United States census data identifies that there are over fifty-four million Americans with disabilities. This represents a three billion dollar annual market to the travel industry.
For people with disabilities, traveling throughout New York State takes on a new meaning. In order to provide these individuals with accommodations appropriate to their needs, both the individual and the accommodation provider need to be informed.
The individual must research in advance what type of room accommodations they will need, and then make sure the provider understands their request. Once the hotel/motel understands the request, they must in turn, fulfill their commitment and provide the services required by the patron.
Hotel and Motel accommodation providers should offer their guests with disabilities an opportunity to express their level of satisfaction with their accommodations and any insights or thoughts on how they might be able to better provide for their needs in the future.
The New York State Independent Living Council, Inc. (NYSILC) is made up of representatives, the majority of whom have disabilities, from around the State. NYSILC is a not-for-profit, non-Governmental, consumer controlled organization. It looks to support the statewide network of Independent Living Centers (ILC) in New York by increasing funding and resources, raising public awareness, providing technical assistance and training, and developing and pursuing a public policy agenda that results in systems change.
NYSILC has a variety of public policy sub-committees that address issues such as travel, housing, transportation, election reform, inclusive education, civil rights/ADA, Olmstead implementation and consumer directed personal care.