Editor ’ s Note
Fred J . Maahs , Jr .
Greetings !
Welcome to our fall issue of Melange , Accessibility for All magazine .
It ’ s fall here in the United States and we are very excited about this issue of Melange Accessibility for All . There are so many great articles about people , organizations , and technology from the United States , Africa , Brazil , Israel , India , the Netherlands , and more ! If there ’ s one thing that is constant in the disability community it ’ s that there is always something or someone new and interesting to read about and learn . Speaking for myself , I try to learn something new each day and whenever I have the incredible opportunity to interview one of our subjects for Melange or to edit all of these wonderful articles , I always discover something that captures my attention and my imagination . I hope it ’ s the same for you , our readers ! International travelers will no longer need to show proof of a negative coronavirus test before boarding flights to the United States . Travelers who are not U . S . citizens , U . S . nationals , lawful permanent residents or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa must still show proof of vaccination before boarding their flight . Requirements for masks have mostly been eliminated . Hopefully , the world is on its way to a safer and Covid-free future .
This year , after a long hiatus on in-person meetings , the number of conferences and summits for topics related to accessibility , disability , equity , inclusion , and innovative technology is back on track . People and organizations are meeting once again and many more gatherings are planned for the rest of the year . From the Dubai Accessible Tourism International Summit to the Global Accessibility and Inclusion Leaders Summit in Tel Aviv , to the Harkin Summit in Belfast , and the TravelAbility Conference in Orlando and the Zero
Project in Vienna – people are meeting , talking , and making important decisions that will help shape the future of people with disabilities and their ability to live , work , learn , recreate , and travel . It ’ s important to remember that everyone ’ s voice matters . Your voice matters . When you have the opportunity to attend or participate in these meetings and discussions , you can decide what ’ s important to you and how it may impact your life . I encourage you to get involved . Sign up for a conference or attend virtually .
And , don ’ t forget our newest magazine , Melange Accessible Journeys , which was introduced in March ! In this latest Melange digital magazine , we share stories from all around the world about accessible travel destinations written and experienced by people with disabilities . In each issue of Melange Accessible Journeys , you will find personal , firsthand accounts of what each traveler experienced during their journey . It will be a resource for anyone of any ability who wants to take an accessible journey ! We hope you enjoy it ! We will continue to make it all real , all relevant , and we certainly appreciate your thoughts . Let us know if you have a product you want us to try and write about or if you want to invite us to visit your city , country , resort , or place of interest so that we can write about it and share it with our audience . You can reach me at
fmaahs @ readmelange . com . Thank you for reading ! Warm regards ,
Fred
@ FredMaahs - Twitter
Fred J . Maahs , Jr . is an internationally-renown disability and civil rights champion who believes in and advocates for the rights and access for all ! A recognized leader and former corporate executive , he ’ s also an International Keynote speaker , collaborator , and an international accessibility travel expert .
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