5 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL PROS

SHARE THEIR BEST “HACKS”

Ashley Lyn Olson Hack 2: Consider a folding manual:

A lot of manual wheelchairs fold in half. Once the leg rests are removed, the chair will fit in an airline jet’s closet. 

“Airlines are legally required to store the chair on board if it fits in the closet. 

Some crews are reluctant, but it’s the law,” says Ashley.

Hack 3: Educate, educate, educate

“Quickly, firmly and politely educate the person taking your wheelchair from the gate downstairs to store in the plane’s cargo hold that it is a costly piece of equipment and that it is your legs,” says Ashley. 

They must understand what your wheelchair means to you.

 

 

5 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL PROS

SHARE THEIR BEST “HACKS”

Ashley Lyn Olson Hack 1: Embrace the Vibe

“Traveling in a wheelchair can be magical because you don’t know what to expect,” says Ashley.

She embraces flexibility and a love of the unexpected. 

“The main route is blocked, so you take a different route and stumble on things.”

She recounts a trip to Berlin with a friend.

“Not every train station was accessible, so we stopped a mile away from our destination and made our way back. 

We stumbled on this festival with music playing, a beer garden and art – all with this amazing vibe.”

5 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL PROS

SHARE THEIR BEST “HACKS”

Ashley Lyn Olson crafted wheelchairtraveling.com in 2006 to share her love of traveling.

She shares info on destinations, products and tips from herself and other wheelchair users.

Ashley, a paraplegic since age 14, is also behind the Access 2 Parks Project, which seeks to increase accessibility to outdoor recreation at national, state and local parks.

5 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL PROS

SHARE THEIR BEST “HACKS”

Martn Heng Hack 2: Suss out ground transit ahead of time.

Martin urges fellow wheelchair users to research accessible public transportation and wheelchair-accessible taxis at their destinations. 

“You don’t go somewhere just to stay in a hotel,” he says.

Hack 3: Trust yourself

“If something goes wrong, like a broken lift or another barrier to access, you know the best course of action to remedy the situation according to your abilities.

It’s up to you to explain what that is and how people can help you to best effect,” he said.

“As people with disabilities, we are very good at troubleshooting and finding solutions to problems, particularly access issues. 

It’s almost like a superpower and shouldn’t be underestimated!”

5 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL PROS

SHARE THEIR BEST “HACKS”

Martin Heng Hack 1: Stealth cathing

Inaccessible airplane bathrooms are such an issue for many wheelchair users that passengers often restrict their food or drinks before flying.

“I think that’s a mistake, says Martin, a quadriplegia since 2010.

“The best hack I have for long-haul flights is to take a 2-liter overnight bag and a rubberized connector to connect to a leg bag. 

You or your companion can empty it discreetly into the overnight bag while sitting in your seat. 

Not even the person sitting next to you will be aware of what’s going on! 

The overnight bag can then be taken to the bathroom to be emptied.”

THRILLED TO BE WORKING ON ANOTHER PBS DOCUMENTARY

WITH AN AWARD-WINNING, MIAMI-BASED FILMMAKER

I spent hours touring architectural and cultural wonders of Little Havana.

I talked about the joy I get from my Cuban neighbors and my Latino friends from Calle Ocho to Coral Way back to the Miami River.

I sprinkled in my Spanish to speak in Spanglish, as we do in la corazon de la pequena Habana.

I worked with Joe Cardona, a national award-winning documentary film maker with dozens of Miami-grown films to his credit.

Cardona rose to national prominence when he was awarded the National Emmy for his 2014 historic documentary “The day it snowed in Miami”, a film that he wrote, produced and directed for PBS national network.

Joe interviewed me with his professional sound and camera crew.

Can’t wait for the film to air in the first quarter of 2024. 

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING EXPERTISE FROM A LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS

TEAMED WITH A HALL OF FAMER.

My roots in Miami go back a quarter century.

I have teamed with Mark Winter of Identity PR to provide full services to businesses involved in real estate/development, design, finance and making the world a better place.

We also help leading and local nonprofits. 

Mark has done so much as a professional and member of his community in my native Midwest, that he recently was inducted into the Public Relations Hall of Fame.

Take a moment this week to visit www.identitypr.com

Then reach out to me and we can set up a Zoom to see how we can help your business leave a mark. 

5 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL PROS

SHARE THEIR BEST “HACKS”

Martin Heng’s impressive travel resume includes being senior editor for Lonely Planet for over 20 years.

He authored a best practices guide sponsored by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Australian Aid, and works with European Network for Accessible Tourism.

5 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL PROS

SHARE THEIR BEST “HACKS”

Sylvia Longmire Hack 5: a great sense of humor

“Be flexible,” says Sylvia.

