Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility is Front and Center as 1,000+ Visitors with Hidden Disabilities Convene in Greater Fort Lauderdale June 25 – 29, 2023
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 31, 2023) – Visit Lauderdale, the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and a staunch champion of inclusion and accessibility, has proudly announced it will host the Deaf Seniors of America (DSA) 17th Biennial National Conference at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel in Hollywood on June 25 – 29, 2023.
Welcoming visitors of all abilities to enjoy 31 vibrant communities, Visit Lauderdale and has been working to remove barriers to provide quality experiences for everyone under the sun. In fact, within a year after launching a specialized Accessible Tourism landing page, which makes trip planning for people with visible and invisible disabilities easier, event organizers determined Greater Fort Lauderdale was the ideal location to host the DSA 2023 Conference.
“We are committed to providing everyone with a safe and supportive environment and are thrilled to welcome the Deaf Seniors of America 2023 Conference to Greater Fort Lauderdale,” said Richard Gray, Visit Lauderdale’s senior vice president of Inclusion & Accessibility. “Every effort is being made to provide the hundreds of attendees with a memorable and immersive experience.”
More than 1,000 deaf and hard of hearing seniors, age 50 and older, from throughout the United States and beyond are registered for the conference which offers a variety of educational workshops, presentations and activities provided in American Sign Language. Exhibits are open to the public, featuring more than 50 corporations, nonprofit organizations, and deaf-owned businesses whose products and services are geared to the needs of deaf seniors. The packed conference schedule includes comedy and variety shows, luncheons, reunions, and a LGBT+ social. Members will also take part in DSA business sessions to help shape future plans and strategies.
“We welcome everyone and put great value on inclusiveness, so aligning with Visit Lauderdale was a natural choice,” said Phil Aiello, chair of the Deaf Seniors of America 2023 Conference. “Every other year we host our conference in a new region, providing members with opportunities to explore and grow, as we strive to provide an optimal, interactive environment where full access is given for all.”
Workshop topics, geared specifically to the needs and interests of conference registrants, range from housing, technology, travel, healthcare and entertainment. Examples include navigating the road of Medicare, turning pain into purpose related to dementia, choices in senior living and home care, protections against scamming and hacking, and guides to being a smarter world traveler.
“Everyone deserves to be seen and our hope is that by removing accessibility barriers, such as with our specialized site, which offers a list of hotels, attractions, theaters, beaches and transportation providers, even more people will visit Greater Fort Lauderdale and explore our culturally rich and diverse community,” said Gray.
As evidence in its “Everyone Under the Sun” campaign, Visit Lauderdale’s commitment to accessibility is underscored by its Platinum Charter and Destination A11Y Club membership with Travelability, an organization dedicated to working hand-in-hand with the travel industry to improve travel experiences for people with hidden and visible disabilities.
For Deaf Seniors of America 2023 attendees arriving early, accommodations have been arranged at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale West Hotel in Plantation. Primary conference attendees will stay at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood.
About Greater Fort Lauderdale
With 24 miles of golden sand beaches and 300+ miles of navigable waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America and Yachting Capital of the World. The area boasts an average year-round temperature of 77˚F, has 3,000+ hours of annual sunshine, and is home to 31 unique municipalities, including eight distinct beach communities, each offering something for “everyone under the sun.” Residents hailing from 170 countries, speaking 147 languages call this diverse destination home. And there’s good reason, including the area’s unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Upon arrival at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), a five-minute drive will get you to the beach, Port Everglades, the newly expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, and a bustling downtown. Experience 4,000+ eateries, a thriving arts and culture scene, craft breweries, stunning rooftop bars, fishing, diving, and the unmatched beauty of the Florida Everglades. From world-class shopping, to boating, yachts and superyachts all moored at the area’s many marinas, it’s no wonder Greater Fort Lauderdale is one of the most desirable places to stay, work and play. The destination has more than 38,000 unique lodging accommodations at a variety of hotels, luxury spa resorts, and beautifully appointed, boutique properties, all reflecting the area’s cosmopolitan vibe. Find inspiration for your next trip at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
About Visit Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area’s 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers as the ideal place for Everyone Under the Sun in recognition of the area’s diverse and welcoming vibe, and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, area hotels and resorts. Find more information at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Media Contacts:
Mary Haban
Senior Manager, Public Relations & Communications
Visit Lauderdale
mhaban@broward.org
954-767-2442
Diana Hanford
dhanford@piersongrant.com
561-309-4136