United Spinal's Action Online Magazine » Travel

Adventuring in Orlando

Ziggi — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:02:33 +0000

| TRAVEL

By Andrea Jehn Kennedy

Orlando, Florida, is one of the more accessible towns in the country, thanks to the team at Walt Disney Resorts who have made all of Disney’s properties more-than ADA accessible. In the 1990s, as Disney World was redesigned with some of the best universal design principles in the world, the town of Orlando watched patiently as the momentum took hold and travelers with disabilities took notice. Soon, it was common knowledge that if you had a family member with a disability, one of the best places to go was Disney World. And with that, [...]

A Whole New World

Ziggi — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:09:29 +0000

| ASK THE COACH

By Scott Chesney

I receive so many requests from people wondering where they can take a vacation that is so accessible they can almost forget they have a disability. I feel it is my duty to send them right to the top: Disney World!

Whenever I think of Disney, that wonderful song from Aladdin, “A Whole New World,” starts playing in my head, not only because it is my wedding song, but also because it is really a “whole new world” at Disney when it comes to accessibility and catering to the needs of customers and employees with disabilities. [...]

Shows on the Road

Ziggi — Tue, 18 May 2010 14:14:05 +0000

| TRAVEL

By Andrea Jehn Kennedy

While traveling this spring and summer, I recommend taking the time to see a “very special show,” no matter where you are. Many groups throughout the US are focused on the challenges of living with a disability. These groups give inspirational, family-friendly, and often award-winning shows throughout the year.

A double-bonus for these groups and their performances is the care they take toward accessibility. In addition to an abundance of wheelchair seating, many offer large print and Braille programs, hearing assistance systems, audio descriptions, and sign language.

First look to VSA Arts, an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by [...]

Wheeling Through NYC

Ziggi — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:00:59 +0000

| TRAVEL

By Andrea Jehn Kennedy

New York City gets a bad rap. Coming from Colorado, and using a wheelchair, my husband Craig and I had all sorts of warnings that we’d collected from others before our trip: only 10% of the subway is accessible, the locals aren’t friendly, it’s a dirty city, the crime is bad… You name it, we heard it.

But on behalf of all New Yorkers in all five boroughs, I want to set this record straight! Neither of us had spent any quality time in the Big Apple in the last decade, and after two days of touring [...]

Can We Talk? United We Ride Wants Your Input

Ziggi — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:24:46 +0000

Our friends at SpinalCordAdvocates.org brought this to our attention:

The folks at United We Ride are looking for you to mix it up with Uncle Sam and state officials in an online discussion regarding accessible and affordable transportation. This is a great opportunity so get on it. Be sure to bring some friends.

From United We Ride

November 2-13, 2009
Information site: http://nationaldialogue.cmail3.com/t/y/l/urtttl/kjhlhifr/y

Do you know anyone who might have a suggestion or an idea about how to increase access to affordable and reliable transportation services for people with disabilities, older adults, and people with limited incomes?

Please ask them to sign up now at www.uwrdialogue.org to [...]

Website to Promote Accessible Travel & Consumer Opportunities in NYC

Ziggi — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:53:59 +0000

United Spinal Association and SATH Announce Launch of Website Dedicated to Visitors With [...]