Travel is one of those exhilarating experiences that create memories to last a lifetime. But for travelers with disabilities, navigating these encounters can come with challenges.
Accessible Black Hills, a burgeoning organization, is on a mission to change that.
Founded in 2021, Accessible Black Hills started with a simple goal: to offer travelers with disabilities the tools needed for independent adventures.
Fueled by personal experience, the organization’s founder, Kelsey Stine, envisioned a platform that would empower visitors and locals with disabilities to plan worry-free vacations.
“My partner and I love to travel. We’ve traveled throughout the United States and internationally.” -Kelsey Stine
“I’ve lived in Rapid City my whole life, and often I would get questions about how accessible the Black Hills was. I would always say it was great, but then I would think some businesses have great accessibility features, but they would be missing something,” said Kelsey.
abilities as she lives with muscular dystrophy, but it hasn’t stopped her from doing what she loves—traveling.
She has witnessed the stress of entering an unknown location, and has faced disappointment when accommodations aren’t accessible.
“I’ve experienced stressful situations with finding somewhere to eat, partake in certain activities, or even meet up with friends,” explained Kelsey.
While exploring The Journey Museum with her husband, Trevor, Kelsey came across an accessible push-button on the bathroom door.
“This is something you don’t typically see, so I thought it would be a cool idea to snap a photo of it and create an Instagram account dedicated to sharing accessibility features throughout businesses,” shared Kelsey.
And so, she did just that. The account focused on fulfilling the need to provide information for locals and visitors with disabilities. Quickly, Kelsey saw an increase in followers and attention.
“My partner and I love to travel. We’ve traveled throughout the United States and internationally.”
“People just want to know what features there are before they get places, calming the worry of not being able to get inside the building,” said Kelsey.
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
Keep up with Accessible Black Hills’ social media for highlighted accessible businesses and destinations.
INSTAGRAM:
@accessibleblackhills
FACEBOOK:
/accessibleblackhills
She continued, “By the end of 2021 I thought, ‘Let’s become a larger organization.’”
Since its inception, the organization’s mission has been to break down barriers and create inclusive experiences that allow everyone— regardless of disability—to explore and appreciate the Black Hills.
Kelsey shares Accessible Black Hills’ values are at the forefront of the organization.
“Our purpose is to elevate awareness, provide education and empowerment, and innovation through collaboration,” said Kelsey.
These beliefs are visible through their recent partnership with Access Earth—a disability and inclusion consulting firm.
Since partnering in 2023, Accessible Black Hills has been able to provide detailed consults to businesses looking to be more accessible for people with disabilities in ways beyond base ADA compliance.
In addition to the consults, Accessible Black Hills has partnered with Access Earth to create universal design principle courses business owners can take and see the full scope of changes they can make.
“These resources allow us to remove the societal barriers that don’t need to be there for visitors with disabilities,” Kelsey expressed. “We work closely with Access Earth to ensure this is being done.”
The future of Accessible Black Hills is bright. With the help of its partners Black Hills Area Community Foundation and Visit Rapid City, the organization is launching a free app—the Accessible Travel Guide.
“Our consults are based on universal design principles, allowing us to provide information that’s extremely valuable, and informing businesses how to make their location truly accessible,” explained Kelsey.
RIGHT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
The Accessible Travel Guide app is available for free download on iOS and Android.
Kelsey says the app acts as a directory of accessible restaurants, shops, tourist attractions, and activities across the state.
“Anyone can add information with a checklist component, and they can mention if a place has a ramp, quiet spaces, and more,” she added.
The travel companion features a full spectrum of audience personas, whether someone has a vision disability, a mobility aid, a sign language interpreter, intellectual disabilities, and the aging population.
Revalidating statements posted by others is as simple as responding to the post by saying “yes,” and a number will appear next to the statement.
“This helps build the confidence of what’s true and reliable,” said Kelsey.
“We’ve received such positive feedback from people, and especially through social media comments.” -Kelsey Stine
The app isn’t restricted to users with disabilities, she adds.
“Anyone can download it, create an account, and start adding information from cities across the state,” said Kelsey. “With the community coming together like it, the collaboration aspect will help get the information out faster.”
Accessible Black Hills’ ongoing dedication to raising awareness and encouraging inclusivity has expanded over the three years of its lifetime. Throughout this journey, Kelsey shares she has discovered a new form of self-love, and hopes others can find love and confidence through her organization.
“I think many experience this internalized ableism because society wasn’t built for us,” expressed Kelsey. “I just want people to live their lives and love themselves, disability and all.”
To spread the empowering message of Accessible Black Hills, the organization will strive to reach as many people as possible.
“I’m very grateful and excited to make an impact that can help so many people, including myself,” Kelsey said passionately.
