Lessons have been learned the hard way—broken wheelchairs at airports, broken bones on ski slopes, muttered curses in prayer camps, refused entry in public spaces—but I view barriers as obstacles waiting to be overcome. And like other pioneers who have gone where no disabled person has gone before them, I am up for taking one for the team. In this column, I will report back from the inclusion revolution’s front line. Reviewing hotels, accommodations, restaurants, destinations, and more, to signpost all the spaces that are not merely accessible but go beyond compliance to give us all equality of experience.
The world’s reaction to accessibility is changing, slowly but surely. No, it’s not perfect out there, but yes, it is improving every day. Here, we will celebrate allies and leaders in the travel industry who know that accessibility is not the end goal; inclusion is.
As part of our goal to audit the world for access for all, other voices from our 1.3 billion-strong global community will also share their insight and opinion here, so that collectively we will design and create a map like never seen before—a map of equitable spaces designed with everyone in mind.
Studies show that more and more disabled people have an appetite for travel. Families with neurodiverse children, honeymooners with mobility scooters, trekkers with guide dogs, baby boomers with hip replacements; whoever we are, the stats say that we are loyal, repeat customers who prefer to roll deep.
Looking at the photo of the person I used to be, I feel inspired. I used to live in a barrier-free world, and I’m determined to have the same opportunities as that young girl. The travel landscape is changing daily; horizons are ever-expanding and change is in the air. I am sitting on a precipice again; it’s a giddy time full of potential and opportunity.
So check back in here to find inspiration for your next adventure, your next trip of a lifetime, or your next day trip. Start creating your own adapted bucket lists; learn which products can assist your travels and which cutting-edge technology can support you, or find out what your rights are when things don’t go to plan. Come with me on my quest to find a world that can be everybody’s oyster.
The article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.
