Resources

Things started out slowly yesterday. To be honest I had a real motivation problem. That's putting it mildly. I just felt lazy and would have been content to pad around the house in sweats (shower optional).

But I also had an Access Northern California (ANC) board meeting, so I hopped in the shower, put on real clothes and drove over to Berkeley. I've been on the Board for many years and I actually enjoy it. As an added bonus, this year Scott Rains (of www.rollingrains.com fame) agreed to join us. It was fun meeting him in person, although I feel like I've know him forever as we have a long-standing internet relationship.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with ANC, we are a San Francisco-based non-profit organization with a mission to share access information with consumers and educate the hospitality industry on access issues.

Yep, that's quite a mission!

Our most visible project is our semi-annual San Francisco access guide. The last one was published in 2004, so we are gearing up for our next edition in 2006. It's a great resource for travelers, as it includes access details on over 100 San Francisco-area attractions, restaurants and hotels; plus information on accessible transportation, local disability organizations, wheelchair rentals and medical supply dealers.

Best of all, it's free. Yes, that's right, I said free!

So if a trip to the Bay is in your future, get your copy today from the San Francisco CVB. You can download a PDF version at http://onlysf.sfvisitor.org/plan_your_trip/access_guide.asp or call (415)392-0328 to have a print copy mailed to you.

And stay tuned for Access San Francisco 2006!

If you or somebody close to you has had a stroke, then check out Stoke Smart magazine. It's published by the National Stroke Association and it includes scads of resources and information for stroke survivors and their caregivers.

This bimonthly publication features news about the latest medical technology, advice from professionals and first-hand tips from other stroke survivors and caregivers.

It also has an excellent accessible travel column. OK, maybe I'm just a tad bit biased because I actually write that column, but nonetheless it still contains lots of useful resources and tips for planning your vacation getaway. In the current issue, I cover cruises and in the next issue I'll feature a great place to shake off those pesky wintertime blues.

So cruise on over to the Stroke Smart website at www.strokesmart.org and subscribe today.

Best of all, there's no charge for this great resource. Subscriptions are free to all US residents. That's right. I said free. You just can't beat that deal, so subscribe today!