Accessible Traveler Grant Application Initiative

Accessible Traveler Grant Application Initiative is sponsored by Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) / Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

## (Application submission is now closed) **DMO's can reapply for round 2 if applying for a new accessible project. Cannot be applied towards round 1 approved projects.

** Pure Michigan Accessible Traveler Grant Application Q&A On August 22, 2023, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved $1 million in federal Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) funds to address a critical need for the development of fully accessible local destination marketing organization (DMO) websites to meet the needs of the visually and hearing impaired and to conduct community accessibility audits.

The funds for the initiative are from the $10,307,393 EDA State Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation grant, allocated to Michigan in 2021 for statewide travel and tourism marketing and advertising efforts to help the travel industry rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The goal of the Accessible Traveler Grant Application initiative is to allow Michigan’s DMOs to provide a more accessible experience to all users, increasing tourism and improving the development of Michigan’s economy. Eligible applicants may request **up to $100,000 per project,** with a maximum of one application per organization. The MEDC will **disburse 50 percent**of the approved award upon approval.

The remaining balance will be disbursed at the completion of the project with proof of performance. Projects must be completed within 2 years. Round One Accessible Grant Awardees") Round Two Accessible Grant Awardees") ## Project Considerations Recipients will be chosen via a **competitive application process.

** Travel Michigan will give consideration to regional distribution as well as the economically challenged communities; however, those communities with healthy economies may also apply. DMOs may partner with local government and state entities to qualify for the community assessment grant.

**The MEDC will apply the following scoring criteria for this project:** **Accessible Website Development Scoring Criteria****Points (maximum)** 1 Statement of Proposed Work**50** 2 Applicant’s Communication Plan**20** 3 Itemized Quote from Firm Recognized for Building Accessible Websites**20** 4 Financial Stability**10** **Accessible Community Audit Scoring Criteria****Points (maximum)** 1 Statement of Proposed Work**50** 2 Applicant’s Communication Plan**20** 3 Itemized Quote from Firm Recognized for Conducting Accessible Audits**20** 4 Financial Stability**10** ## Additional Awardee Responsibilities * Awardees must demonstrate how they will execute their plan and must select appropriate vendors.

* Awardees must provide documentation supporting their ability to handle the grant’s 50 percent match. * Awardees must return any unused funds if not used within the project timeline. * Awardees must provide proof of performance.

* Awardees must follow federal audit and reporting guidelines. * Accessible website development for the visually and hearing impaired.

* Community Accessibility Audit for ADA Combability The following projects, to name a few, do not qualify for funding: * Accessible Boat/Kayak Launch * Public Park Playgrounds * Air-Quality Infrastructure * Transportation Infrastructure * Accessible Fishing Pier * Accessible Viewing Area * Adaptive Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding * Paved and/or Hard Packed Surface * Wheelchair Accessible Parking Resources for building accessible websites (or making existing sites accessible), you may like to contact the following organizations that have worked with various MEDC projects: 1.

Miles") –a travel marketing organization specializing in WACAG and ADA compliance for websites they develop. 2. Deque") – offers compliance reviews for existing sites as well as training and tools for reviewing and editing or updating sites.

3. **Chris Knapp**") –offers accessibility consulting services. 4.

Able Eyes") –offers video modeling. The video modeling allows travelers to see the establishment and the layout prior to being on site. 5.

Wheel the World") – an online booking platform for travelers with disabilities and seniors to travel the world. By digitizing the accessibility information and a specialized user experience, the company allows users to book hotels and tours that match their accessibility needs.

## Project Timeline (Round 1) **August 22, 2023**Application Round Announced **August 22, 2023**Applicant Q &A Window Opens **September 5, 2023**Q & A Window Closes **September 12, 2023**MEDC Posts Q & A Answers on Travel Industry Website **October 3, 2023**Application Submission Opens **October 30, 2023**Application Submission Closes **January 26, 2024**Notify Approved Grantees **November 10, 2025**Projects Completed ## Project Timeline (Round 2) **March 4, 2024**Application Round Announced **March 4, 2024**Application Submission Opens **April 5, 2024**Application Submission Closes **May 21, 2024**Notify Approved Grantees **November 10, 2025**Projects Completed Applicants may submit questions attravelwebmaster@michigan.

org, subject line: Accessible Traveler Grant Questions. (Please see Q&A below) Pure Michigan Accessible Traveler Grant Application Q&A This site will be updated frequently throughout the open application process.