Ann Arbor Area to Celebrate 'Destination Verified' Status with Wheel the World

WHAT: Destination Ann Arbor is proud to announce the Ann Arbor area as the first community in Michigan to achieve Destination Verified status with Wheel the World, a global leader in accessible tourism. This milestone showcases the Ann Arbor area’s commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible destination for travelers of all abilities. This event will include a press conference, a panel discussion featuring leaders in accessible tourism, and networking opportunities with key stakeholders and media. Join us to celebrate this achievement and to learn more about the accessibility efforts in the Ann Arbor area. Members of the media will have opportunities for interviews before and immediately after the press conference. Media are also welcome to stay for the panel discussion and ask questions of the panelists afterward.

WHEN: Monday, November 18, 2024

· 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM – Arrival & Check-in

· 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM – Press Event, with time for questions before or after

· 10:30 AM – Panel Discussion

· 11:30 AM – Event concludes

WHERE: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

PARKING: Please plan to park at the Ann & Ashley Parking Garage, located at 220 North Ashley Street, just a short 5-minute walk from the museum. This garage offers both accessible and public parking. Limited accessible parking spots are available directly at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum for those who need immediate access. Additional street parking may be available on surrounding streets, though availability may vary.

WHY: The Destination Verified status by Wheel the World is a significant achievement, marking the Ann Arbor area as a leader in accessible travel. This initiative promotes inclusivity by ensuring that visitors with physical, cognitive and invisible disabilities can explore and enjoy the Ann Arbor area with confidence. Participating businesses are listed on the Wheel the World platform, promoted as accessible places, and gain access to the Wheel the World Academy for training on accessibility best practices. This milestone enhances our community’s reputation, opens new growth opportunities for local businesses, and creates a more inclusive visitor

experience for all. This event will celebrate this progress and encourage local businesses to participate in accessible tourism efforts.

WHO:

· Sarah Miller, President & CEO, Destination Ann Arbor

· Arturo Gaona, Chief Partnership Officer & Co-Founder, Wheel the World

· Emma Bailey, Influencer, Wheelchair User and Accessible Travel Advocate

· Alex Gossage, Executive Director, Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston

· Susan Westhoff, Executive Director, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum RSVP/REGISTER: https://us.eventsforce.net/annarbor/13/register

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

· Interviews with event speakers before and after the press conference

· Photo and video opportunities during the press conference and panel discussion

· Media can stay for the panel discussion and participate in the Q&A with panelists

For additional information or to schedule interviews, please contact:

Chad Wiebesick, Director of Public Affairs

(734) 995-7281 cwiebesick@annarbor.org http://www.AnnArbor.org

###