Traveling with a Disability

Spring is here and many of you are probably thinking about where to go this summer for that perfect vacation. And for those of us with disabilities that decision becomes even harder when you have to think about accessibility of lodging and local activities. Fortunately for us the internet has provided a new way to research possibilities all over the globe, but with so many travel scams and language barriers in the world, sometimes it is good to start with some resources that have been recommended or have been designed specifically for people with disabilities in mind. That is why I love Access Anything so much.

Access Anything is run by Craig and Andrea Kennedy with the mission of improving the quality of life for millions of people living with disabilities in the United States and around the world by encouraging them to enjoy life to its fullest through the sense of freedom provided by travel, adventure, and a "never give up" attitude. It is their vision to spread awareness concerning the need for better accessibility by writing guidebooks and articles for people with disabilities, consulting with travelers and industry professionals on improvements in this industry, and establishing a common ground where people and information can come together and work to expand the rapidly growing adaptive travel industry through motivational speaking and general educating.

Craig is a wheelchair user and serves as the President of CK Consulting, is a professional speaker, published author, ADA consultant, and co-founder of Access Anything, and a nationally recognized leader in adaptive sports and adventure travel for people with disabilities. He specializes in marketing and education for all aspects of disability travel including recreation, adventure, eco travel, and ADA rights and interpretation, and consults with businesses in resort settings to help them realize their growth potential with respect to people with disabilities, who represent the fastest growing and largest untapped tourism market in the world today.

Andrea (Andy) Kennedy is a published author, freelance writer, travel expert, and Director of Operations and co-founder of Access Anything, a nationally recognized leader in adaptive sports and adventure travel for people with disabilities. Andy has over ten years of experience as a travel agent and freelance travel writer and photographer, and began writing travel guidebooks for people with disabilities in 2003 with her husband and travel partner, Craig. With goals to help expand the disability travel market, Andy and Craig also hope to break down barriers while educating and spreading awareness of the growing need for better accessibility, and to help create a world that is designed with all people in mind.

With a Colorado travel book already for sale and with Alaska, California, and Hawaii in the works, you can get the inside information straight from someone who has been there and done all the activities in a wheelchair themselves. The Colorado guidebook is very detailed, and with three years of door-to-door research the authors cover it all. From the world’s largest adaptive program to the country’s highest scenic drive in elevation, Colorado offers a huge variety of experiences for people of all ages and abilities, and Access Anything: Colorado provides the secrets to get you there!

If you are looking for more general information about activities and sports/recreation opportunities for people with disabilities you must check out their inspirational guide to traveling, adventuring, and sporting with a disability, Access Anything: I Can Do That. This guidebook dives into the incredible world of adaptive sports and recreation by showcasing 45 different sports that have been adapted for people with disabilities. This one-of-a-kind guide also features essential disability travel information and tips for traveling by airplane, car/rental car, charter bus, cruise ship, and train. As an added bonus, I Can Do that includes 6 inspirational interviews with world-class adaptive athletes who have helped to change the face of adaptive sports.

To learn more about Craig, Andrea, and Access Anything visit www.accessanything.net and be ready to “Go Anywhere, Do Anything”