IS TRAIN TRAVEL A WHEELCHAIR-FRIENDLY

ALTERNATIVE TO FLYING OR DRIVING?

People with neuromuscular diseases and other disabilities may enjoy less hassle and a more inclusive ride on trains. 

Seasoned travelers point out that a regional train ride of two to four hours is just as expedient as a one-hour flight because a flight includes early arrival, security screening, and an uncomfortable boarding process involving transfers between their personal wheelchair, an aisle chair, and the plane seat. 

Even for long-distance routes, accessible sleeper cars can make train travel more inclusive.

IS TRAIN TRAVEL A WHEELCHAIR-FRIENDLY

ALTERNATIVE TO FLYING OR DRIVING?

Leah Zelaya’s mom, Bevi Zelaya, says that, as a caregiver, it is stressful to worry about wheelchair damage or loss during a flight.

“You can’t stay in your wheelchair on a plane, and it will be ages before you can,” Leah adds. 

“On the train, you have that independence.”

Train travel is a viable option for people with disabilities who are tired of having their wheelchair mishandled in an airline industry known for treating mobility devices poorly. 

In 2024, a single air carrier was fined $50 million for its treatment of passengers with disabilities and their mobility equipment.

IS TRAIN TRAVEL A WHEELCHAIR-FRIENDLY

ALTERNATIVE TO FLYING OR DRIVING?

When the Zelaya family travels from their home in Brooklyn, New York, to Boston or Washington, DC, they take an Amtrak train.

Leah Zelaya, a former MDA National Ambassador, and her dad, Jaime, live with scapuloperoneal spinal muscular atrophy (SPSMA).

“When we travel on an airplane, we rush to get through the terminal, and I never know if my wheelchair is going to come back to me in one piece,” says Leah, a 17-year-old actor, dancer, and model who walks with bilateral leg braces and uses a wheelchair for long distances. 

“Using the train is like a different, stress-free world. 

It’s way better.”

MY BLOG GETS 12,000 TO 15,000

DAILY READERS

I learned journalism at the storied Akron Beacon Journal.

Its daily print circulation is below 22,000.

It’s not an apples to apples comparison -- but I am proud to be getting so many readers.

My blog focuses on building a better environment for people with disabilities, placemaking and urban photography.

It began more than a decade ago and has had nearly 1.5 million unique visitors.

HOTEL DE PARIS MONTPARNASSE

GREAT STAFF, TINY ROOM, GOOD LOCATION NEXT TO GARE MONTPARNASSE

Rue Daguerre, one of the greatest foodie streets in one of the greatest gastronomic cities, is a 10 minute stroll from Hotel de Paris Montparnasse.

The wonderful Marche Edgar Quinet sets up on Wednesdays and Saturdays less than 5 minutes from Hôtel de Paris Montparnasse.

Historic Cimetière du Montparnasse is footsteps away, as are the famous Catacombs underground boneyard.

I would strongly suggest heading south of the hotel through the various low key, very French neighborhoods of the 14th.

There are old villages that became a part of Paris.

Marche aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves, open Saturdays and Sundays only, is the second best flea market in all of Paris.

In perfect 72 F weather, I zig zagged through some not so tourist-choked Paris and -- 2 km and less than an hour from hotel -- turned up at the Marche aux Puces.

HOTEL DE PARIS MONTPARNASSE

GREAT STAFF, TINY ROOM, GOOD LOCATION NEXT TO GARE MONTPARNASSE

My room was very tiny at Hotel de Paris Montparnasse.

Barely 100 SF if that.

Basically a place to store some clothing, take a shower, hit the bathroom and sleep. I was there two days.

I don't think I could recommended it for more than 3 days stay -- and I'm the kind of person who goes out early and comes back late each day while traveling.

It's a typical old, tiny European hotel room -- modernized with plenty of outlets -- regular and USB.

HOTEL DE PARIS MONTPARNASSE

GREAT STAFF, TINY ROOM, GOOD LOCATION NEXT TO GARE MONTPARNASSE

High praise for the staff at Hotel de Paris Montparnasse.

It is a smallish, family-run hotel and I made a couple special requests -- having an extra flat sheet in the room upon arrival -- and they had this covered.

It's my test of front desk responsiveness.

They have fresh filtered water and large glass bottles for you to use for free.

This was an excellent way of saving money on buying water while also saving the planet by not tossing away plastic.

The location is crawling distance from Gare Montparnasse -- which was a big draw for me because I was catching the high speed train to Bordeaux at the end of my Paris stay.

