Posted: 4/30/2008 at 11:27 PM
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A lot of following the issue of travel by people with disabilities is focusing on accessibility and where it does and does not exist. The very definition of a good destination for people with disabilities is one where there are good accommodations for those with physical and other disabilities.But not everyone is always looking for that, as this article (page 3) points out. It tells of Toronto's Walt Balenovic, who seeks an off the beaten path approach that doesn't necessarily take into account standard accommodations for accessibility. How does he get by? "I travel alone so I have to rely on people to help me," Balenovic told globeandmail.com. "Who wouldn't help somebody in a wheelchair? It takes five minutes out of your day and you come away from it feeling good."That works for Balenovic but a lot of people who travel and have a disability or two are seeking independence. Balenovic's approach assumes help from others. Most people would want to be able to not have to rely on help.I can understand Balenovic's stance to some extent. Because we need to assist our son anyway due to his developmental as well as physical disabilities, we consequently can deal with a lot less accessibility than someone demanding more independence supporting facilities. We are Marcus' built in help that Balenovich is successful in finding in the larger community.I hope that tourism related businesses do not take too much comfort in views like those of Balenovic. Yes people confronted with lack of accessibility cope, but the goal should still be increasing accessibility to all. In the end driving lodging, restaurants and attractions in the direction of providing the greatest independence for the greatest number of people is still the right course to pursue.
photo from morgueFile.com
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John Hockenberry's book... *brain fart* Moving Violations is part of the title, talks about this. He was the only journalist in a wheelchair covering the Middle East conflict in a wheelchair and he said he felt more "normal" there than he did here in the States. When he needed help, he asked. (And he's pretty independent.) And received it. Whereas here in the States when he needed help it was like pulling teeth at times to get it.
I think some places, by their very nature (like Yellowstone) are difficult to make "fully accessible." (You can't pave over Norris Geyser basin.)
What one person is comfortable doing, another might not be, and yet a third might think is "too easy" to be worthwhile. So it's all in a person's point of view.
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