Accessible Travel Consulting: How to Charge $150/Hour Helping Disabled Tourists

The Untapped Market of Barrier-Free Travel

When Javier M.—a wheelchair user—started advising hotels on accessibility, he uncovered:

• 87% of disabled travelers cancel trips due to poor planning (Open Doors Org)

• Certified Accessible Travel Advocates charge $95-$250/hour

• Simple checklists (not medical degrees) win clients

Here’s how to build this recession-proof consulting business in 2024.

3 Profitable Services (ADA-Compliant)

1. "Trip Stress Tests" ($297-$997)

Deliverables:

• Custom accessibility reports for destinations

• Vendor call scripts to verify real conditions

• Packing lists for specific disabilities

Toolkit:

• AccessNow (crowdsourced data)

• Wheelmate (restroom locator)

2. Corporate Accessibility Audits ($1,500-$5,000)

Clients:

• Hotels needing ADA compliance upgrades

• Cruise lines expanding wheelchair cabins

Sample Finding:
"Your ‘accessible’ shuttle has 18" doorway (requires 32")."

3. "Inclusive Marketing" Guides ($750-$2,000)

Fix Common Mistakes:

• Stock photos showing only wheelchair users (missing 80% of disabilities)

• Website color contrast violations

5-Step Startup Plan

1. Build Authority (Free)

• Complete ASTA’s Accessible Travel Specialist course ($0)

• Audit 3 local businesses for practice

2. Find Clients

Where to look:

• Special Needs Travel Facebook Groups

• Convention bureaus (CVBs) seeking ADA certification

3. Automate Services

• AccessibleGO (white-label trip planning)

• Canva for visual guides