“By definition, accessibility means “the degree to which something is reachable.” For people living with disabilities, accessibility doesn’t just mean how reachable something is — oftentimes, the level of accessibility can define their ability to interact with and participate in certain activities or events, including entertainment.” [1]
“According to the CDC, 61 million Americans are living with disabilities, which makes accessibility in entertainment a huge priority for a large group of people. Increases in awareness of accessibility issues in gaming have inspired innovations in video game creation and assistive technology, to allow individuals to customize their game experience to their needs.” [1]
“Most mobile game apps are not designed for the use of persons with disability. But now, game developers are understanding the need for games that are accessible to individuals of all abilities. They understand and appreciate that people with physical and cognitive disabilities want and deserve to play games on their smart devices, just like other people do.” [2]
“Several decades ago, people might not be able to play video games unless they could physically hold and move a joystick. Now, adaptive controllers, closed captions, and VR sets have opened the world of gaming to all sorts of people with all sorts of bodily needs. Because video games are dynamic forms of media, creators can use a variety of sounds, visuals, and haptic cues to immerse all of a player’s senses.” [4]
Benefits of video games
“From apartments to hospitals, video games have potential to improve wellness.” [4]
“Despite the many risks associated with video games, many benefits have also been reported.” [3] Below we can see some of the advantages of playing video games.
Enhancing cognitive abilities,
Increasing emotional regulation,
Managing chronic pain,
Promoting physical activity
Improved problem-solving
Enhanced spatial awareness
Greater neural processing and efficiency
Enhanced attention functioning
Improved creativity
Increased flow, relaxation, and social connectivity
Minimize social isolation
Distraction from pain
Relief from boredom due to immobility
Reduction of anxiety and hyperactivity
Improvement of mood and reduction of sadness
Expanded Horizons through Virtual Worlds
List of fun accessible game and activity apps for disabled people (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store)
“The benefits of video games for people with disabilities are far-reaching and transformative. Beyond entertainment, video games offer avenues for exploration, cognitive growth, and meaningful social interactions. As the perception of gamers broadens and inclusivity becomes a central focus, the potential for video games to positively impact the lives of individuals with disabilities continues to expand.”[5]
“Video games stand to offer much to the field of rehabilitation. There are numerous benefits that educators, practitioners, and researchers can take advantage of to help those with disabilities.” [3]
“Voting is one of our nation’s most fundamental rights and a hallmark of our democracy. Yet for too long, many people with disabilities have been excluded from this core aspect of citizenship. People with intellectual or mental health disabilities have been prevented from voting because of prejudicial assumptions about their capabilities. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids, such as walkers, have been unable to enter the polling place to cast their ballot because there was no ramp. People who are blind or have low vision could not cast their vote because the ballot was completely inaccessible to them.” [1]
“In 2020, over 11 percent of voters with disabilities reported that they faced some type of difficulty casting a ballot — more than any other group and despite expanded access to mail-in voting due to the pandemic. But instead of embracing the more accessible forms of voting that sparked record turnout, including among voters with disabilities, states have doubled down on new and more restrictive voter suppression laws.” [2]
“In 2021 alone, more than 400 anti-voter measures were introduced by states across the country, many of which are most burdensome to people of color and voters with disabilities. These measures run the gamut from restricting access to absentee voting, eliminating Election Day registration, and making it more difficult to vote early in person, to criminalizing the act of assisting voters with disabilities to vote. We’re challenging some of the measures that have become law in court in Georgia and Texas, where egregious restrictions illegally burden the right to vote for people with disabilities.” [2]
What is the Law? “Four federal laws are of special importance to disabled and elderly voters who have specific needs.
Voting Rights Act of 1965: Any voter requiring assistance may receive it from a person of the voter’s choice, other than the voter’s employer or agent of that employer or officer or agent of the voter’s union.
Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, 1984: Promotes the fundamental right to vote by requiring “access for elderly and disabled individuals to registration facilities and Vote Centers in federal elections”.
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA): Requires public entities to provide program access, reasonable modification of policy, and auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in and enjoy the benefits of service, program or activity conducted by a public entity.
Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA): New federal legislation enabling greater opportunity for access and participation in the election process, including provisions regarding accessible voting technologies at Vote Centers by 2006.” [3]
New Accessible Voting Experience
“Vote Centers now provide more options than polling places, RR/CC is utilizing the benefits of technology for an easy and accessible voting experience. Elections are no longer a one-day event and voters with disabilities no longer need to vote in a separate voting booth. The Voting Solutions for All People (VSAP) model was designed to be intuitive and accessible for all voters, regardless of disability condition. The ballot marking device provides a private and independent voting experience that is accessible and convenient.” [3]
Voter Assistance for People with Disabilities
“There are multiple kinds of assistance voters with disabilities can utilize when casting their vote. The type of assistance a voter will need will depend on their disability. Types of assistance include:
Assistance at Polling Stations: Many voters with disabilities can fill out a traditional ballot, however, they may require help or accommodations like:
Assistance from another person: Protected by the Voting Rights Act of 1965, A voter with a disability may receive assistance from a poll worker or they can bring a person of their choosing to help them when casting their vote.
A wheelchair accessible voting booth: An accessible voting booth should be available, with a polling machine located at a reachable height for wheelchair users.” [4]
Accessible Voting Machines and Technology
“If the above types of assistance do not meet your needs, you can use an accessible voting machine. Accessible voting machines are primarily used by those who are visually impaired or blind, and those who have motor disabilities that impact their ability to use a traditional touchscreen.
Sip-and-puff devices: These devices allow voters with mobility disabilities to cast their vote by inhaling or exhaling through a straw-like device to make selections on an electronic ballot.
Paddle devices: If a voter finds pressing small buttons to be a challenge, they can use a paddle device with two large buttons to make selections on a voting machine.
Braille and audio devices: Voters with visual disabilities can use audio navigation and braille selection buttons with high color contrast to cast their vote.
While all polling locations are required to be accessible to people with disabilities, not all polling places will have the same assistive technology. If you are curious about your local polling locations accessibility, contact local and state election officials.” [4]
Disability Rights Oregon Resources
Disability Rights Oregon collaborates with the Secretary of State to publish a statewide, nonpartisan Easy Voting Guide for November general elections. You can order one to be mailed to your home. It uses accessible language for ballot measures, and candidates give their own information using accessibility guidelines. It has icons and pictures that provide visual cues.
Who can ask for help?
Any Oregon voter can ask for help from a friend or family member to register or vote.
They can ask for accommodations from their County Elections Office, including:
fill out an email or online ballot (oregonvotes.org), print and return themselves
a bipartisan Voter Assistance Team from the Elections Office to assist them to register or vote privately
a large print ballot
voting privately at home or at the Elections Office, on an electronic tablet that has enlarged text, text-to-voice, touchscreen, joystick, toggle switch, keyboard, and plugs for their own assistive technology
They can also ask an individual family member, friend, provider, or caregiver for help.
What id I have a problem or question?
“You can contact the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division about voting questions. They can transfer you to your County Elections Office if necessary. If you believe a voter’s rights have been violated, you can file a formal complaint.
“Cooking and baking can be difficult for many people; some may be dealing with age-related changes, others may have health conditions, injuries or disabilities, including pain and fatigue. [1]
“Mobility impairments or limited engagement of cognitive and physical capacity could make even the most enthusiastic kitchen aficionados not fancy their culinary chances. Historically, the prospect of persons with disabilities having a convenient experience in the kitchen is a topic starved of due attention. However, with advances in inclusive design and technology, we can confidently say times have changed.
Innovation and social restructuring in the form of spreading awareness of the importance of empowering people with disabilities have all shown how these perceived problems could be a catalyst to spur our creative capacity for problem-solving.” [2]
Nowadays there are strategies and equipment that can make creating good meals at home easier.” [1]
Cooking with a disability can be challenging, but there are several tips that can make it easier:
1) “Plan ahead: Decide what you want to cook and break it down into steps. You can also check that you have all the ingredients you need. If you’re busy, you can try creating a weekly menu plan using a whiteboard or a meal planning app.” [3]
2) “Simplify Your Kitchen Set Up: Cooking can be therapeutic and fulfilling, but for those with limited mobility, it can be an overwhelming task. Tasks like chopping, opening jars, and stirring may suddenly seem daunting.” [4]
Use automatic and adaptive devices: Automatic and adaptive devices can make many cooking activities easier. Electric can openers, adaptive utensils, vegetable choppers, knives designed for safety, switch-activated battery-operated scissors and switch-activated adapted pouring cups are just some of the products that can make cooking possible for individuals with impaired fine motor skills or inability to use their hands. Examples:
“Adapted Kitchen Knives: For chopping vegetables and meats, good-quality knives are essential. Investing in a set of knives with sharp blades, a good grip, and lightweight handles can make a significant difference in the cooking experience. Sharp knives require less effort to cut through food items, resulting in less strain on the muscles and joints.
