As a person living with disabilities, what are the biggest challenges in the tourism industry from the accessibility perspective?

Accessibility in tourism is not just about signs, ramps and elevators - it's about dignity, independence, and inclusion. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of consistent, reliable information. Many destinations still treat accessibility as an afterthought, or worse, as a checkbox item. What’s advertised as “accessible” often isn’t, and that leads to frustration, loss of trust, and exclusion. For blind travelers, in particular, the challenges range from inaccessible booking platforms and signage to the lack of meaningful tactile or audio guidance in public spaces, museums, and hotels.

How can you help individuals and organizations as a travel and tourism accessibility consultant?

I bridge the gap between the needs of travelers with disabilities and the hospitality industry. I help companies move beyond compliance and toward inclusive design - where accessibility enhances the experience for everyone. This includes auditing digital and physical environments, designing tactile and audio solutions, training staff, and advising on inclusive communication. I also assist blind travelers directly by producing 3D tactile maps and models to help them explore environments. I am happy to share that I launched my braille production service recently.

What were the most difficult projects to execute in this role that you're proud of?

One of the most rewarding and challenging projects I've undertaken is the creation of tactile 3D printed models of iconic buildings for blind and visually impaired individuals. This initiative aims to provide a tactile understanding of architectural structures that are otherwise inaccessible through touch. Starting with landmarks like the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the Smithsonian Castle, the project has expanded to include buildings from various cities, including Cleveland, Paris or New Delhi. Each model is crafted with attention to detail to ensure that users can discern architectural features through touch, enhancing their spatial awareness and connection to these landmarks. Some of the most interesting requests we got was to model old buildings which don't exist anymore based on pictures and drawings so that blind people could better understand them.

Another meaningful and complex project I worked on was with the Allen Memorial Art Museum in Oberlin, Ohio. They were developing a new exhibit that, like many, relied heavily on visual presentation. Instead of retrofitting access at the end, we approached it from the ground up. I helped them organize a focus group that included individuals with a variety of visual impairments - ranging from low vision to total blindness. The participants provided direct feedback on what would make the exhibit more inclusive. Based on that input, the museum integrated tactile, auditory, and spatial elements to make the experience richer and more accessible. This kind of collaborative, user-driven process not only improved the exhibit, but also showed the institution how meaningful access can be when it’s planned from the start.

Why have you decided to become an Access4you brand ambassador? What are your aims and next steps?

Access4you’s structured and data-driven approach to accessibility aligns perfectly with my vision. Your certification system doesn’t just provide assurance - it empowers travelers and businesses alike with objective, standardized information. As a brand ambassador, my goal is to advocate for widespread adoption in North America and beyond, and to integrate tactile and sensory accessibility into the conversation. I also hope to influence policy and promote accessibility as a core value in sustainable tourism. Our collaboration is just a natural expansion of my business.

What value does Access4you bring to your portfolio? 

Access4you adds a layer of credibility, reach, and standardization to the work I already do. It complements my tactile and digital solutions by offering a clear and trusted label that destinations can aspire to. It also opens up collaboration with like-minded organizations that see accessibility as an opportunity - not a burden.

Can you share eye-opening and insightful stories from your life?

Here’s one that stuck with me - not because it was funny or dramatic, but because it illustrates something important. I was at a work site in a rural town, and by the time the day wrapped up, it was already dark. I was one of the last people to leave the building. I tried calling an Uber, but there were no drivers available. There was no public transportation that late, and no one nearby I could ask for help. I had no idea how I was going to get back to my hotel - and I was afraid. Ten years earlier, I wouldn't have even had a smartphone or access to an app like Uber. But back then, I would’ve made other arrangements in advance - called a cab company, scheduled a ride ahead of time. Now, we’ve come to rely so heavily on services that promise instant solutions, we sometimes forget that they’re not always reliable - especially for disabled travelers in unfamiliar places. The takeaway? Accessibility doesn’t just mean having options - it means having dependable options. Independence only works if the systems we rely on actually show up when we need them.

As a blind coin collector, visiting coin museums might seem counterintuitive since coins are typically displayed behind glass, making them inaccessible to touch. However, I've found that reaching out to curators in advance often leads to remarkable, personalized experiences. I have touched coins I would never dream anybody would let me hold. I’ve had the chance to examine ancient coins from Rome or India, medieval coins of Hungary, traditional currency from Africa, or a 28 pound gold bar. I’ve touched currency that spans continents and millennia - always under the generous guidance of curators who believed that history should be felt, not just seen. These experiences underscore the importance of proactive communication and the willingness of institutions to adapt. By simply reaching out and expressing my interest, I've been met with enthusiasm and creativity, transforming what could have been passive visits into engaging, hands-on explorations of numismatic history.