DeafBlind Voyage & Touch Adventures
Equal Access.
Independent Travel.
A World Without Barriers for DeafBlind Travelers.
Advocating for federal recognition of CoNavigators so DeafBlind individuals can travel, participate, and experience the world with dignity and equal access
WELCOME
Welcome to DeafBlind Voyage & Touch Adventures (DBVTA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equal access for DeafBlind travelers. We believe every DeafBlind individual deserves the opportunity to travel, explore, and fully participate in society through the support of recognized CoNavigator accommodations. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we are working to remove barriers and create a future where DeafBlind individuals have the same opportunities to experience the world as everyone else.
ABOUT DBVTA
DeafBlind Voyage & Touch Adventures (DBVTA) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public, the travel industry, and policymakers about the unique access needs of DeafBlind individuals.
Our work focuses on promoting equal access, independence, and inclusion by advocating for the recognition of CoNavigators as an essential accommodation for DeafBlind travelers.
OUR VISION
A future where every DeafBlind person can travel, explore, and fully participate in society through equal access made possible by recognized CoNavigator accommodations.
OUR MISSION
DeafBlind Voyage & Touch Adventures (DBVTA) advances equal access for DeafBlind travelers by advocating for federal recognition of CoNavigators as a necessary accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Through education, public awareness, and partnerships with the travel industry—especially cruise lines—we work to eliminate barriers that prevent DeafBlind individuals from safely navigating, interacting with others, and fully participating in travel experiences.
Our advocacy is grounded in real-world successes that demonstrate one fundamental truth: DeafBlind individuals require situational awareness, not simply communication access. While interpreters provide communication access for Deaf individuals, CoNavigators provide the environmental and situational awareness that DeafBlind individuals need to travel safely, independently, and with dignity.
Our ultimate goal is to advance federal recognition of CoNavigators as an essential accommodation under the ADA, opening the door to greater independence, inclusion, and equal participation in travel and everyday life.
WHY DBVTA EXISTS
Travel opens doors to new experiences, cultures, friendships, and opportunities. Yet for many DeafBlind individuals, those opportunities remain limited because existing accommodations often do not recognize the need for situational awareness.
A CoNavigator is not simply an interpreter, tour guide, or caregiver. A CoNavigator provides the environmental and situational awareness that allows a DeafBlind individual to safely navigate unfamiliar surroundings, interact with others, and fully participate in everyday activities and travel experiences. DBVTA exists to educate, advocate, and promote meaningful change so that DeafBlind individuals no longer face unnecessary barriers simply because their access needs are misunderstood.
What is a CoNavigator?
A CoNavigator is a trained accommodation that provides
environmental and situational awareness for DeafBlind
individuals.
A CoNavigator is not:
- A caregiver
- A personal assistant
- A tour guide
- A replacement for independence
A CoNavigator is a partner who provides access to information that cannot be obtained through vision or hearing alone, enabling DeafBlind individuals to make their own informed decisions and travel safely and independently.
OUR ADVOCACY
DBVTA works with government agencies, policymakers, the travel industry, businesses, and the public to improve accessibility for DeafBlind individuals.
Our advocacy focuses on:
- Federal recognition of CoNavigators under the ADA
- Equal access throughout the travel industry
- Public education about DeafBlind accessibility
- Partnerships with cruise lines and other travel providers
- Reducing barriers that prevent DeafBlind individuals from participating fully in society
GET INVOLVED
Together, we can create a more accessible world. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, partner with us, or simply learn more about DeafBlind accessibility, your support helps move us closer to equal access for all.
LATEST NEWS
Stay informed with the latest advocacy efforts, organizational updates, educational resources, and upcoming events from DBVTA.