TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Transportation

Dublin Teen with a Disability Tests Accessibility in Ireland’s 32 Counties

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Boy seated in his wheelchair on a bridge over a river in Ireland.

James Casserly, a wheelchair user and son of former Mayor of South Dublin Vicki Casserly, is traveling to each of Ireland’s 32 counties to test the accessibility of public transport.

His mother told Dublin Live that “James loves public transport and feels that he should be able to travel, particularly with his wheelchair. When you’re going around our lovely country – we want to know are hotels accessible, are restaurants accessible, are shops, venues, footpaths and just really highlight all of that in a constructive way.”

James hopes that his 32-county journey will raise awareness of the need for greater accessibility and encourage businesses to be more welcoming to disabled customers.

“It’s good for the business because they’ll bring in more revenue with an accessible business,” his mom said.

To read more about James Casserly and his mission to make Ireland more accessible, see the full article in Dublin Live.

Will Autonomous Vehicles Help Disabled Travelers Find the Freedom they Crave?

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Blue four door sedan with Google logo driving on a road using driverless technology.

Advancements in technology and AI have put mass-produced autonomous vehicles within the realm of possibility, and experts suggest that we may see largely driverless cars within our lifetimes.

For disabled people, driverless cars promise greater access – physically driving a vehicle is not possible for many people, but autonomous vehicles will solve that problem. Although basic forms of technology has already been implemented in vehicles like the Tesla, it hasn’t yet made its way into a mass-produced wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Accessibility guidelines are being studied, and advocacy groups hope standards for wheelchair and other access will be included in future iterations of driverless automobiles. The website 2025 AD examined these questions in greater detail and, for more information, read their report on accessibility in driverless cars.

Navigating Accessibility in Airports and Rail Stations will be Easier with New Virtual Reality Simulator

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Oculus virtual reality headset.

A new ‘Serious Game’ Virtual Reality Simulation is being developed to support disabled people to better access travel on Northern’s services.

As the first of its kind, the technology will allow passengers to explore their journey and the support they require in advance, from the comfort of their own home. Users will be able to experience trains, stations, and interact with station and on-board staff in a realistic simulated environment on their own phones, tablets and PCs or even in low cost VR headsets for a fully immersive experience. They can take simulated journeys and experience the railway environment, as well as the support Northern staff will provide along the way.

To learn more, read the full article in Global Railway Review.

How Can People with Parkinson’s Enjoy their Vacations? Try Amtrak.

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Amtrak train parked at train station.

The decision to start traveling again is personal, and it may not be for everyone.

In an article for Parkinson’s News Today, Lori DePorter shares how she and her husband got back to traveling – with Amtrak. Although the author’s preferred method of travel is usually in her private vehicle, the couple switched things up and booked a train ticket. As a person with a disability, Lori and her husband both received a discounted fare, and commented the conductor was “refreshingly polite” and eager to help.

In detailing her train journey, Lori mused that “perhaps it is time to explore more train travel, which was much less stressful than traveling by car.”

When will you hit America’s railways?

Amtrak Settles Lawsuit Over Discrimination

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Amtrak train parked at train station.

The U.S. Department of Justice has reached an agreement with Amtrak over complaints about a lack of accessibility at many of its stations. Under the agreement, Amtrak will bring accessibility to at least 135 stations, 90 of which must be completed within the next 10 years.

Amtrak has also agreed to compensate individuals who were previously harmed by a lack of station accessibility, establishing a fund of $2.25 million for that purpose.

“Passengers with disabilities have waited long enough. [The settlement] is a historic victory for individuals with disabilities, Amtrak, the rule of law, and the promise of equal opportunity for all Americans,” said Eric Dreiband, assistant attorney general of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, in a press release.

OUR TAKE: Improved accessibility on the Amtrak passenger rail system is a victory not only for disabled travelers, but for the destinations that Amtrak serves. With the number of disabled travelers continuing to rise, accessible Amtrak services can bring curious travelers of all abilities to new stations and stops across the country.

To read more about the Amtrak settlement, click here.