“No matter how well you plan, an elevator will be broken.

If it can go wrong, it will go wrong.” 

She’s never let any negative experience diminish her love of travel. 

“Go with an `I can accomplish this’ attitude and a very good sense of humor.

5 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL PROS

SHARE THEIR BEST “HACKS”

Sylvia Longmire Hack 3: portable ramp

Sylvia also travels with a portable extension ramp but cautioned that it is not for everyone because it weighs 8 pounds, costs a lot and is not covered by insurance.

Hack 4: a cool head

Being polite but firm when pressing a hotel manager to make up for promised access that isn’t there on arrival can win the day.

“I know what my options are.

I know how far I can press a hotel to try to help compensate me, and I’m not afraid to ask for compensation,” says Sylvia. 

Once, a hotel in Boston dropped the ball on an accessible room, and she negotiated for a pricier, more accessible room at another property across the street at their expense.

5 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL PROS

SHARE THEIR BEST “HACKS”

Sylvia Longmire Hack 2: thick front tires

Sylvia’s visited 57 countries so far, 48 as a wheelchair user and 34 by herself. 

Because Europe and other places have bumpy sidewalks and streets, she’s kitted her power wheelchair with thick front tires.

“Many power chairs have small front wheels that get stuck or bump you to death. 

The front wheels are big on mine,” she said.

“Plus, my chair easily comes apart in three sections so that it can be stored in the trunk of a taxi. 

Some places have great accessible public transit, but others do not, and you need to take a standard cab.”

5 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL PROS

SHARE THEIR BEST “HACKS”

Sylvia Longmire Hack 1: An extension cord, duct tape and zip ties.

“I always travel with an extension cord, duct tape and zip ties,” says Sylvia. 

No, not because she’s a secret agent (that we know of). 

This is a completely practical kit for any world traveler.

Zip-ties attach belongings to nightstands and keep them within reach. 

An extension cord can charge wheelchair batteries but is also useful in older hotels with few outlets in hard-to-reach spots.

And duct tape is just great.

“I’ve used duct tape to protect part of my wheelchair in flight,” says Sylvia.

“In Toronto, I was promised an accessible room, but the toilet was low to the ground.

 I rolled up a towel, bound it with duct tape and had an instant toilet riser.”

5 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL PROS

SHARE THEIR BEST “HACKS”

Just in time for planning your 2023 journeys, we present hacks from our dream team of wheelchair-accessible travel pros: Syliva Longmire, Martin Heng, Ashley Lyn Olson, Cory Lee and Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad.

Sylvia Longmire, a service-disabled veteran Air Force officer, lives with multiple sclerosis and travels by custom power wheelchair.

She’s a mom, author, former Ms. Wheelchair USA and once worked as a special agent with drug cartel expertise.  

Sylvia’s stories are on her Spin the Globe website. 

To our knowledge, she’s the only wheelchair user who is a national security expert and a travel writer.

THE ARRESTED MOBILITY PODCOAST WON A MAJOR AWARD

I’M PROUD TO BE PART OF THE BEST ACTIVISM,                                     PUBLIC SERVICES & SOCIAL IMPACT PODCAST

The Arrested Mobility podcast hosted by friend and colleague Charles Brown won a major award.

It took the gold for best Activism, Public Service & Social Impact podcast at the Signal Awards.

This is a no small achievement.

Podcasting is a $24 billion industry with a limitless reach.

The Hollywood Reporter published a lengthy story about the prestigious Signal Awards.

I was honored to share my Universal Design expertise on Episode 3.

https://arrestedmobility.com/episode-3-sidewalk-riding-ii-micromobility-persons-with-disabilities/

WHY AMERICAN CITIES STILL AREN’T ACCESSIBLE AFTER 33 YEARS OF THE ADA

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT HAS MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT — BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE LEFT TO BE DONE

Dehumanizing people with disabilities by seeking waivers and variances that would exclude them is as off base and bigoted as asking your human resources director if the fourth Tuesday of each month can be “Civil Rights-Free” day, so you can harass or fire workers on the basis of race, gender, orientation, religion. 

Subjecting human and civil rights to a cost benefit analysis is never the right approach — and it’s time we all open our eyes, see the problem, and become a part of the solution. 

WHY AMERICAN CITIES STILL AREN’T ACCESSIBLE AFTER 33 YEARS OF THE ADA

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT HAS MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT — BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE LEFT TO BE DONE

Far too many people responsible for designing our built environment leave disability out of the conversation because no one on the planning and implementation teams belongs to the disability community. 

Far too many others mistake the ADA for a type of building code — which can and should allow for waivers and variances under certain circumstance — rather than the iron-clad, non-negotiable, federal civil rights legislation that it is. 

