A Blind Traveler’s Experience - Visit Lauderdale And Wheel The World Unveil Blind Travel Video, Highlighting Travel Through The Senses
December 5, 2024
Visit Lauderdale, in collaboration with Wheel the World, announces the release of “Seguimos III: A Blind Traveler’s Experience,” a captivating short video featuring Henry Martinez, a blind influencer and professional surfer.
In this inspiring video, Henry Martinez, a Costa Rican native living in Brazil, embarks on a journey through Greater Fort Lauderdale, where he navigates and enjoys a variety of sensory experiences. From the soothing sounds of the ocean waves at Hollywood Beach to the tantalizing aroma of local Italian cuisine at Louie Bossi’s, Henry's adventure highlights the diverse and inclusive offerings of this vibrant destination.
This video is the final installment in the acclaimed series "Seguimos," which translates to "keep going" in Spanish, celebrating movement, exploration, and inclusivity.
"Greater Fort Lauderdale is committed to being a welcoming and accessible destination for all, and we're proud to showcase our ongoing partnership with Wheel the World,” said Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “Accessibility is a priority for us, and we’re continually working to enhance our experiences to ensure everyone can enjoy the diversity and warmth of our community.”
The video captures Henry's unique experiences as he makes new friends, explores parks and nature, and feels the Greater Fort Lauderdale vibe with locals. It also features the area's dynamic LGBT+ scene, further demonstrating the destination's brand promise to welcome Everyone Under the Sun.
“We are committed to being a destination that truly sees you for who you are,” said Richard Gray, Senior Vice President of Inclusion and Accessibility at Visit Lauderdale. “Genuine hospitality embraces diversity and ensures everyone feels welcome. Our focus on accessibility and acceptance allows each visitor to create unforgettable memories and feel at home in Greater Fort Lauderdale.”
Visit Lauderdale's partnership with Wheel the World underscores its dedication to accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that every visitor, regardless of ability, can fully experience the beauty and excitement of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Wheel the World has also worked with Visit Lauderdale to map out accessible hotels, attractions and experiences within the destination to make travel easier for people with disabilities, including those with mobility, hearing, vision, or cognitive disabilities. According to data provided by the TravelAbility Foundation, there are currently 12.7 million disabled travelers in the world. The “Seguimos III: A Blind Traveler’s Experience” video not only showcases the destination’s vibrant culture, but also its unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all.
"Partnering with Visit Lauderdale to create the first blind destination video in North America has been an inspiring journey,” said Alvaro Silberstein, CEO of Wheel the World. “This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to innovation in travel and accessibility, ensuring that the beauty and unique experiences of Greater Fort Lauderdale are within reach for everyone. By breaking visual barriers, we’re opening new avenues for exploration and showing the world that travel knows no limits."
The video will also be formatted for blind and low-vision viewers, featuring extended scene descriptions and subtitles.
"Seguimos" is more than a series; it is a celebration of movement, exploration, and the boundless opportunities that await every traveler. Through Henry's journey, Visit Lauderdale invites the world to discover the welcoming spirit and inclusive experiences that define this remarkable destination.
For more information on accessible experiences in Greater Fort Lauderdale, visit: https://www.visitlauderdale.com/accessibility/?bounds=false&view=list&sort=qualityScore
View the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0TIcIm1IDM