January 12, 2009

For over 33 years, SATH has been a world leader in advocacy and education for travelers with disabilities. This 13th World Congress was held January 4-8, 2009 at the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. This year's theme of "Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges" reflected the great works of suppliers, service providers, travel agents, tour operators and consumers from all over the world. It is an event that offers numerous educational and networking opportunities.

As the representative and Service Coordinator of Community Solutions Limited's new accessible travel service, "Linking People & Places," I attended the CLIA Workshop on "Customer Relations Management", introduced our accessible travel service at the International Networking Tea and attended the Dinner and Awards evening. On Day Two, following a welcome by Stuart Vidockler, SATH Chairman, I attended the Keynote speech by, Grace Chung Becker, Acting Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice.

The "Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges" panel of speakers was comprised of representatives from Disney, EZ Access Travel, Rolling Rains Report, and Accessible Israel. The focus of the panel was to highlight what is being done throughout the world to improve travel and tourism for persons with disabilities.

I was honored to be asked to participate on a Destination Panel as the Canadian representative in order to speak on Canada's accessibility in tourism. Other representatives were from Australia, Barcelona/Spain, Ecuador and Brazil.

Other topics and speakers included in the SATH 13th World Congress were:

• "Gray Line New York Sightseeing" - Gray Line America
• "Doggie Dilemma" - Assistance Dogs of America, Inc.
• "Orlando with an Expert" - Suntastic Tours
• "10 Commandments of Disability Etiquette" for First Time attendees
• "Sensory and Hidden Disabilities"
• "Making $$ Panel"- Holland America Line CTC and Writer of "Idea Machine II"
• "What Travel Agents Need to Know about ADA"
• "Does this Hotel Suit my needs?"
• "Adventure Travel"
• "101 Travel Agency OPS"
• "Travelling with Oxygen"
• "Show me the Money" - How to Market to this segment
• "Gadget Gurus"
• "Scootaround and Airlines"
• "Cultural Tourism"

The Congress also offered a Trade Show that included exhibitors from around the world show placing the latest equipment, tours, accessible countries, cruises, products and hotels.

I came away from the 13th World Congress with an awareness of not only what has been accomplished in the world of travel and tourism for persons with disabilities, but what still needs to be done. Clearly, through networking and collaboration we can create an inclusive world that offers accessible travel to all - no matter where you want to go!

Happy Travelling!

Nancy Gagnon

For more information on travel support services, please check out this website or call me at 705-735-2169.