VisitAble Certification

VisitAble Certification Enabling a better experience for customers, visitors, and employees with disabilities

Check out the links on our website and on our other social media platforms; find everything you need at linktr.ee/visitable

Want to learn some more ASL? Here are some personal descriptors. Words like these are crucial sentence starters. Even if...
05/29/2026

Want to learn some more ASL? Here are some personal descriptors. Words like these are crucial sentence starters. Even if you don’t know any other ASL, these are great words that can make communicating a bit easier.

Practice these words today to grow your sign language vocabulary. Stay tuned for more simple ASL lessons!

Image Descriptions:
Slide 1: Black text on a cream background reads, “learn sign language,” “Personal Descriptors,” and “swipe to learn.” There is also an image of a person signing “love” with text next to her stating “this movement means ‘love.’”

Slide 2: On a cream colored background, images of people are shown saying “your,” “mine,” “me,” and “we” in sign language with their text definition written in black underneath each photo.

The Richmond City Sheriff's Office has renewed its VisitAble Advocate certification for another year, strengthening thei...
05/27/2026

The Richmond City Sheriff's Office has renewed its VisitAble Advocate certification for another year, strengthening their commitment to disability inclusion, and we are thrilled to share their accomplishment!

The Richmond City Sheriff's Office serves the residents of Richmond, managing jail and court operations along with restorative programs that promote safety and reentry into the community. Their work reinforces the importance of Sheriff’s Offices being trained in accessibility and inclusion across law enforcement, court, and corrections settings, ensuring that they are equipped to effectively serve individuals of all abilities.

It was a great privilege to work with the Richmond Sheriff’s Office staff again, and we are grateful for their continued partnership and ongoing dedication towards accessibility. We have been impressed by their commitment to make this training a top priority!

If you’d like to support ongoing efforts that strengthen accessibility and disability inclusion in public service, click on this link: https://www.rva.gov/sheriff

Image Description: The background is an image outside in front of a large sign that says “Richmond,” with 2 Sheriff’s Office cars on either side of the sign. In the center top of the image, the logo for the Richmond City Sheriff's Office. The VisitAble certification badge is in the center bottom of the image, valid until April 2027.

What does it mean to receive Advocate Certification from VisitAble? Advocate Certification is a respected, groundbreakin...
05/25/2026

What does it mean to receive Advocate Certification from VisitAble? Advocate Certification is a respected, groundbreaking recognition that your organization, department, or establishment is actively committed to creating a more accessible and welcoming world for people with disabilities.

Organizations that earn this certification ensure their employees are prepared to serve, welcome, and accommodate disabled visitors, employees, and stakeholders with respect and understanding.

Learn more about having your organization become certified at this link: https://www.visitable.io/our-certification

Image Description: On an yellow-to-orange gradient background, the VisitAble Advocate Certification graphic, featuring a shield with a checkmark, above the text: “What does it mean to be certified?”

This past March, we conducted focus group research to better understand the disability community’s wants and needs. Two ...
05/22/2026

This past March, we conducted focus group research to better understand the disability community’s wants and needs. Two groups of eight participants were gathered to share their experiences based on guided questions relating to the hospitality industry.

The results indicate that staff attitude makes a huge impact on guest experience. This was the most commonly mentioned issue that was brought up. Being understanding and kind can truly change a visitor’s experience. Other important points include locations having an environment with proactive accessibility, and staff avoiding assumptions about disabilities.

The information gathered will continue to help us improve our videos and develop accessibility training with genuine representation, ensuring individuals with disabilities have their needs met. Thank you to all of our participants! ♿️ 🧡

Image Descriptions:
Slide 1: On a light yellow background, black text reads “focus group survey results are in” under the VisitAble logo. An image in the middle of the page holds a black outline of three people looking interestedly at a computer. The bottom of the page has an orange box reading “key takeaways: attitude matters most, proactive accessibility, avoiding assumptions.”