I could fill a large room with people who have shamelessly asked me “Hey, Steve, you work with people with disabilities and design; how can I get away with having no ramp at the entrance to my new building? 

How can we avoid the cost of an elevator?”

Even if that building is, of all things, a four-story medical office. 

WHY AMERICAN CITIES STILL AREN’T ACCESSIBLE AFTER 33 YEARS OF THE ADA

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT HAS MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT — BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE LEFT TO BE DONE

Along with being the most sustainable, flexible, durable and cost-effective approach to planning and building, Universal Design gives people with disabilities a better shot at dignity and independence. 

People with disabilities are by far the most under-employed and unemployed and impoverished of all marginalized groups, in part because of barriers to their mobility in many workplaces, even in brand new buildings constructed long after the passage of the ADA. 

Less than one percent of housing stock, meanwhile, is move-in ready for people who use wheelchairs.

WHY AMERICAN CITIES STILL AREN’T ACCESSIBLE AFTER 33 YEARS OF THE ADA

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT HAS MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT — BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE LEFT TO BE DONE

The massive task of redesigning housing, parks, transportation, the workplace and much more to allow people to age in place is already one of the greatest challenges of the 21^st century.

And Universal Design — the concept of making our world more welcoming, comfortable and easy to use by everyone — is the framework through which we can confront it.

WHY AMERICAN CITIES STILL AREN’T ACCESSIBLE AFTER 33 YEARS OF THE ADA

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT HAS MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT — BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE LEFT TO BE DONE

But people with disabilities are not outliers, and designing for a wide variety of needs is not a constraint. 

The CDC has documented that one in four Americans have a permanent disability, and the United Nations has estimated that 1.3 billion have a significant disability, too. 

And those numbers aren’t likely to go down, especially as our population ages. 

By 2030, one in six people in the world will be aged 60 years or over, and the World Health Organization expects the sheer number of people over that age to double to more than 2.1 billion by 2050.  

WHY AMERICAN CITIES STILL AREN’T ACCESSIBLE AFTER 33 YEARS OF THE ADA

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT HAS MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT — BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE LEFT TO BE DONE

I’ve seen cities spend hundreds of millions of dollars on sports arenas and stadiums to enrich billionaire owners, all while claiming to have no money to repair broken sidewalks, replace missing ones, and fix curb ramps that flood every time it rains.  

I’ve seen developers cut corners to save dollars, and met far too many architects, engineers and planners who seem to resent the ADA as something constraining. 

HAPPY TO WRITE ABOUT INCLUSIVE DESIGN

WORK WITH DOWNTOWN DETROIT PARTNERSHIP

Thanks to DBusiness, Detroit’s premier business publication, for publishing my brief on why design for all is essential for Downtown Detroit.

I was pleased to work with the Downtown Detroit Partnership on an assessment of Universal Design and opportunities to increase inclusion for people with disabilities.

Eric Larson and DDP leadership embraced my ideas.

I will be doing more of these walking/rolling workshops in major cities in 2024.

https://issuu.com/hour_media/docs/dbusiness_nov_dec_2023_digimag/24

xx

WHY AMERICAN CITIES STILL AREN’T ACCESSIBLE AFTER 33 YEARS OF THE ADA

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT HAS MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT — BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE LEFT TO BE DONE

I’ve seen wheelchair ramps tucked into the backs of major office buildings far from the main entrance, leading to locked doors with no way of alerting the occupants to come open it.

I’ve seen cities allow outdoor lifts as the only means of egress/ingress into a major public space like a library, only to see those lifts get broken within a month and never get repaired — much less replaced with a ramp.

WHY AMERICAN CITIES STILL AREN’T ACCESSIBLE AFTER 33 YEARS OF THE ADA

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT HAS MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT — BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE LEFT TO BE DONE

I’ve seen micromobility companies flood the streets with dockless scooters, without anyone requiring them to build marked docking stations out of the pedestrian pathway, or hire round-the-clock staff to remove scooters that block sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks, transit stops and building entrances. 

I’ve seen cities bow to developers who want to build fewer than the required number of units accessible to people with disabilities, even when that housing is publicly funded. 

WHY AMERICAN CITIES STILL AREN’T ACCESSIBLE AFTER 33 YEARS OF THE ADA

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT HAS MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT — BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE LEFT TO BE DONE

I’ve seen cities close a sidewalk for two to three years of construction --

forcing people with disabilities to cross dangerous traffic four times just to run an errand on the same side of the street.