Ergonomic Equipment: Using ergonomic kitchen tools that are designed to minimize strain and effort can make cooking more comfortable and less daunting. For example, there are utensils with larger grips and angled handles that require less wrist and arm movement.
Clear Pots and Pans: These can be challenging to find (here’s one option), but will help you see if your food is done a bit easier and to avoid burned dishes.
Non-Slip Cutting Boards: A non-slip cutting board is a must-have. The board should have rubber grips on the base to prevent it from slipping, allowing for safer and more comfortable food preparation. You may also want to consider investing in different types of cutting boards, such as those with raised edges or those that can be angled for better use.
Magnetic Measuring and Mixing Tools: Measuring ingredients and mixing them can be tricky for people with disabilities. Investing in magnetic measuring spoons or cups and mixing bowls with non-slip bases and spouts can make a huge difference in the cooking experience. These tools can be held in place using magnets, making it easier to measure and mix ingredients without any accidents.
Other Kitchen Aids and Appliances: There are all kinds of kitchen aids and appliances available in the market to make cooking easier for those with limited mobility. Electric can openers, ring pull openers, jar openers, and food processors are a few examples.” [4]
4) “Use voice-assisted technology: If you’re visually impaired or have motor challenges, avoid going back and forth to your recipe or cookbook by having voice-assisted technology read your recipe aloud.” [5]
5) “Meal Prep food: Meal prep involves cooking large batches of food all at once to be reheated or eaten throughout the week. It entails bulk cooking for the week, which not only saves time but also helps you achieve dietary goals. You can portion the cooked food and refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to eat them. This method also allows you more control over the ingredients used in your meals, making it healthier for you.” [4]
6) Support from loved ones: Cooking with a physical disability requires a handful of support from friends and family, and they can always manifest this support in these two ways:
Give them Autonomy: It can be a pretty tempting to insist on offering to help out people with disabilities. This may seem counter-intuitive, but you’re actually not helping them when you do that. However noble your intention may be, “attempting to rob” people with disabilities of their autonomy in the kitchen bashes their confidence.
Empowerment: You’ve got to give people with disabilities a seat at the table when it comes to any day-to-day chore, including cooking. Invite them, not to “tick an inclusivity box,” but as a welcome addition to the already existing kitchen workforce. It could be as simple as giving them little tasks, like measuring ingredients, that make them feel like they are part of the process.
“Cooking is a hobby millions of people enjoy on a daily basis, and there is no reason for disabled people to miss out on this joy, no matter what your disability. Fire up the stove, these easy tips and tricks can help.” [6]
“When most people think of DEI (Disability Equality Index [1] ) , they think of race, religion, or sexual orientation. But businesses that are truly committed to overcoming bias within their organizations don’t stop there. They go beyond that to include older workers, employees with unique viewpoints and most importantly, they actively recruit from a candidate pool that includes people with disabilities. These organizations also recognize that different types of disabilities, whether physical or developmental, require thoughtful consideration about how to best accommodate an individual’s unique needs and ensure they feel valued.” [2]
“And while hiring people with disabilities is the right thing to do, it ultimately makes businesses stronger. A study conducted by Accenture found that organizations prioritizing accessibility had 28 percent higher revenue, and people with disabilities represent the third-largest market segment in the United States.” [2]
What does it mean to be disability-inclusive?
“There are numerous characteristics associated with disability-inclusive organizations. What is often surprising to employers is that most inclusion practices geared toward employees and job seekers with disabilities have the added bonus of benefiting everyone.” [3]
Due to their diligence and initiatives, all of the companies on this list won a spot on the list of the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion by the Disability Equality Index for their efforts to create an accessible workplace.
These organizations have realized for their efforts to succeed they must take steps to increase the empathy of their employees. One way of doing this is by helping them understand the obstacles that their disabled colleagues.
Disabled people are an important part of a diverse workforce, bringing creativity, innovation, problem solving, and commitment to the workplace.
By placing disability inclusion at the heart of workplace and cultural design, employers can help empower all team members to fully participate on the job and in society.
