TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

John Morris

How Paralympic Videos from 2016 and 2021 Reflect Two Starkly Different Messages

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The 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil promoted the games through a series of exquisitely produced videos that show people with disabilities performing incredible maneuvers of skill in “Yes I can”, around the idea that disabled people are inspirational and can do anything.

In 2021, organizers for the Tokyo Summer Games sought to reject the idea of disabled people as inspiration or objects of pity, instead focusing on the reality of disabled people as equal members of society – with the same interests, desires and responsibilities as nondisabled people.

OUR TAKE: The evolution in messaging around the Paralympics is representative of the disability community’s move to set boundaries and reclaim their identity, with a particular focus on breaking down the barriers to inclusion – many of which are founded on an antiquated understanding of disability.

In New York’s Central Park, Wollman Rink Incorporates features for Skaters with Disabilities

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Parents with young daughter on ice skating rink at night.

Wollman Rink, now being run by a coalition of New York businesses and organizations, including Equinox, the YMCA, and The Boys’ Club of New York, welcomed skaters back last week with a plethora of new offerings including a cafe and more (Since 1986, the rink had been owned and operated by the Trump Organization).

The rink has also committed to “reinvesting in the community and the city” and operators will not be seeking or accepting any of the profit that comes from running Wollman Rink NYC, according to a press release. Any proceeds from the rink will be reinvested right back into it, with a priority on creating a sustainable and inclusive environment.

To learn more about the reopening of Wollman Rink, see the article in Travel + Leisure.

Tampa International Airport Testing Self-Driving Wheelchairs

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Line of power wheelchairs at Tampa International Airport.

Innovative power wheelchair manufacturer Whill has a new customer: the Tampa International Airport. TPA is the latest airport to trial its AI-powered mobility devices to help passengers with reduced mobility navigate throughout the terminal building.

The pilot program, which ran from mid-November through December 10th, came at an important time as maintaining the necessary staffing levels for wheelchair assistants has been challenging during the pandemic. The powered wheelchairs offered passengers greater independence than they might otherwise have received through traditional airport wheelchair assistance services.

To read more about this innovative solution, read the article from The Points Guy.

Prominent Disability Travel Blogger Announces Her 2021 Accessible Travel Awards for Families with Wheelchair Users

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Boy sitting in his wheelchair next to a life-size lego sculpture of a character in a wheelchair.

Jennifer Allen, a prominent accessible family blogger based in Pennsylvania who travels with her five year-old son who has Spina Bifida, decided to share their best and most adventurous experiences in the form of—what else?—an awards.

“While there are always so many barriers in wheelchair travel, I love to celebrate the places that are doing it right, she said.” These are the best accessible destinations we’ve traveled to over the past year – and they would make great travel destinations for 2022! I bet some of these will surprise you.”

To read the full article and to learn more about the best places to travel in 2022, visit the Wonders within Reach website.

Inclusive Coffee Shop, Bitty and Beau’s, Expands to 22 Locations

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Group of disabled and nondisabled coffee shop employees wearing aprons.

Amy & Ben Wright are the proud parents of four children — Lillie, Emma Grace, Beau and Bitty. Lillie was born with autism, and Bitty & Beau were born with Down syndrome.

With over 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities unemployed nationwide, the Wrights founded Bitty & Beau’s Coffee to create a path for people with disabilities to become more valued, accepted and included in every community.

The original shop opened January 2016 in Wilmington, NC, and employed 19 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and it has since expanded to 22 locations in 11 states and the District of Columbia!

To learn where you can get a cup of joe, visit the Bitty and Beau’s website.