TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Disability Advocates

Disabled People Must Be Able to Talk More Openly About Sex—It’s Important for Their Health.

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A columnist who rites a column on disability and is an actress.
Sex shouldn’t be a taboo topic, says Renke.

Here’s a fact you probably didn’t know: Only 5% of people who aren’t disabled have ever been asked out or been on a date with a disabled person, according to one study. Actress and disability campaigner Samantha Renke hopes to change that statistic. She writes candidly in MetroNews UK that, to make matters worse, she has to endure either intrusive questions from those around her or total silence around the topic in general. Renke writes that she thinks that silence has probably led her to lose out on the chance to have some valuable relationships.  Read more.

IBM Scientist Develops AI to Transform Lives of People Who Are Visually Impaired

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With new apps comes more independence for people who are blind. credit: IBM
credit: IBM

Japanese-born Chieko Asakawa, now a technologist at IBM, was inspired to improve the lives of people who are visually impaired after she was injured in an accident as a teenager. (She was completely blind by age 14.) Today, Chieko Asakawa has already made huge contributions to accessibility research. She’s won many awards, including Japan’s Medal of Honour for her work. The IBM team’s latest idea uses AI to help people who are visually impaired to navigate complicated indoor locations via an app. Ultimately, the app will help people to use a cane less and to seamlessly navigate offices and other indoor spaces where mapping technology can’t do the job. Read more.

Our Expert’s Jam-Packed Weekend Itinerary For Charlotte, North Carolina

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a large green house that has tons of southern charm
credit: Charlotte Tourism

Even after only a quick glance at Cory Lee Woodard’s new accessible weekend itinerary for Charlotte, North Carolina, you will know this guy’s a pro—and he’s going to tell you everything you need to stay, see and savor the city. Cory Lee’s recent visit included Charlotte Motor Speedway, which has several tracks, including NASCAR, the zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track. (Who knew there were three tracks? Thanks, Charlotte Tourism!) He found some delicious eats, too. (Beware, he posts photos. You will be thinking about those cinnamon buns for days). His favorite stop was a visit to the Latin American cultural village while checking out the Hola Charlotte! Street Festival.  Read more.

Short Holiday Trips Delight a Long-Underserved Market: People with Mild to Moderate Disabilities

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girl holding a present with candy canes
credit: Kira Aufderheide

Since 1985, New Directions Travel has worked to make the lives of people with mild or moderate disabilities happier via travel. Since then, these accessible travel pioneers, based in Santa Barbara, California, have greatly expanded. They’re now super-serving this underserved niche, offering short trips during the key holiday season. Their Happy Holidays trips are planned around Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas and are run by trained staff and dozens of volunteers. The groups visit Disneyland, San Francisco, and Hawaii. Packages include luxury rooms, gourmet meals, gifts, visits from Santa and days of serious fun. Their motto is “Joy is for everyone”. That spirit shows on every smiling face on their website. Read more.

Accessible and Eco-Friendly Beach Planned for Costa Rica—and It Will Be Made of Recycled Bottle Caps

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a beautiful ocean scene with a walkway that goes straight down to theater
credit: Dona Capa

There are currently no wheelchair accessible beaches anywhere in Central America—but Costa Rican organizations are working together to change that. Currently, Jacó on the Pacific coast and Cahuita on the Caribbean coast have made plans to build walkways out of recycled plastic bottle caps—putting to good use the plastics that pollute our waterways. What makes this plan even more special? The wide walkways will be designed to connect sidewalks with the sea so that people in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility can reach the water. Read more.