APARTHOTEL ADAGIO BORDEAUX CENTRE GAMBETTA

MODERN BUILDING WITH GALLEY KITCHEN FOOTSTEPS FROM TRANSIT

Pound for pound, Bordeaux boasts some of the best gastronomy and wine in all of France...or the world for that matter.

Code 23, a fabulous bar with live music and a cozy vibe, is less than 15 minutes walk from the property.

Le Petit Commerce, one of the greatest, most unpretentious seafood houses in all of the region, is 15 minutes walk away from Aparthotel Adagio Bordeaux Centre Gambetta.

Boulangerie Jocteur, an outstanding bakery, is a brisk 5 minute walk from the hotel.

Chartrons and its great homes and bistros are 15 minutes by tram.

Cite du Vin is less than 25 minutes by tram.

Bassins des Lumières, in a WWII submarine bunker also to the north of town, is less than 45 minutes by public transit.

APARTHOTEL ADAGIO BORDEAUX CENTRE GAMBETTA

MODERN BUILDING WITH GALLEY KITCHEN FOOTSTEPS FROM TRANSIT

Aparthotel Adagio Bordeaux Centre Gambetta Front desk staff was excellent about giving tips on shopping/dining.

It also complied with my standard request to get the room farthest from the elevator and to have an extra flat sheet in the room.

I certainly used the coffee maker, as well as the fridge to store leftover gourmet food -- and the stove and microwave to reheat said food.

St. Catherine Street -- billed as the longest pedestrian shopping street in all of Europe, is footsteps away.

Garonne River, muddy but the spine of the city for centuries, is 10-12 minutes walk away, as is the famous Place de la Bourse with its giant reflecting pond and wondrous architecture. Bordeaux is a great city.

APARTHOTEL ADAGIO BORDEAUX CENTRE GAMBETTA

MODERN BUILDING WITH GALLEY KITCHEN FOOTSTEPS FROM TRANSIT

When first considering several properties, I thought Aparthotel Adagio Bordeaux Centre Gambetta might be out of the center.

Turns out it's in the center.

And right on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage part of the city.

It's the best of both worlds -- modern, updated and quiet as it is not near any wine or other bars or nightclubs.

But Gambetta is a great area, flush with hip restaurants, wine bars and grocery stores.

One of the tram lines is 5 minutes away.

Also within a 5 minute walk is the G bus that connected with historic Saint Jean train station, where I arrived from Paris. 

REST IN PEACE LEON KRIER

LEGENDAY 

Leon Krier -- world renowned architectural theorist and innovator in traditional architecture and urbanism – died at age 79 earlier this month.

I have had the privilege of lecturing on Universal Design at the University of Miami School of Architecture building that he designed.

I spoke to Krier about my vison for Universal Design.

I later created/taught a full Universal Design course in a traditional building footsteps away from his U-SoA Jorge M. Perez Architecture Center.

Krier was a prominent critic of modernist architecture and an advocate of New Urbanism.

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

Know Your Rights as an Airline Passenger

Stay up-to-date on rules regarding accessible air travel and your rights with these resources.

• Find updates on air travel reforms at org/airtravel.
• Visit the US Department of Transportation’s page on Aviation Consumer Protection for people with disabilities.
• Familiarize yourself with the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights.
• Learn about federal policies and protections for flying with service animals.
• Learn how the Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination based on disability in air travel.
• Find more details on the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.

 

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

All Wheels Up Founder and President Michele Erwin says momentum is building, evidenced by several airline equipment manufacturers visiting with her during the Aircraft Interiors Expo, the world’s largest aircraft interiors trade show.

She also notes that aircraft manufacturers, such as Airbus, have been attending All Wheels Up’s conferences.

Keeping the momentum going

Just as MDA advocates were key in shaping the provisions of the FAA Reauthorization and new DOT rules, they play a significant role in telling the airline industry and lawmakers that their work is not done.

“MDA stands ready to work with all our champions to drive positive policy change for travelers affected by neuromuscular disease,” says Shannon Wood, Director of Disability Policy at MDA. 

She encourages everyone to write to their elected officials and the DOT to keep building momentum for more inclusive and safer travel.

“Safety and dignity for wheelchair users is a basic right, but it also opens up travel for people with disabilities, which is good for them, good for the industry, and good for business,” Michele says.

---

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

In addition, the FAA Reauthorization Act includes some victories for moving toward in-flight travel in an assistive mobility device:

• Congress will fund an in-depth budget impact model exploring how a wheelchair spot in the cabin impacts airlines, equipment manufacturers, tourism dollars, and damage cost avoidance.
• Testing will focus on tie-down devices that provide safe travel for wheelchair passengers.
• The FAA will conduct studies on creating evacuation plans for travelers in their own wheelchairs on board. Safety studies and evacuation plans are a core element before the airline industry can move forward.