WHY AMERICAN CITIES STILL AREN’T ACCESSIBLE AFTER 33 YEARS OF THE ADA

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT HAS MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT — BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE LEFT TO BE DONE

Over the course of my career working in all aspects of planning, I’ve seen ableist design in virtually every city I’ve spent more than half a day in — and despite 33 years of the ADA, a lot of it was “technically compliant.” 

I’ve seen final building plans where the accessible restroom is too small, the hand dryer is mounted far out of reach of a wheelchair user, and the grab bars are in the wrong place and blocked by a waste receptacle. 

WHY AMERICAN CITIES STILL AREN’T ACCESSIBLE AFTER 33 YEARS OF THE ADA

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT HAS MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT — BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE LEFT TO BE DONE

As I transitioned from daily urban affairs journalism to a career in public service as a senior urban policy advisor in Miami, I’d often politely point out accessibility barriers to city planners, architects, engineers, public works, transit and capital projects department heads.  

“But it’s technically compliant,” they’d bark back.

 “We passed inspection.

It meets the building code.” 

“If you broke your leg, and the emergency room handed you a bandage and two aspirin and said, ‘We’ve given you medicine; now go home,’ would you be happy?” I’d reply.   

WHY AMERICAN CITIES STILL AREN’T ACCESSIBLE AFTER 33 YEARS OF THE ADA

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT HAS MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT — BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE LEFT TO BE DONE

The Americans With Disabilities turned 33 this year.

A third of a century for the farthest-reaching federal civil rights legislation for people with disabilities ever passed in the history of our nation. 

I have covered the disability community since before the passage of the ADA. 

When it first became law, I thought that, surely, three decades later, attitudes would have changed. 

And they have a bit — but not nearly enough. 

GRATIFIED TO HAVE MY PHOTOGRAPHY AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACTIVISM RECOGNIZED WITH A PROCLAMATION

BY THE HONORABLE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSIONER EILEEN HIGGINS

Thrilled to give a special tour of my Little Havana photography exhibit to the Honorable Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins.

I was honored to received an official Miami-Dade County Commendation recognizing my art and activism.

Commissioner Higgins has proudly represented Little Havana by ensuring there is funding to preserve great buildings with affordable housing.

I’m am thankful, proud and gratified to receive recognition of my tireless work to make Miami a better place.

There are so many stories to tell about Little Havana.

It is a rich tapestry of historic buildings, trailblazing immigrants, world class artists, renowned musicians, mom and pop restaurants and growing nightlife scene.

I have happily called Little Havana home for more than two decades.

I bought an old house in very bad shape and lovingly restored what is now a lovely Spanish Mission Style century old abode that fronts historic William Jennings Bryan Park.

I told Little Havana’s stories when I worked from Miami City Commissioner Joe Sanchez.

Thanks to our efforts, more than three million people visit the famous Calle Ocho corridor each year.

But as Little Havana becomes popular, it also is under threat.

The high rise Brickell district has somewhat jumped west of I-95.

The buildings are not skyscrapers, but dozens of bland, faceless buildings – with expensive rents – have replaced quaint, small, beautiful 3-story Mediterranean and Art Deco buildings that have supplied affordable housing in Little Havana for decades.

When I went on a journey that resulted in losing far more than 100 pounds, I started walking my neighborhood.

I photographed the backstreets.

I documented the lovely apartments, houses, churches and commercial buildings.

WE CAN’T AFFORD TO *NOT* MAKE OUR CITIES

MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Myth #3: People with disabilities are outliers, a fringe special interest.

Big firms spend millions developing a new product in hopes of capturing a boost of market share by a few percent.

Imagine the benefits of a coffee shop, hardware store, or hair salon that can get foot traffic from 100% of the community.

Used competently, ADA compliance and design for inclusion are an economic engine.

Instead of trying to dismantle or ignore it, let’s recognize it for the potential it has to make our cities and towns better, more financially resilient, and equitable places for the people living in them.

 

WE CAN’T AFFORD TO *NOT* MAKE OUR CITIES

MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Myth #3: People with disabilities are outliers, a fringe special interest.

If cities support mom-and-pop grants to help businesses in old buildings to become accessible, they add a potential 25% increase in customers for local businesses.

WE CAN’T AFFORD TO *NOT* MAKE OUR CITIES

MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Myth #3: People with disabilities are outliers, a fringe special interest.

The problem wasn’t buses, it was the sidewalks and built environment beyond the bus stop. Missing sidewalks, broken sidewalks, dangerous crosswalks, flooded curb ramps, and inaccessible buildings and facilities were why 75–99% of the city was off-limits to people with disabilities.

Researchers emphasized that these segregating, isolating numbers are not unique to Columbus, but typical of all cities that neglect pedestrian connectivity and wheelchair mobility.