New Year can be an overwhelming time for many of us. There is a great deal of pressure to renovate our lives and be better than the people we were just yesterday. Motivation can be a wonderful thing – except for the fact that it is not always so straightforward. At ORA, we have a great deal of hope going into 2025, especially for the disabled community. We’re seeing exciting and important change, not only in the travel sector but across the board when it comes to accessibility. It has all been building to new opportunities, posing the question:
Could 2025 be the year of an accessibility revolution?
Looking back at the last few years, there is no question that we are in a moment of transformation when it comes to accessibility.
Across various sectors and communities, we are seeing long overdue conversations beginning to happen. We are approaching a moment in time where the fight for equality and accessibility is at a peak.
Attitudes towards accessibility are changing – and here’s the proof
Across the pond, huge strides are being made in the air travel sector – thanks to the advocacy of our friends at Rights on Flights, landmark legislation is being brought in to protect both disabled passengers and their mobility aids.
In January, mandates are being introduced such as enhanced training, accountability for damage and clear passenger notifications during the travel process. To read more about what their advocacy has achieved, check out the Rights on Flights webpage with all the details here.
In the age of social media, the comments section of any company can be seen as an encouraging display of allyship; reminders to use image descriptions, inclusive language, or checking locations of events are accessible for all.
How Open Road Access is leading the way for accessible travel
At ORA, we are so excited and proud to get to be orchestrating just some of these movements. In 2024, we hosted our Shape the Future of Air Travel webinar, which united the disabled community with change makers in the sector. To watch the session, click here.
We are seeing the demand for private wheelchair accessible vehicle hire increase and have been expanding our range of vehicles and drivers in keeping with this to continue delivering an exemplary experience as your go-to disabled car rental service.
We have come so far, but have so far to go…
While we are making hopeful progress, it is clear that the battle for accessibility is just beginning. We have always believed that the answers for universal accessibility can only be found directly from the disabled community. We also recognise that this has always been the case – and it is about time they were heard.
What are you hoping to see in 2025 accessibility? Let us know over on our Instagram @openroadaccess.
We have a feeling that 2025 is going to be the biggest year yet – click here to subscribe to our community newsletter, where we will be bringing all the latest in accessibility news, straight to your email inbox
Join Open Road Access and the Rights on Flights campaign for a crucial discussion which will shape the future of air travel. We need to hear from members of the community to create a plan for change and make accessibility not just a promise, but a necessity.