“TED Talks have featured presentations from phenomenal speakers with the brightest minds in several fields such as mathematics, philosophy, entertainment, business, philanthropy, art, and religion. The organization serves as a platform for intellectual individuals to speak about their passions, inspiring their audiences. Among a plethora of other inspirational speeches, TED Talks regarding particular needs are moving as they reveal the presents concealed behind disabilities, and ambitious conceptions of normalcy.” [1]
Listed below are 7 of the TED Talks about Disabilities:
TED Talks have a reputation for making you think – heck, they are designed to make you think!
We hope that these powerful TED talks that we included in this post really made you all think, taught you something, and gave you glimpses of new ways of looking at the world.
“One of the most important milestones in the disability community, it was celebrated by politicians, activists, and millions of people across the country. However, it was a day lost on almost every single major entertainment company. But while competitors were silent on disability, Netflix shined bright.” [1]
“Netflix has made significant strides in recent years to improve disability representation in its original programming.” [2]
“Everyone has a Netflix account, and if they don’t, they’re mooching Netflix from someone else. So, we decided to make a list of 7 films and shows that focus on special needs.” [3]
Accessible features available on Netflix
“Here are the accessibility features available on Netfilx. These features may vary depending on the device you use:
Audio description on all Netflix Originals and a proportion of other content
Audio description category
VoiceOver/Screen Reader access on menu
Subtitles on a majority of Netflix content
AD and subtitle function buttons” [2]
“Netflix understands the importance of not only properly recognizing the Americans with Disabilities Act, but understands it’s not just about a day. The streaming provider recognizes that we’re a community that’s vital to the discourse and deserve a central role in new content.
In other words, Netflix decided that diversity and inclusion would be part of the company values, and then went and lived them.” [1]
Thank you, Netflix, for your support and great example of inclusion.
“The U.S. Department of Labor charts the unemployment rate for people with disabilities at 7.9%, compared to 3.8% for people without disabilities. Many factors account for this discrepancy, including inaccessible workplaces, ill-equipped office spaces and a deep-rooted bias against people with disabilities. This leads many in the disability community to seek alternate career paths, like entrepreneurship.” [1]
“Determination, innovation, resilience – these are just some of the key skills needed to become a thriving entrepreneur. And for lots of disabled people, these skills come naturally. Forced to adapt to a world that is not made for them, disabled people develop characteristics that are essential for business. So, when they take their perseverance and apply it to entrepreneurship, it’s often a magic formula for success.” [2]
Here are some key points to consider regarding entrepreneurship for people with disabilities:
“Empowerment and Independence: Entrepreneurship can provide individuals with disabilities a sense of empowerment and independence by allowing them to be their own boss, set their own schedule, and make their own decisions. It offers theme the opportunity to create a business that aligns with their abilities, interests, and goals.” [3]
“Leveraging Unique Perspectives: People with disabilities often have unique perspectives and insights that can lead to innovative business ideas.”[3]
“Flexible Work Environment: Entrepreneurship allows for flexibility in creating a work environment that accommodates the specific needs of individuals with disabilities.” [3]
Overcoming Barriers: While individuals with disabilities may face barriers, such as physical accessibility or negative perceptions, entrepreneurship can provide a platform to challenge and overcome these barriers.
“Access to Technology: Technology plays a crucial role in facilitating entrepreneurship for people with disabilities. Advancements in assistive technology, communication tools, and online platforms have made it easier for individuals to start and run businesses from anywhere. Accessible websites, mobile apps, and digital marketing strategies can help entrepreneurs reach a broader customer base.” [3]
Support Networks and Resources: Various organizations, communities, and government initiatives exist to support entrepreneurs with disabilities. These networks provide mentorship, training programs, funding opportunities, and resources tailored to their specific needs.
“Disability-Inclusive Business Practices: Entrepreneurs with disabilities can prioritize inclusivity within their businesses. By designing accessible products or services, implementing inclusive hiring practices, and promoting diversity, they can become champions of inclusivity and set an example for other businesses.” [3]
Martin Sibley has been named number 3 in the Power 100 List of the most successful people with a disability or impairment in sport, business, politics and entertainment.
6 Funding Opportunities for Disabled Entrepreneurs
“There are over 1.8 million disabled business owners in the United States, many of whom may need to overcome barriers to entrepreneurship that their abled counterparts don’t have to consider.