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

MDA, PVA, and other disability-related organizations agree that adjusting airplane cabins to allow travelers to remain in their wheelchairs while flying is the seismic shift needed in air travel.

For 15 years, All Wheels Up Founder and President Michele Erwin has been leading that charge. She believes airlines are starting to see that it makes economic sense.

“We know 80% of power wheelchair users do not travel by air because of the possibility of lost or damaged mobility devices,” Michele says. 

“There are 4 million wheelchair users in the United States and at least 20 million globally, but only a fraction are traveling. 

When someone travels by plane, airlines don’t just sell one ticket — they sell two to four more tickets to family members, friends, and business associates. 

More accessibility means more revenue.”

 

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

“People with disabilities have the right to access any mode of transportation and have the same safe experience that everyone else has,” says Heather Ansley is Chief Policy Officer for PVA and the co-chair of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Advisory Committee.

“If you have to be across the country the next day — to address an urgent family matter or attend a critical business meeting — the only way you can do that is to fly. People with disabilities are no different. 

They’ve paid the fare, so the airline needs to provide a safe and dignified experience.”

If something happens to your wheelchair or other mobility device during air travel, document the damage or other issues in writing and take photos. 

The quickest way to get a response is to contact the airline. 

Check the airline’s website to see if they have a specific phone number to call for disability-related concerns.

“If the issue is not resolved sufficiently, or if you have concerns that your rights were violated, also submit a complaint to the DOT,” says Shannon Wood, Director of Disability Policy at MDA. 

“It’s those complaints to the DOT that led to the unprecedented fine against American Airlines last year.”

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

Heather Ansley is Chief Policy Officer for PVA and the co-chair of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Advisory Committee. 

The 2024 FAA reauthorization extended the life of the committee and charged it with researching and advising on crucial mobility issues, such as the use of lithium batteries in assistive mobility devices and best practices for service animals in flight.

“Overall, the disability community is focused on our advocacy to make sure any administration knows that we are watching the deadlines given by Congress, and we feel strongly about action being needed,” Heather says.

Many changes that will benefit disabled passengers are still in the rulemaking stage or have longer deadlines for implementation. 

This means it is too early to see widespread change, and it is imperative to work with the administration and the airline industry to ensure forward momentum.

 

ARRESTED MOBILITY:

OVERCOMING THE THREAT TO BLACK MOVEMENT

I cannot think of a better way to continue the positive energy of Juneteenth than reading my friend/colleague Charles Brown's book -- Arrested Mobility: Overcoming the Threat to Black Movement. 

It is pithy, well researched, on point, moving, profound, hopeful and filled with practical methods for making mobility more inclusive and cities more productive and livable for all of us.

The Island Press book is less than 125 pages.

Every word skillfully documents structural racism.

The book provides a path to better planning for all.

I am honored to have appeared in Charles' podcast and collaborated with him.

I'm proudly quoted as a disability advocate expert in his book.

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

The largest disability enforcement action before this fine was only $2 million. 

Shannon Wood, Director of Disability Policy at MDA, notes that while half of the fine goes to the US Treasury, the remaining $25 million will be credited to American Airlines in the form of offsets.

“Offsets could be used for investments in equipment to reduce wheelchair damage, wheelchair lifts used to safely lower wheelchairs from the jet bridge down to the tarmac, system-wide wheelchair tagging systems, or other improvements,” she says.

MDA works closely with Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and other nonprofit organizations to advocate for better air travel. PVA filed formal complaints about American Airlines’ “physical assistance that at times resulted in unsafe and undignified treatment of wheelchair users.” 

When the fine was levied, the DOT cited PVA’s complaints that outlined egregious actions.

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

In February 2025, the trade group Airlines for America and five air carriers — American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United — filed a lawsuit, arguing that some of the DOT’s new rules regarding protections for passengers with wheelchairs are unnecessary and an overreach. 

As of press time, the DOT’s rules are still in effect.

In October 2024, the DOT showed that its commitment to safer, more inclusive air travel was more than lip service.

It levied a $50 million fine against American Airlines for violating laws protecting passengers with disabilities, sending a signal to the industry that poor treatment of passengers with disabilities would not be tolerated.

