Fairfax County, VA – May 18, 2023 – Visit Fairfax, the official destination marketing organization for Fairfax County, Virginia and one of the charter members of TravelAbility’s Destination A11Y Club, has been working to uncover and showcase accessibility information within the destination to ensure an inclusive – and exceptional – travel experience for all individuals. This continuing effort, as part of a collaboration with TravelAbility’s “Rethinking Accessibility Project,” is celebrated today, Global Accessibility Awareness Day.
Recognizing the importance of accurate information when it comes to planning an accessible trip, Visit Fairfax has been working with local Fairfax County attractions, accommodations, transportation companies, and other key providers in the tourism and hospitality industry to create a comprehensive information hub designed to highlight a variety of accessibility features that will make trip planning to Fairfax County a breeze.
Initial survey results among partners showcased new and unique accessibility features at attractions like George Washington’s Mount Vernon, where guests who cannot access the 18th century mansion’s second level can remain included on the tour via iPads connected to the tour guide upstairs, and the National Museum of the United States Army, where hand controllers allow guests to plug into interactive exhibits that otherwise may be out of reach. Other partners include Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, which offers a free subscription to the Aira app to connect visitors with sighted agents who provide visual descriptions on-demand, and outdoor parks that detail the surface, slope, and nearby parking to area trails. The information hub also includes a number of feature articles as part of a collaboration with local residents and disability advocates Photos with a Spin to share first-hand experience of accessibility resources in Fairfax County.
This invaluable new resource allows travelers to make informed decisions and plan their trips confidently, knowing that their accessibility expectations will be met. By collaborating with local businesses, organizations, and tourism stakeholders, Visit Fairfax strives to create an environment where accessibility is not an afterthought but an integral part of the visitor experience.
As part of this ongoing effort, Visit Fairfax also leverages its invitation-only membership in the prestigious Destination A11Y Club, by TravelAbility. This exclusive consortium comprises forward-thinking destinations, committed to proactively expanding inclusivity for both visitors and locals with disabilities. Through the Destination A11Y Club, Visit Fairfax gains access to valuable resources, best practices, and collaborative opportunities that enable the continuous improvement of accessibility standards throughout the destination.
By actively embracing accessibility today, Visit Fairfax is paving the way for a more inclusive and welcoming experience for aging travelers in the future.
“Visit Fairfax believes that every individual should have the opportunity to explore and enjoy our remarkable destination,” said Patrick Lennon, Director of Marketing at Visit Fairfax. “We are excited to be part of the Destination A11Y Club and a part of TravelAbility’s ongoing efforts to make travel more accessible for people with disabilites. Through our ongoing commitment to accessibility, we are taking concrete steps to ensure that Fairfax County is an accessible and inclusive destination for all.”
For more information about accessibility in Fairfax County and to access the comprehensive accessibility information database, please visit www.fxva.com/accessibility.
About Visit Fairfax
Visit Fairfax is the official tourism organization for Fairfax County, Virginia. Charged with destination marketing and tourism promotion, it is directed by many of the County’s top tourism and hospitality leaders. Find travel inspiration at www.FXVA.com or join the conversation on social at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@VisitFairfax). Hashtag: #FXVA
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