Here’s a list of funding sources, programs, and resources to help them succeed.” [4]
1)“Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) Program: The Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) is a federal program designed to ease disabled individuals into the workforce, eventually allowing them to rely less on federal supplemental security income. “ [4]https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/pass.htm
2) “Small Disadvantaged Business program: The Small Disadvantaged Business program is another federal incentive that disabled entrepreneurs can take advantage of to grow their businesses.” [4] https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/small-disadvantaged-business
4) “Accion Opportunity Fund: Disabled entrepreneurs can also lean on the Accion Opportunity Fund, a nonprofit community lender that offers small business loans to disadvantaged communities. [4] https://aofund.org/small-business-loans/
5) “National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE): The National Association for the Self-Employed(NASE) offers business grants and opportunities specifically for disabled entrepreneurs.” [4] https://www.nase.org/
6) Assistive technology business loans: Assistive technology can be essential for people with disabilities and yet is often prohibitively expensive. https://ataporg.org/
Disabled Latino Woman Owner of Bakery Workshop in Mexico.
Highlighting Inspiring Examples of Disabled Entrepreneurs
“In a world that’s not built for inclusive access, disabled people continue to demonstrate their perseverance and dynamic attitudes to work. And although these characteristics serve disabled people well in entrepreneurship, they would also benefit existing businesses across all sectors.” [2]
“Paraplegia is the symptom of paralysis that mainly affects your legs (though it can sometimes affect your lower body and some of your arm abilities, too). This usually happens because of injuries to your nervous system, especially your spinal cord, but it can also happen with various medical conditions and diseases.” [1]
“People with paraplegia will have mobility problems and may require the use of a wheelchair. However, long-term treatment options exist to help reduce symptoms and complications in people with paraplegia.” [2]
How is it different from other forms of paralysis?
“Different forms of paralysis are named for the areas of the body and how much of the body they impact. Paraplegia only impacts the lower half of the body. Other forms of paralysis include:
Monoplegia. This type impacts only one limb.
Paraparesis. This type partially impacts both legs.
Diplegia. This type impacts either both arms or both legs.
Hemiplegia. This type impacts one side of the body. For example, your left arm and left leg.
Quadriplegia. This type impacts both arms and both legs. Quadriplegia is sometimes referred to as tetraplegia.”
Famous People Who Had or Have Paraplegia
Paralysis changes a person’s life forever. However, that doesn’t have to mean your life is over or that it can’t be good. In fact, many people become an inspiration to others by continuing to thrive despite paralysis. Today, we are going to look at five stories that we find incredibly inspiring.
Paralysis does not discriminate. Even a famous person can become paralyzed. Here are some famous paralytics who inspire us, not only because of the things they did before paralysis but also for how they continued to make a difference in others’ lives even after their illness or injury.
“Success stories are not just for actors, scientists, and authors. Spinal cord injury rehabilitation continues to make tremendous advancements in helping paralyzed individuals regain independence after injuries or illnesses. You can continue to thrive despite paralysis. But it is crucial to maintain the right attitude toward the challenges ahead.” [4]
“July is recognized as Disability Pride Month. This annual celebration of differing abilities connects back to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark ruling that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Many years passed before a much-needed disability pride flag was created. Need help decoding the inclusive design? Here’s what the disability pride flag represents…” [5]
“Disability pride is about accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.
The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. This landmark law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Disability Pride initially started as a day of celebration on that year. The first official celebration of Disability Pride Month occurred in July 2015, which also marked the 25th anniversary of the ADA.” [1]
“According to the CDC, one in four people across all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities and religions have a disability, making the community the largest minority group in the U.S. Still, society holds many negative assumptions about disabilities and the people who have them.
Flags can raise awareness and are a symbol of solidarity, pride and acceptance — LGBTQ+ flags for various sexualities and the Juneteenth flag are good examples. In the same vein, “it’s crucial to let others with disabilities know that they can be proud of who they are,” Jordan LeVan, founder of The Apraxia Foundation, says. “When we’re able to accept ourselves, we can then move on to disability pride, which the flag is a symbol of.” [4]
created by photogrid
“The original disability pride flag, created by Ann Magill in 2019, underwent a makeover by Magill for accessibility purposes in 2021. They altered the original zigzagged design because it worsened symptoms for individuals with visually triggered disabilities, including seizure and migraine disorders. Magill’s updated design features muted colors and a straight diagonal band from the top left to the bottom right corner.
The original flag’s zigzags represented how disabled people creatively navigate barriers. On the improved flag, the parallel stripes stand for intracommunal solidarity.” [2]
“The charcoal gray background commemorates and mourns disabled people who have died due to ableism, violence, negligence, suicide, rebellion, illness and eugenics. The gray background also represents rage and protest against the mistreatment of the disabled community.
