Planet Abled, founded by Neha Arora in 2016, is a revolutionary travel startup that aims to make the world accessible for everyone, especially persons with disabilities and the elderly. Growing up as the daughter of parents with disabilities—her father is blind, and her mother is a wheelchair user—Neha was acutely aware of the challenges faced by disabled individuals in navigating a world that is largely inaccessible. Her personal experiences, coupled with her parents’ difficulties in traveling, inspired her to create Planet Abled, an inclusive travel brand that promotes barrier-free travel experiences.
The startup has not only created accessible travel itineraries but also works towards mainstreaming accessibility across the travel industry. Planet Abled offers a range of services, including customized tours, accessibility audits, and training programs for industry stakeholders to ensure that the needs of disabled travelers are met with dignity and respect. The organization has expanded its reach to over 50 destinations worldwide, including popular spots like Kerala, Singapore, and various European countries, offering accessible experiences tailored to different types of disabilities.
One of Planet Abled’s most notable achievements is the creation of India’s first accessible and inclusive river rafting experience in Rishikesh in 2016. This groundbreaking trip was organized for a 70-year-old wheelchair user, marking a significant milestone in adventure travel for disabled individuals. Despite facing numerous rejections, Neha’s perseverance led to a successful and memorable journey that included participants with various disabilities, demonstrating that with the right support and planning, even the most challenging adventures can be made accessible.
The impact of Planet Abled goes beyond just organizing trips; it challenges the travel industry to rethink its approach to accessibility. Neha emphasizes that accessibility is not just about installing ramps or accessible toilets, but about creating an inclusive environment that caters to all types of disabilities. This includes making travel planning and booking platforms accessible and providing accurate, easily available information about the accessibility of destinations.
As Planet Abled continues to grow, it is also working on developing a global standard for accessibility in the hospitality industry, aiming to create a more inclusive world for travelers with disabilities. Through its innovative approach, Planet Abled is not just a travel service provider but a movement towards a more equitable and accessible travel ecosystem for everyone.
