Top 5 Reasons I am Grateful for Accessible Travel

For some traveling is a necessary evil that gets one to their desired destination, for others an exhilarating journey finding new ways to get from point A to point B.  Traveling is something we as humans have been doing since the beginning of mankind.  Back then it was more about survival than leisure…  For many people with disabilities it can seem like the necessary evil.  However, as time continues on, advances in travel have opened more doors for people with disabilities.  My adventuring spirit loves continually looking for ways I can still create new experiences in exciting destinations.  Here are my top 5 reasons I am reminded to be thankful for ACCESSIBLE travel….

#1 Gives me Freedom

It wasn’t until college that I began using assistive devices such as crutches and then a mobility scooter.  Since then my dependence on these things has grown, and sometimes my world can feel like its shrinking.  Traveling opens the world back up to me.  When my wheelchair goes in stores, buses, trains, and planes I sense an open invitation that tells me I’m welcome here!

#2 I still have the ability to travel great distances

Both my father and grandmother were flight attendants so I like to say that flying is in my blood.  As my mobility has become more of a challenge over the years, it is a great comfort to me to know that I can still fly!  With the help of aisle chairs I can gate check my scooter right before boarding the airplane then transfer to an aisle chair to take me to seat.

#3 ADA

I am grateful for the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 for many reasons.  Little did I know as a 4 year old girl how much this legislation would come to mean for me.  It protects against discrimination in many areas including transportation.  I trust in public areas there will be accommodations for me.  While there is always areas to improve upon, this Act paves the way for people with disabilities to more fully participate in society.

#4 Allows me the chance to see and meet people 

I have been blessed with the ability to go to a college in Washington DC where I made great friends.  It was during my college years when my mobility really decreased and my friends I made in that time really helped me navigate these changes.  Not only has travel opened up places and new people to me, but its let people meet me.  I don’t mean that in a conceited way but accessible travel allows different places the opportunity to meet YOU too! 

#5 Gain experiences that help me grow 

Because travel is accessible I am able to have a voice as I try new things.  My accessible car allows me to drive my scooter directly into it and drive myself to work.  It’s allowed me independence to do things with friends and get myself to work.  

These are just some of the reasons I am grateful there is such a thing as accessible travel.  I hope through my blog I can be a voice that further accelerates progress and inspires others no matter their ability to travel.  See the world and allow the world to meet you!

xo

Katie