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

At the end of 2024, the DOT released additional disability-positive rules that went into effect in January 2025, such as:

• Codifying that airline actions that result in a “heightened risk of bodily injury, which may include loss or damage to wheelchairs and other assistive devices that result in bodily injury,” violate the rights of passengers with disabilities
• Stating that personnel and boarding chairs must be ready to assist passengers no later than when other passengers have left the aircraft
• Requiring airline workers and contractors to get enhanced training on wheelchair disassembly and reassembly, proper wheelchair loading and securement, and safe and dignified passenger transfer assistance

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

Disability-related provisions in the FAA reauthorization include:

• Strengthening training requirements for those assisting passengers with limited mobility, as well as for those who stow wheelchairs and assistive devices
• Improving the complaint process with the DOT
• Requiring better reporting of data on mishandled wheelchairs
• Funding continued study into in-cabin wheelchair tie-down systems

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

Advocates will continue to play an essential role in ensuring that all the promised reforms are implemented without delay or reversal.

Advocacy gets results

Shannon Wood, Director of Disability Policy at MDA, noted that MDA advocates sent more than 400 comments to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), and many testified at listening sessions the DOT held to gather input for the final FAA reauthorization.

 

ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

CAN IT AVOID TURBULENCE?

The past year featured the most disability-positive changes for air travel in decades. 

While there is still a way to go before air travel is fully accessible, policy and rule changes promise to make it safer and more dignified for people with disabilities.

Most of the changes came in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization, an act that is reapproved every five years, most recently in May 2024.

“Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat, was instrumental in getting disability provisions included. Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican, helped move the bill forward on the Senate floor — it had very strong bipartisan support,” says Shannon Wood, Director of Disability Policy at MDA. 

“We can say that in conjunction with disability advocates from across the disability rights community, those living with neuromuscular diseases played a huge role in getting disability-rights provisions successfully included in FAA reauthorization.”

 

 

DANGEROUS DRIVING KILLS

BUT MIAMI DOES NEXT TO NOTHING TO STOP IT

An innocent person lost their life in my Miami neighborhood.

Their crime -- being a pedestrian in a city that tolerates people driving up to double the speed limit on otherwise quiet, residential streets.

Enough of the BS rhetoric about right wing this, left wing that -- it's all a distraction while our elected and appointed "leaders" get rich in office while not protecting us.

Every commissioner, mayor, city manager, police chief, road designer, planner, etc. -- is 100% failing us when it is a death defying act to simply walk around one of our wonderful parks.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

Hotel de Marques de Manga is locked with a high gate for security. I left very early and came back after midnight -- and never waited more than 10 seconds for the staff to buzz me past the gate.

The value is amazing. I paid about 40 USD per day for a spacious modern room, a great support staff, a free gourmet breakfast, free WIFI in room and on property, very clean pool and a location close to the action but quiet enough to sleep.

I will return for sure. 

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

Hotel de Marques de Manga is within 5 minutes walking distance of the best grocery store in the city, several pharmacies and some nice mom and pop restaurants and shops.

Getsemani is a 15 minute walk over a bridge.

The Walled City and its Colonial Architecture and tourist attractions, is a 25 minute maximum.

The typical Uber ride to Getsemani was 3 USD with tip. To the Old City -- about 4 USD with tip.

The hotel also is close enough to walk to the chaotic, vibrant and fantastic Mercado de Bazurto -- where all the top chefs shop early for the freshest seafood, tropical fruit and more.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

Hotel de Marques de Manga is great about closing the pool at 8 p.m. -- so no pool party noises disturb your sleep. 

It might want to think about signs specifying the common areas and gym equipment are closed from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. to let guests sleep.

Crews were rebuilding the room on the floor below mine. 

When I routinely came back from lunch for a pool plunge and nap to avoid the most extreme heat -- it was tough to rest because of the construction noises. 

But I get it, the work has to take place sometime and midday is preferable to overnight or predawn.

Again, I'm a light sleeper and these are very minor suggestions to improve a place that is already very close to 10 out of 10 stars.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

There was a fried food festival at the foot of the nearby San Felipe Fort.

On 3 of my six nights, the festival played very loud music past midnight -- even though the festival was advertised as closing at midnight.

The noise traveled over a small body of water and I could hear it in the room despite a white noise machine and ear plugs.

It's not Hotel de Marques de Manga's fault that Cartagena likes to party hard and until the wee hours. 

But perhaps when it comes time for renovations, soundproofing could be done.

Each pod of room is built over a mini lobby with seating etc. 

Mine had the weights/gym equipment. 

Sound echoed from this common area right up to my sole interior-facing window.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

My room at Hotel de Marques de Manga was quite spacious with good lighting and power outlets near the bed.

In the reception area, they sell water, soda, local beers and convenience items at a very fair price.

The pool is not large, but it is kept sparkling clean and is a fabulous place to take a refreshing plunge when midday heat is 100 degrees.

There's also a lounge chair area with plenty of fresh towels.

The property is in a sleepy neighborhood of homes and apartments -- no nearby clubs or bars to make noise.