Wheelchair Travel Newsletter: Spokane Highlights, Sidewalk Safety and Top 23 of 2023
Spokane has the sort of “vibe” that I like — easygoing, crafty and a bit rough around the edges.
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
—Confucius
Hello and Happy Friday!
How are you feeling? Cold, flu, and Covid seems to be everywhere lately, and a nasty cold took me hostage this week. I’ve kept a busy schedule, but have found myself napping at every possible opportunity. Hopefully, I’ll shake this bug before the weekend is over.
Those of us in the United States are preparing to enjoy a three-day weekend, with Monday being a national holiday in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Communities around the country mark the occasion in different ways and, here in Boston, I am looking forward to attending the 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert, held at Symphony Hall with a performance by the Boston Children's Chorus. I hope you will find something interesting to do on the holiday!
Since last week’s newsletter, I have traveled out West and back — visiting Spokane, Washington for the first time! I set off on January 5, the 10-year anniversary of my first trip as a wheelchair user. Though I was in Spokane for only a short time (about 36 hours), I managed to experience quite a bit, which is documented in my latest article, Trip Report: One Night in Wheelchair Accessible Spokane, Washington. The city has a great vibe and is full of surprises — amazingly, there is a cable car, carousel and ice skating rink right next to each other!
Looking ahead: This weekend and into next week, I am finishing up a “deep dive” into my own city, collecting information that will be included in an updated and expanded accessible travel guide to Boston. I am looking forward to sharing it with you! Speaking of travel guides — On Monday, January 22, I will be traveling to the Richmond, Virginia region to work on an accessible travel guide for that city — and to address a gathering of hotel owners and managers. I also have short trips to New Hampshire and Connecticut on the horizon.
Talk to you soon,
— John
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Latest Accessible Travel Articles
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In 2023, more readers turned to this website for than ever before, a testament to the growing demand for accessible travel opportunities. Here’s what they were reading!
Why Boston’s Silver Line to Logan Airport is a Winning Accessible Transit Model
The Silver Line's fare-free, frequent and accessible transportation from Logan Airport makes arrivals to Boston easy and hassle-free.
3 Ways to Make Streets and Sidewalks Safer for Wheelchair Users
Wheelchair users are forced to roll in the streets, cross dangerous railroad tracks, and "jaywalk" across a poorly lit roads at night.
Shocking: Disabled Passenger Taken Off Airplane on Beverage Cart
Most disabled passengers use an aisle wheelchair to deplane, but a British man was offloaded on top of a drink cart in Vancouver.
In Case You Missed It
New Mobility Magazine named me their 2023 Person of the Year for my accessible travel advocacy
When the editor of New Mobility reached out late last year to share the news, I was left speechless, surprised and humbled by the recognition.
Check out these articles too:
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Selma, Alabama Wheelchair Accessible Travel Guide — This small city played an oversized role in bringing the right to vote to every American.
Wheelchair Accessible Room at The Guild Hotel — The Guild Hotel, with its wheelchair-friendly hotel rooms and roll-in showers, is one of the most accessible hotels in downtown San Diego, California.
Thx for the update John! Always valuable. Always tough to find real accessible holiday information and insights
How great to come across your newsletter! My entire newsletter last week was dedicated to wheelchair accessibility. In Rome, Italy – quite a distance from Spokane – but put together both add to the growing and necessary database on this topic. Thank you!