Wheelchair damage – or the potential for it – is something that many air travelers face every time they board a plane. And although we can’t totally stop the damage (wouldn’t that be nice?) we can enact regulations regarding how airlines report such damage, so consumers can choose the airline with the best record. Continue reading
Still Crawling After All These Years?
A June report of a Vanilla Air passenger having to crawl aboard the plane because no wheelchair lift was available is somewhat troubling to me. I mean, let’s be honest, in this day and age that shouldn’t happen. Continue reading
Should We Celebrate the ADA Anniversary?
Recently I’ve seen a lot of posts and comments from younger people who think we shouldn’t celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), quite simply because it does not go far enough. They claim that without any real enforcement, public entities are not held to the standards laid out by the US Access Board. Continue reading
Grand Canyon Lodging Sale!!
You just can’t beat the views from the rim
If you’d like to save a few bucks on a Grand Canyon visit, then take advantage of this great sale at Maswick Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge and Kachina Lodge. Starting on July 25, 2017 you can save 30% at these lodges for visits from November to January with Xanterra’s “Christmas in July” offer.
What Exactly is an Accessible Trail?
Trail access information plaque
Although it’s relatively easy to determine if a building is wheelchair-accessible (stairs vs. a level or ramped entry), it’s a bit more difficult to evaluate the accessibility of a trail. At first glance it might appear that if a wheelchair-user can manage a trail, then it must accessible, right? Well, not exactly, because not all wheelchair-users have the same ability. Continue reading
Head to Harbor Freight for a Portable Wheelchair Ramp
Affordable heavy duty wheelchair ramp from Harbor Freight.
Photo by Jerry O’Brien
Harbor Freight has been a part of my life for a long time. If you’re not familiar with this bargain hardware giant, they have everything from tools and hardware to tarps, fountains, paint and a whole lot of things I can’t even identify. Truth be told I once saw a small windmill at our local store. Continue reading
Hot off the Press – My New Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon Book!
I’m thrilled to announce the release of my latest accessible travel title – “Barrier-Free Travel; Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers”. I had a great time researching this book – partly because I grew up in the area and I have fond memories of exploring Yosemite with my dad, but also because I now live close to the parks. And after 40 years of writing travel I’ve finally penned a book about my home turf! It’s about time. Continue reading
Can $1 Really Make a Difference?
Ruby’s Inn near Bryce Canyon National Park
Have you ever checked into a hotel, only to be asked if you wanted to donate $1 to a local organization to help make needed tourism improvements? This usually happens in or near national parks, and I always end up checking the box that obligates me to cough up an extra buck to help out. But I often wondered how much money really ends up directed to the local organizations, and – more important – did my dollar really make a difference? Continue reading
Great Route 66 Resource
As an author I’m particularly critical about travel books, as I know what kind of in-depth research it takes to produce a good one. And gladly Drew Knowles does too, as his Route 66 Adventure Handbook is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to explore the Mother Road. Continue reading
Let’s Talk Statistics
I’m often asked if the number of disabled travelers has increased in the 20-plus years that I’ve been covering accessible travel. Well, from an anecdotal view of things I usually answer that question with a enthusiastic yes. Of course it’s not like I’ve done a survey or anything. Continue reading