Guest Author: Ellie Martin
Traveling can be stressful, but it gives us the opportunity to go exploring. Whether it’s traveling to meet a friend, going on vacation, or traveling for work, it offers us to explore new cultures, meet people, and create memories. For individuals with Ataxia, traveling can present unique challenges and require additional planning. Advances in accessibility, inclusive tourism, and assistive technologies have made it easier for people with disabilities to enjoy the perks of traveling. Understanding the landscape of accessible travel can help ensure that your adventures are as smooth and enjoyable as possible. These travel tips can be helpful for your next journey.
AccessibleGO
AccessibleGO provides people with medical needs more peace of mind while traveling. It is an online booking site for people who need accommodations while traveling, whether it’s hotel rooms, car and van rentals, and flights. For hotels the first thing to do once on the site is search what accommodations are needed. Then it will provide a list of hotels with those requests in the area of choice. Once a hotel is chosen, an accessibleGO team member will contact your hotel to confirm the room has all of the requests. This process is similar for car rental and flights.
There is an option to become an AccessibleGO community member. This allows people to ask questions, get answers and share helpful traveling tips.
Hidden Disability Sunflower Program
If a person does not have a visible disability, this traveling tip might be helpful. I have used this traveling tip when I do not have my cane with me and it helps make others more aware that you might need extra help.
A sunflower lanyard is a global symbol for people with hidden disabilities. By wearing the Sunflower, you’re just letting everyone know that you might need extra assistance, understanding, or just more time. This idea started in 2016 at Gatwick London Airport. The Gatwick team, including Ruth Rabet worked with many different organizations to assess whether using a lanyard would help people with hidden disabilities be more visible to the public. The group decided on a lanyard with sunflowers on a green background to reflect the idea of confidence, strength, and growth. Soon after they launched the lanyard, they started to make training videos for businesses and organizations around the world.
It is now in all airports across the world. So many have already joined the Sunflower network – ranging from retail, travel and tourism, transportation services, healthcare, education, theme parks, theatres, government agencies and financial institutions. You can find more information about their history and timeline here: Our history (hdsunflower.com).
One of my good friends was traveling when he saw the sunflower sign at the airport. Next time you are at the airport, be on the lookout for the same sign!
Get Out There and Travel!
Traveling with Ataxia may come with its unique set of challenges, but it also opens the door to a world of possibilities and enriching experiences. The strides made in accessibility and inclusive tourism continue to grow, making the world more navigable and enjoyable for all travelers.
Disclaimer: Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, exercise, treatment, or nutritional supplement. Views expressed in this article are those of the author. NAF does not endorse any products or services.
About the Author
My name is Ellie Martin and I have a rare form of Cerebellar Ataxia. I recently graduated from college where I studied rehabilitation services. I wrote this article as a part of a series of blogs to share information I learned along with some personal experiences on the subject.
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