Some folks call couch surfing a travel fad, while others claim it’s a lifestyle that fosters an attitude of international understanding. Semantics aside, couch surfing is an excellent way save a few bucks on lodging, get an insider’s view of a destination and meet interesting people while you travel. And the good news is, it can also be wheelchair accessible; in fact, couch surfers are a very inclusive lot. They want everybody to join their network, so more people can surf, host or just meet up with travelers around the world.

CouchSurfing 101
Billed as an international non-profit network, couch surfing was founded in 2004 by a quartet of globetrotting friends. Their goal was to create a system to connect travelers with locals, so they could come together for friendship and a cultural exchange. Today the network has grown to over a million people; people who not only offer up their couches to members, but who also share their little piece of the world with visiting couch surfers.

It’s easy to participate in the network. All you have to do is set up your profile at www.CouchSurfing.org. There’s no cost to join, and once you’re a member you can search for fellow couch surfers at your destination. Then you exchange emails, find out if you’re compatible and proceed from there. It should be noted that this is not a dating site, and compatibility is based on lifestyle choices, interests and world views. If all goes well, you can request to stay on a couch or even meet for drinks or dinner. In many cases, hosts not only offer lodging, but they also show their guests around town and offer insider travel tips. There’s only one hard and fast rule -- you can never charge for your couch.

Couch surfing is not just about couches, nor is it only for single travelers – some members even offer private rooms to visiting couch surfers. This international network is also a good resource for travelers with disabilities, as it’s an excellent opportunity to get first-hand accessibility information from the locals.

Wheelchair Accessible Couches
You can also search for a wheelchair accessible couch or room on the couch surfing website. The access standards require at least one accessible entrance and wheelchair access to the bathroom and the sleeping area. Accessible pathways must be at least 32-inches wide, and all steps greater than ½ inch high must be ramped. Although the standards are pretty basic, many homes go beyond the minimum.

For example, 34-year old Christian has an accessible flat in Koblenz, Germany, which comes equipped with an adjustable-height bed. And empty-nesters Pierre and Pat offer a private room in their Alberta home, with wheelchair access and a wheelchair accessible bathroom. And they all are happy to show visitors around their cities.

But of course, as with any kind of travel, it’s best to ask a lot of questions, to make sure the couch or home is accessible to you. In the end, couch surfing is a good resource for disabled travelers, and an excellent way to save a little money.