Disability Pride Month, observed every July, is both a celebration and a call to action. It honors disability identity and community while marking the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990. This year, the theme “The World Works Better With Us” highlights a truth travelers with disabilities have long understood: when destinations prioritize inclusion, everyone benefits.
More than 1 in 4 U.S. adults — over 70 million people — live with a disability. Yet travel has not always been designed with accessibility in mind. From transportation barriers to sensory overload, many experiences that others take for granted can require extra planning and effort. Fortunately, destinations across the country are moving beyond basic ADA compliance and creating truly inclusive travel experiences that welcome all visitors.
Wisconsin: Moss Universal Park
One of the most exciting examples is Moss Universal Park in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Designed as far more than an accessible playground, the 18-acre project is centered on universal inclusion. Every part of the park — from ball fields and bathrooms to fitness areas and picnic spaces — is being created so people of all abilities can enjoy it together. The park’s first phase is expected to open in summer 2026, reinforcing the idea that accessibility should be the foundation of public spaces.
Tennessee: Colorblind Viewfinders
In Tennessee, innovative colorblind viewfinders equipped with EnChroma lenses have been installed at scenic overlooks throughout the state. These devices help visitors with red-green colorblindness experience a fuller spectrum of vibrant colors, especially during the state’s famous fall foliage season. It’s a reminder that accessibility can deepen how people experience the world around them, creating moments of connection that may have previously felt out of reach.
Surfside Beach: A Beach for Every Body
Near Myrtle Beach, SC, Surfside Beach has become leaders in autism-inclusive tourism. Surfside Beach was recognized as the first autism-friendly destination in the country, and local organizations continue to partner with advocacy groups like the Champion Autism Network and TravelAbility to improve accessibility for neurodivergent travelers. Through initiatives like the “Beach is for everyBODY: Sensory-Friendly Pledge,” businesses across the region are creating welcoming environments where families can relax and enjoy vacations with fewer barriers and more understanding.
Albuquerque: Isotopes Sensory Bags
The Albuquerque Isotopes now offer sensory bags for guests attending games. Each bag includes noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, gloves, and fidget tools to help sensory-sensitive fans feel more comfortable in crowded environments. Small accommodations like these can make a significant difference, allowing more people to participate in experiences that build community and joy.
The Florida Keys: On The Water Accessibility
In the Florida Keys, Tranquil Adventures offers wheelchair-accessible boating, snorkeling, and fishing excursions designed specifically for travelers with disabilities. Founded by Captain Mick Nealey, a polio survivor, the company understands firsthand the importance of adapting experiences to individual needs. Rather than treating accessibility as a checklist item, the excursions focus on creating meaningful, memorable adventures on the water.
The Grand Canyon: ADA Adventures
Iconic destinations like Grand Canyon National Park continue improving accessibility through thoughtful design and services. ADA-compliant train cars, wheelchair-accessible trails, specialized transportation, and accessible lodging options allow more visitors to experience one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. These accommodations ensure that mobility challenges do not prevent travelers from participating in unforgettable journeys.
The spirit driving these destinations and attractions across the country is exactly what the 2026 theme of Disability Pride Month, “The World Works Better With Us,” represents. Accessibility is not about simply doing the minimum. It is about recognizing that diverse needs and perspectives make travel and communities stronger. As more destinations embrace universal inclusion, travel becomes more meaningful for everyone.
Header image courtesy of Travel Wisconsin.
