Visit Mesa, the destination marketing organization for Arizona's third-largest city, has made it easier to plan travel with their new website portal, www.AccessibleMesa.com. The website features a series of new planning tools including customized itineraries available by print and download. Each itinerary includes 360-degree videos of each suggested location, made possible through a partnership with Threshold360. In addition, the website features accessibility listings for lodging, entertainment, adventure, and dining. Online guests can also find information on two inclusive programs being supported by Visit Mesa – Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and Aira, on-demand visual interpretation services.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognized program that supports travelers who may require support and assistance while traveling. Developed and launched in the United Kingdom, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a recognized icon that through identification by trained service representatives in the hospitality industry, travelers can get help during their journey. When worn, the sunflower serves as a discreet symbol that lets workers know that a traveler may require additional assistance during their visit. The complimentary lanyards and bracelets are available at Mesa hotels, museums, the airport, and more locations with high visitor traffic. All Mesa locations are listed on www.AccessibleMesa.com. 

Visit Mesa also launched a partnership with Aira, an on-demand visual interpretation service available to visually impaired visitors to Mesa. The new accessibility technology serves people who are blind or have low vision. Prior to arrival, visitors can download the Aira app from their smart phone and get access to a trained Aira agent who can assist with trip planning. While in Mesa's city limits, visitors can secure complimentary access to agents who will guide them throughout public buildings, attractions, restaurants, hotels and more.  

Visit Mesa is also the newest sponsor of Team Armani Racing. Armani Williams is the first NASCAR driver openly diagnosed on the autism spectrum. He was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder -- and considered nonverbal -- at the age of two. Because autism is characteristically marked by difficulty focusing on and processing different stimuli and tasks simultaneously as well as complications with communication -- both key skills for a race car driver -- it seemed Armani's dream of becoming a professional NASCAR driver was impossible. But Armani doesn't accept impossible. His mottos is: "Tell me I can't, so that I can show you that I can." Williams will return to competition in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Reaume Brothers Racing this month and close out the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway on November 4 with local support from Visit Mesa in the Lucas Oil 150.

“We are in awe of Armani's passion to drive action and hope for those with autism,” said Alison Brooks, Director of Destination Experience & Advocacy, Visit Mesa. “He is the ideal partner to help Mesa become known as a destination for people of all abilities and honoring our creed of “City Limitless.” 

To learn more about Mesa, Arizona's designation as an Autism Certified City and our Accessible Mesa travel planning services, go online to VisitMesa.com.

360-Degree Video - Accessible Mesa Itinerary Links: 
https://share.threshold360.com/map/s4n7w6
https://share.threshold360.com/map/p94rfm

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Michelle Streeter, Chief Communications Officer, Visit Mesa
Direct: 480-682-3638 Toll-free: 800-283-6372 x345 E-mail: Michelle@VisitMesa.com