessibility features in their offerings.
They work closely with hotels, tour operators, and activity providers that prioritize accessibility and have implemented relevant features to accommodate travelers with diverse needs.
For accommodations, Wheel the World partners with hotels and accommodation partner that have dedicated accessible rooms and facilities. They collaborate with suppliers who have made efforts to ensure their properties meet accessibility standards.
This includes features such as wheelchair-accessible entrances, accessible bathrooms, grab bars, and other amenities to enhance the comfort and convenience of guests with disabilities.
Similarly, when curating experiences, group tours, and multi-day trips, Wheel the World works with suppliers who have incorporated accessibility features into their offerings.
This may include providing accessible transportation options, designing itineraries that consider accessible routes and attractions, and ensuring the availability of trained staff who can assist individuals with disabilities during the experience or trip.
By working closely with suppliers who prioritize accessibility, Wheel the World is able to provide comprehensive listings that empower travelers to choose options that meet their specific accessibility needs. The partnership with these suppliers helps ensure that the listings on the platform accurately reflect the accessibility features and services available.
Powering Community Engagement & Social Impact
Wheel the World doesn’t stop at curating accessible travel. They go above & beyond to engage with the community and create a positive social impact. One remarkable example of their commitment to inclusivity is their collaboration with Dot Inc. through Inter-American Development Bank, focusing on providing accessible travel experiences for individuals with visual disabilities.
With this partnership, Wheel the World and Dot Inc. has come together to introduce innovative blind assistive technology, revolutionizing the way individuals with visual impairments can experience travel.
This enables travelers with visual disabilities an opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of Chile using a groundbreaking app.
The app helps users to scan and communicate the surroundings in real time, offering auditory feedback and detailed descriptions of the environment.
By leveraging this technology, individuals with visual impairments can navigate unfamiliar places with greater ease and independence, immersing themselves in the wonders of their surroundings.
The Future of Niche Travel Marketplaces
In the ever-evolving travel industry, niche travel marketplaces like Wheel the World play a crucial role in addressing the needs of often overlooked communities.
Their dedication to providing fully inclusive solutions and tailoring offerings to specific needs sets them apart from traditional platforms.
By going beyond simple filters and curating comprehensive accessibility information, they empower travelers with disabilities to make informed decisions about their journeys.
As we look to the future, it is essential to recognize the importance of supporting and promoting the development of inclusive travel solutions for individuals with diverse needs.
By embracing innovation, advocating for accessibility, and promoting collaboration within the industry, we can strive towards a more inclusive and empowering travel landscape for everyone.
Let us embrace the potential of niche travel marketplaces like Wheel the World and actively work towards a future where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can experience the transformative power of travel.