Slide 2: A yellow background has a chart in the middle with black text above reading, “16 individuals in the disabled community shared their experience in our focus groups.” Within the chart there are two sides, one reading “when guests feel comfortable" and containing check marks next to “visible accessibility, clear information, welcoming staff, consistency, addressing barriers.” The next column reads, “when guests feel uncomfortable” and has exes next to “fear of dismissal, past negative experiences, lack of accommodations, rushed communication, talking to companions.” At the bottom of the page there is VisitAble’s logo.

We’re looking for individuals with disabilities in the DC, Richmond, and surrounding areas this summer to join us for ou...
05/21/2026

We’re looking for individuals with disabilities in the DC, Richmond, and surrounding areas this summer to join us for our new VisitAble training filming.

As we update our accessibility training, we’re inviting people with lived experience to take part in upcoming photo and video shoots that will be featured in our training and promotional materials.

This is a paid opportunity at $30/hour, and we’ll work with each person to make sure filming locations and accommodations are accessible and comfortable.

If this sounds like something you or someone in your network might be interested in, we’d love for you to apply or share it.

For the application link and job description, please click the links below:

Job Description - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p33_tjke7KQxjOcOxsa4z3_MyLBachUt1yS-Ppisbqg/edit?tab=t.0

Job Application - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16UmEYCZSR1ziYZghA8S_HG-OhUDfs-iM5d23nm_O9R8/edit?usp=drive_web&ouid=105932247595780120984

The application deadline is Friday, June 5th at 5 PM ET.

Thanks for helping us spread the word and support more inclusive storytelling!

Image Description: Blue graphic featuring three circular images of individuals within the disability community: a man using a wheelchair, a man communicating through sign language, and a woman with a white cane. Text reads: “Link in Bio. Video Actor/Photo Model Opportunity. $30/hour. Apply by June 5 at 5pm. Filming in DC and Richmond.” VisitAble logo, website, and email shown at the bottom.

Computer science courses should be accessible to students who are blind or have low vision. A new framework from researc...
05/20/2026

Computer science courses should be accessible to students who are blind or have low vision. A new framework from researchers shows how accessibility can be built into classes from the start with hands-on tools and dedicated teaching.

The framework focuses on practical strategies universities can use, including tactile materials, hands-on learning kits, shared course resources, dedicated support, and inclusive classroom practices. Together, these approaches help students participate more fully in Intro to Computer Science courses.

This work highlights how thoughtful planning and universal design can expand access to STEM and create more inclusive learning environments.

Click the link to read more on this topic: https://sloanreview.mit.edu/sponsors-content/turning-title-ii-into-meaningful-change-a-framework-for-lms-accessibility/

Image Description: A graphic displays the VisitAble logo in the top left and circuit-style designs in the upper right. The headline reads “Education Meets Innovation: Supporting Blind and Low-Vision Learners” on a white background. Below, a dark brick wall features a glowing blue accessibility icon and the word “Accessibility” in neon-style lettering, with a small green digital label reading “Granted.”

We’re delighted to announce that Visit Richmond VA partner Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education has completed the...
05/18/2026

We’re delighted to announce that Visit Richmond VA partner Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education has completed the VisitAble Advocate recertification process!

The Perkinson Center is a virtual and visual arts center providing a space for culture and community in Chesterfield Virginia. The arts center holds performances, galleries, and can even be rented out for events. Between the gallery, theatre, classrooms, and more, the Perkinson Center immerses tourists and residents from all walks of life to enjoy the arts.

It is a pleasure to continue working with the Perkinson Center team, as they continue to emphasize the importance of accessibility and disability inclusion.

If you’re looking to support organizations who share similar values on disability inclusion as the disability community and its allies, click on this link: https://www.perkinsoncenter.org/

Image Description: The background is a photo of a room with an art exhibit at the Perkinson Center. In the center top of the image, the logo for the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education sits above the VisitAble certification badge, valid until April 2027. The orange Richmond Region Tourism logo sits in the bottom right corner of the image.

Researchers at IIT Guwahati and Ohio State have developed a new system that turns silent breath into speech, opening up ...
05/15/2026

Researchers at IIT Guwahati and Ohio State have developed a new system that turns silent breath into speech, opening up new ways to communicate for so many.