The diagonal band is for “cutting across” the walls and barriers that separate disabled people from society. It also represents the light and creativity of the disability community that cuts through the darkness of ableism.” [3]
The stripes represent different disabilities:
green is for sensory disabilities, including the blind, deaf, and deaf-blind communities;
blue represents emotional and psychiatric disabilities;
white stands for non-apparent and undiagnosed disabilities;
gold is for neurodivergence;
and red represents physical disabilities.” [3]
The disability pride flag is an outward symbol of the identity, resilience, and capacity of the disability community. Consider flying or displaying the disability pride flag at your faith institution this Disability Pride Month as a symbol of solidarity with your disabled constituents.
“Road Trips can be a fairly affordable and fun way to travel. They allow you to not only visit a specific destination, but see the beautiful country along the way. It can also be a great way to have an accessible vacation.” [1]
“Traveling when you or someone you know has a disability can take a significant amount of planning. You’ll want to take into consideration multiple factors before leaving home, to ensure a successful trip.” [1]
“Plan Your Trip Backward: Before you start planning, it can help to first determine desired activities at your selected destination. By doing so, you can make sure the places you want to visit and the activities you wish to engage in are easily accessible. When researching, seek out resources specifically dedicated to your unique community for trustworthy information on accessible-friendly guided tours, how to access tourist attractions and other valuable details. By utilizing comprehensive resources, you can plan a trip that caters to your needs and create an enjoyable and inclusive travel experience.” [3]
“Decide when you want to travel: Sometimes when you can travel will help dictate where you travel. For example, unless you really want to experience a winter wonderland, you probably won’t be going to the northeastern part of the country during the winter months. If you are limited to traveling during certain times of the year, that may also help you decide where to go and narrow down your options.” [1]
“You need a vehicle that suits your need – a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. However, you need to decide whether you want to rent or use your own accessible vehicle, if you have one. Whatever you choose, you should consider safety, cost, and convenience. Ensure that your mobility van itself is in good mechanical condition, and that all equipment such as van ramps & wheelchair or scooter lifts are well-maintained. In addition to checking these things while you’re still at home, it’s important that service will be available along the way just in case you have any vehicle problems.” [4 & 5]
“Choose Halts Based on Accessibility: You might have a couple of destinations you want to see on your journey, but not every location is wheelchair accessible, so you should research places you plan to go and find out how accessible they’re. You may need to pack a foldable ramp if they don’t have ramps. Also, find out about the interior space. Stairs and bathroom facilities, unfortunately, may not have been adapted to people with mobility needs.” [4]
“Add extra time to your itinerary: People with mobility-related disabilities may need extra time to get to and from road trip destinations. Add extra time in your road trip itinerary to avoid feeling rushed.” [2]
“Map out rest stops on the way: If you are traveling with someone whose disability affects their mobility, stamina, or fatigue, you may want to add rest stops or rest days to your road trip itinerary.”[2]
“Pack extra medical supplies and medications: People with disabilities and their caregivers tend to know that disability and medical needs can change from day-to-day. To avoid any unforeseen or emergency medical situations, pack extra medications, and bring multiple types of mobility aids as needed.” [2]
“Check accessible travel apps and websites: Access Now is an online website and app that serves as a database for finding accessible locations worldwide. Users can search their desired destination and see how the location ranks in terms of accessibility features like accessible parking, handicap accessible bathrooms, and automatic door entrances. The app also caters to those with other physical disabilities, allowing individuals to see if locations have ASL interpreters, braille, and large print accommodations.” [2]
“Enjoying Your Destination: Traveling to new destinations can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. It allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures, explore new sights and create lasting memories. However, while enjoying your travels, it is important to prioritize your safety and remain aware of your surroundings. By empowering yourself with knowledge and taking certain precautions, you can make the most of your travel while ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.” [3]
Organizations that Help People with Disabilities While Traveling
“The Disabled Travelers Guide offers comprehensive resources and information for travelers with disabilities.
The Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality (SATH) is an organization working to promote accessibility and inclusivity in the travel and hospitality industry.
Accessible Travel Solutions specializes in providing accessible travel planning services for individuals with disabilities.
The National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE) focuses on ensuring equal access to education for individuals with disabilities.” [3]
“Although planning a road trip with disabled travelers may seem overwhelming, know that it is possible with a bit of extra planning. Whether you’re looking to go camping, visit the beach, or see a local tourist attraction, accessible travel can be safe and fun with these travel tips.” [1]
