New York Accessible Travel Conference

Lakshmee Lachhman Persad • February 12, 2026

New York’s first Accessible Travel Conference—bringing disabled voices, tourism, culture, and government together to set a new standard for access, belonging, and impact.

A dynamic recap of the inaugural New York Accessible Travel Conference, bringing together disabled travelers, public-sector leaders, tourism and hospitality businesses, and community partners to explore accessibility, representation, and the practical steps needed to build a New York that truly welcomes everybody—for stronger experiences and business growth.


The New York Accessible Travel Conference marked a historic moment for the tourism and meetings industry, placing accessibility and disability inclusion at the center of the conversation from the start. Designed to be intentionally accessible, the conference convened leaders from tourism, arts and culture, transportation, government, and destination organizations to share knowledge, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies to move New York toward inclusion for all.


Conference highlights include:

  • New York’s first Accessible Travel Conference, built accessible from the ground up
  • Disabled voices and lived experience centered throughout sessions
  • Cross-sector collaboration creating shared strategy and accountability
  • Practical case studies demonstrating impact and ROI beyond compliance


Accessibility:
Downloadable transcript with audio/visual description (Google doc)
Downloadable transcript with audio/visual description (PDF)


The New York Accessible Travel Conference is presented by Accessible Travel NYC and Queens Economic Development.

MORE POSTS

By Lakshmee Lachhman Persad May 27, 2025
Creating space for disabled joy, storytelling, and connection—one piece of art at a time.
A family photo with everyone wearing sunshades smiling and posing for the camera.
By Lakshmee Lachhman Persad July 26, 2024
Beautiful memories made in and with the New York City Skyline at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
Disability Pride Flag with flag color meanings re-imagined into 10 beautifully Disability Pride pins
By Annie Nishwani Lachhman July 1, 2024
Disability Pride Flag with flag color meanings re-imagined into 10 beautifully Disability Pride pins.
By Lakshmee Lachhman Persad April 5, 2024
Supporting Artists with Disabilities!
By Lakshmee Lachhman Persad April 25, 2023
Our video with Lincoln Center has won a Webby Award!  "Disability Pride, Disability Joy, Exists"
By Lakshmee Lachhman Persad October 1, 2022
Our powerful story episode: "Access to Inspiration"
By Lakshmee Lachhman Persad September 30, 2022
for "Shining a Light For Others"
By Lakshmee Lachhman Persad May 14, 2022
Accessible Travel NYC visit Grand Central
By Lakshmee Lachhman Persad January 5, 2022
A review of our Fall 2021 participation in Lincoln Center's Passport for the Arts free program.
By Lakshmee Lachhman Persad November 8, 2021
Free adaptive bike rides in New York City for people with disabilities.
More Posts