Accessibility Resources
Being “City Limitless” means allowing all people to come and enjoy Mesa just the way they are. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a never-ending effort. This collection of resources is meant to be a starting-off point in the journey of becoming inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
Use these resources to become knowledgeable about the programs and technology Mesa offers.
TRAINING
Training is essential to build confidence and skills. These resources will help you better understand the needs of those with disabilities and how to better serve them.
Accessibility and etiquette from Ability 360
Disability Etiquette Tips
People First Language
Disability Awareness Presentation
Website Accessibility
Guidance from the Department of Justice
RESOURCES
2023 Miles Partnership
Travelers with Disabilities: Original research, Analysis & Recommendations
2022 MMGY Portrait of Travelers with Disabilities Study
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
THE 2024 ACCESSIBILITY PLAYBOOK
We have partnered with TravelAbility an organization whose purpose is to make travel for people with disabilities easier by educating the travel industry on how to become more accessible for all travelers.
TRAINING VIDEOS
Hospitality Education Part One
Hospitality Education Part Two
Hospitality: Hotel Education
Hospitality: Restaurant Education
Supporting Restaurant Material
TECHNOLOGY & PROGRAMS
ABLE EYES
A third-party database of virtual tours & and information to “know before you go”
Key things to know:
- The businesses that are listed on Able Eyes are automatically added from the Threshold 360 virtual tours
- QR codes are generated and sent to these businesses to display at their door, allowing for visitors to see what’s inside, should they feel they need to see before entering
- Able Eyes promotes these locations through their social media
ARIA
An on-demand visual interpreter
Key things to know:
- Service for people who are blind or have low-vision
- Free & unlimited for anyone within the Mesa boundary (outside of the boundary, it’s only free for five minutes)
- The service employs real people and uses the lens of a smartphone to connect with “explorers” (those using the service)
AUTISM
Mesa, AZ is the only Autism Certified City in the United States
Key things to know:
- The certification is done through an independent agency: the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)
- Certification is renewed every other year (new information is always updated)
- There are over 50 businesses and 5,000 individuals who have been certified in Mesa
To learn about the process of becoming autism certified, reach out to alison@visitmesa.com
Build your own Sensory Kits
Autism: Podcast video
Defining Autism video
HIDDEN DISABILITY SUNFLOWER PROGRAM
A bright green lanyard with sunflowers printed on it for people who have hidden disabilities to wear as they explore the city
Key things to know:
- Optional program for visitors who have hidden disabilities which could include: autism, deafness, severe anxiety, PTSD, etc.
- Lanyards are free of charge and can be picked up at larger hotels, museums, Gateway airport and Visit Mesa
- All businesses should let their employees know that when they see someone wearing the lanyard: be patient, be kind, be extra helpful
Learn more about the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program
THRESHOLD 360
Virtual Tours: Virtual tours hosted online to “know before you go with accessibility in mind”
Key things to know:
- Visit Mesa has partnered with Threshold 360 to capture these videos at no charge for select partners
- The videos include restrooms, ADA guest rooms (hotels), and parking lots to have a full picture of the accessibility of these locations
- The videos are also a great sales tool and partners can use them on their website
What Can I Do with My Threshold Link?
How to Embed a Virtual Tour
Capture Process
Destination Partner Benefit
How to Create a Threshold Link
Webinar: Becoming an Accessible Destination
Wheel The World
A third-party booking engine for travelers with disabilities
Key things to know:
- 30 Mesa area hotels and attractions have been listed on the Wheel the World website
- Visitors can create a profile on the platform, and Wheel the World will recommend the best "match" for hotels and tours
MESA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR ACCESSIBILITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to improving the daily resident and visitor experience by elevating Mesa’s already leading position as an accessible, equitable and inclusive city through purposeful education and innovative technology.
Programs include:
S.T.E.P. - Student Tourism Exploration Program inspiring Mesa’s future hospitality workforce by introducing students to career opportunities within the industry.
Camp Level Up - A summer camp providing neurodivergent youth with professional pathways and social development through game design. Level Up empowers teens to create their own games and media experiences with a community of like-minded peers.