When someone gently exhales across the surface of water, tiny ripples form. A sponge based sensor sitting just beneath the surface picks up those waves, and AI translates the patterns into words with no voice, contact, and wires needed.

It is designed for people who are unable to produce sound, including those with vocal cord injuries or other conditions that affect speech. The early prototype cost just around ₹3,000, and it’s already shown it can pick up breath from a short distance.

To learn more about this story, click this link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/breath-becomes-voice-as-iit-gs-tech-promises-sound-to-silence/articleshow/123101974.cms?utm_

Image Description: A droplet hits the surface of water, creating smooth ripples that symbolize silent breath turning into sound. Centered text reads “Breath Becomes Voice,” with a microphone icon and soundwave graphics reinforcing the theme. Below, a caption notes the collaboration between IIT Guwahati and Ohio State to turn silent exhale into speech. The VisitAble logo sits in the top left corner.

We are happy to share that the Sands Family Grounds campus of the UVA Darden School of Business has successfully complet...
05/13/2026

We are happy to share that the Sands Family Grounds campus of the UVA Darden School of Business has successfully completed the VisitAble Advocate certification process!

Located in the Washington, D.C. metro area, the Sands Family Grounds campus benefits from its proximity to a global hub of business and policymaking. The Sands Family Grounds offers several degree options, such as a Masters of Science in Business Analytics and Darden’s Executive MBA, designed to equip students with the education to be impactful leaders.

It has been a pleasure supporting a group that is committed to strengthening accessibility and inclusion within a learning environment. This marks just the beginning of our partnership with Darden, and we’re looking forward to expanding this training to more staff, faculty, and student leaders in the months and years ahead!

If you’d like to support UVA Darden - Sands Family Grounds in promoting accessibility in higher education, click this link: https://www.darden.virginia.edu/about/locations/dc

Image Description: At the top center, the UVA Darden School of Business logo. The UVA Darden Sands Family Grounds building takes up the right side of the image, and the UVA logo and text: “UVA Darden” is in signage at the top of the building. The VisitAble certification badge is in the center bottom, valid until April 2027.

Planning travel is a difficult process to begin with. It can be even more difficult if you have to ensure accessibility ...
05/11/2026

Planning travel is a difficult process to begin with. It can be even more difficult if you have to ensure accessibility accommodations within your trip.

Here are a few tips that can help with planning a vacation or work trip. Thorough research can be a huge help for finding what places provide accommodations and make disability access a priority. Booking accessible housing in advance, planning for transportation within your travel location, and notifying your travel location with any accommodations needed are all great ways to make your travel experience more accessible and lower the stress of travel.

Ideally, every place we visit would be accessible to everyone, but that’s not the world we live in yet. Companies can help by clearly sharing which spaces are accessible and what accommodations they offer if full accessibility isn’t possible. Supporting businesses that prioritize inclusion helps move us toward a more accessible, welcoming world, one step at a time.

Image Descriptions:
Slide 1: The majority of the image is filled by a picture of a packed suitcase. A black box takes up the top of the screen. Within this box, text reads, “a guide to traveling with a disability.”

Slide 2: A photo of city buildings is the background of the post. On top of the photo, there is a post card with text reading, “here are some things to look out for when planning travel,” “book accessible housing in advance, prearrange transportation, notify where you are visiting with necessary accommodations,” and "Traveling is hard, but finding places that make accessibility a priority can make a world of difference for your trip.”

The movie, Sound of Metal, tells an incredible story about disability, acceptance, and the natural changes of life. The ...
05/08/2026

The movie, Sound of Metal, tells an incredible story about disability, acceptance, and the natural changes of life. The film follows a touring drummer named Ruben, who lives in his tour van with his girlfriend and bandmate, Lou. Ruben’s life drastically changes when he begins to lose his hearing. Ruben then must go on a journey to understand his new life and his place in the Deaf community.

Sound of Metal is a raw coming of age movie depicting many challenges faced by the Deaf community. Beautifully filmed with a story wonderfully told, this movie is one you will remember.

Have you seen this film? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Image Description: The movie poster for “Sound of Metal” is the background of the image, showing the main character playing the drums. The VisitAble movie spotlight icon sits in the middle left side of the screen.

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