Whistler for the Disabled: How Huey Tollett is making a Difference
I had the pleasure of meeting Huey Tollett yesterday. He proudly showed me his website, www.whistlerforthedisabled.com, and asked me for help with search engine optimization. Our challenge was communication; Huey Tollett is deaf and the way I talk doesn’t make it easy to lip read. So with pen and paper in hand, we ‘talked’ about his website, copyright issues and the trouble he was having with Google.
His website was created for disabled people planning a visit to Whistler, so that they may be able to find accommodations, recreation and dinning facilities that provide for their specific needs. He spent a year researching and the extent and amount of information is impressive.
Although challenged by limited access to resources, Tollett has created a truly unique website; it is the only Canadian website for a resort community dealing with Disabled Travel. It touches on a market for not only the Disabled Travel industry but also Tourism and the Paralympic Athletes.
It is also unique in the fact that it can be used not only by the Disabled but by the Temporary Disabled either due to a Ski or Mountain Bike Accident. Hotel staff can access it for their clients in a split second if needed to provide information on what an individual can do in Whistler with their injury or disability - not to mention the sick or elderly with mobility problems. You don't have to be in a Wheel Chair to use the website; it is really for everyone.
He is currently looking at different revenue streams such as advertising and sponsorship however he doesn’t intend for the site to generate a profit; He has covered all costs himself. As the site grows and he continues to receive media coverage the likelihood of sponsorship or partnership will increase.
