Looking Back

Well I got the galleys today for the second edition of Barrier-Free Travel; A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. All in all I'm really pleased with how it turned out and I look forward to it being available sometime in mid-May.

Seeing the galleys also gave me a chance to reflect on how far accessible travel has progressed over the past 12 years. Here are some of my observations.

• Twelve years ago accessible taxis were almost non-existent. Today I can count at least 10 US cities that have ramp- or lift-equipped taxi vans.
• Twelve years ago it was rare to find an accessible B&B. Today I've got enough accessible properties to keep the Innsider going for the next 25 years.
• Twelve years ago swimming was not really an option for wheelchair-users on cruise ships. Today many ships have pool lifts and some even have Jacuzzi lifts.
• Twelve years ago accessible camping meant sleeping on a picnic table. This year I discovered accessible yurts on the Lake Erie Shore.
• Twelve years ago wheelchair-users were a rarity in airports. Today they are commonplace.
• And finally, twelve years ago when you said you wanted to go to an accessible destination, in most cases you're only choice was that theme park with a rodent for a mascot. Today your choices are only limited by your budget and your sense of adventure.

Have things improved in the past 12 years? You bet your bottom dollar they have!

Oh yes and if you want a preview of my new title, visit www.demosmedpub.com/book171.html

Take a gander at the cover. That's another thing that has improved in the past 12 years -- accessible trails!