Tourism, Travel Planning for Disabilities

The travel industry has a multi-billion dollar blind spot.

We call it the "Purple Dollar." It represents the spending power of the disability market, which includes over 1 billion people globally. In the U.S. alone, travelers with disabilities spend over $58 billion annually on travel. Yet, despite this economic force, the industry largely treats accessibility as an afterthought—a box to be checked rather than a service to be mastered.

As we move into 2026, the "check-the-box" method isn't just bad ethics; it’s bad business. And for the traveler, it can be the difference between a dream vacation and a logistical nightmare.

The Gap: Why "ADA Compliant" Doesn't Mean "Accessible" We have all seen it: A hotel claims to be ADA compliant, but the "accessible" entrance is around the back, through the kitchen, and requires a key that only one staff member possesses. Or the bathroom has grab bars, but the doorway is too narrow for a modern power chair.

Compliance is about measurements. Accessibility is about the experience.

This gap exists because the human element is missing. A blueprint cannot predict the fatigue of a traveler with MS or the sensory overload of an autistic child in a busy terminal. This is where the industry fails, and where the need for specialized human guidance becomes undeniable.

The Two Paths to Better Travel At Accessible Travel Planners (ATP), we realized that closing this gap requires a dual approach. We need to empower the traveler and train the professional.

1. For the Traveler: Advocacy & Knowledge You cannot rely solely on a hotel website’s promise. Travelers need to know what questions to ask and how to advocate for their specific needs. This is why we created Accessible Journeys—to give travelers (and their loved ones) the tools and knowledge to vet destinations themselves, ensuring the world is as open to them as it is to anyone else.

2. For the Professional: Certification & Community General travel agents often lack the clinical understanding to assess a client's physical or cognitive needs. This is why the Certified Accessible Travel Planner (CATP) designation exists. It’s not just about booking flights; it’s about understanding mobility equipment, oxygen logistics, and neurodivergent pacing.

The Pivot: Why Therapists Make the Best Travel Agents This brings me to a realization that has defined my career. The best accessible travel planners often aren't career travel agents—they are therapists–whether PT, OT, SLP or Mental Health Professionals. The list goes on and on!

Why are you so perfect? You are already trained in "Activity Analysis." You look at an environment and instantly spot the barriers. You possess the empathy to listen and the clinical background to understand complex conditions. You have what it takes to customize an itinerary to the person, and not the other way around. And you know how to accommodate, educate and practice to minimize potential barriers or downfalls and maximize adventure and joy.

When you combine that clinical expertise with travel industry training, you become unstoppable. You don't just book trips; you open worlds.

The Future is Foundational We are building ATP to be an enduring institution that supports this future of travel for ALL. Whether you are a traveler looking to see the world, or a professional looking for a career or side gig that lights you up, there is a place for you here.

Ready to start? We are compiling the industry’s most comprehensive resource, The Ultimate Accessible Travel Checklist (2026 Edition). It is coming soon, but you can join the waitlist today.

Join the Waitlist & View the Bundle Offer