January 2024
In this issue:
Silent Adventures: Deaf Travellers On The Go!
Guest Editor’s Note
By Angela Lynn
Hello everyone, I’m delighted to welcome you all to the Winter edition of Accessible Journeys. I come from the fabulous city of Las Vegas, a place that never fails to excite visitors and residents alike! It’s a city known for its vibrant entertainment scene and I cherish the fact that it offers everything one could desire.
Communication is a two-way street
By Nancy Baye
This issue was steered by Guest Editor Angela Lynn, who navigated us through the world of auditory challenges, and how they affect travel. When she used the term people with abilities, I felt that zing of empowerment—focus on ability, not disability.
Empowering, inclusive travel tips for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind travellers in a hearing world
By Angela Lynn
Here are eight empowering travel tips for people with abilities who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and/or DeafBlind, especially when travelling in a hearing world or in locations with minimal accessibility.
Travel tips for Hearing People meeting Deaf people
By Angela Lynn
For hearing people, meeting Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind people when travelling can be a positive experience. When travelling solo, I often blend in seamlessly like anyone else.
Lori Roach shares strategies to overcome communication barriers during travel
By Angela Lynn
I have both aphasia and am Hard of Hearing. I often make it known to others about my situation so that we can achieve better mutual understanding and improved communication . . .
Q&A with Diane Lisanti. Travel is filled with memorable
sights, sounds and tastes, but it is challenging!
By Angela Lynn
Diane is a resident of the bustling metropolis of New York, New York, a proud member of the Hard of Hearing community and a true Hard of Hearing Traveller.
Videliz Njoki. Deaf solo traveller, passionate about raising awareness
By Angela Lynn and Pauline Mackenzie
Travelling is a passion that transcends boundaries, bringing people from different backgrounds and abilities together to explore the world’s wonders. For one adventurous traveller from Kenya, the journey is not just about visiting new destinations but also about breaking barriers and inspiring others.
Cheyenna Clearbrook Flink. Confident Deaf influencer and advocate
By Pauline Mckenzie
Cheyenna is a Deaf influencer and young mom. Born Deaf to a Deaf family, she was raised in Washington State and moved to British Columbia, Canada a few years ago. She has been a social media influencer since 15 years old, first starting on that journey with a friend on YouTube.
Mrs. Sariah Ibrahim shares good and bad memories of travelling as a Deaf person
By Angela Lynn
Mrs. Sariaj Ibrahim is a remarkable Deaf woman who travels the world to empower and uplift Deaf communities.
DeafBlind, Yashaira Romilus transcends barriers and touches the world!
By Angela Lynn
Yash, a DeafBlind Latina traveller, has embarked on extraordinary journeys that have taken her across 31 U.S. states and to countries as diverse as Mexico, Honduras, Canada, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Haiti, Ecuador and Spain.
Deaf traveller, Angela Lynn on the go!
By Pauline Mackenzie
Yash, a DeafBlind Latina traveller, has embarked on extraordinary journeys that have taken her across 31 U.S. states and to countries as diverse as Mexico, Honduras, Canada, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Haiti, Ecuador and Spain.
Family Fun, No Limits
Overcoming invisible barriers. The number one thing that’s keeping you from travelling
By Jennifer Allen
The world is full of barriers for wheelchair users and the mobility disabled. Everywhere you look there are stairs, or rocks, or fallen trees, or curbs or potholes or something that keeps you from being able to easily navigate the world around you.
Practical tips for travelling with a child with hearing loss
By Jennifer Allen
Amie Jo is the mother of this issue’s guest editor, Angela Lynn. We asked her to share advice from her own experiences travelling with a child with hearing loss. The following are snippets of her best tips and sage advice gleaned from her own years of experience.
Journeys of joy. Insights from four moms on travelling with children with hearing loss
By Jennifer Allen
Since travelling with a child with hearing loss is outside of my wheelhouse of expertise, I looked for those wayfinders to lead the way. I found four moms who see the value in sharing new experiences with their kids, regardless of obstacles.
Better Together - Disability Parent Q&A
with Jennifer Allen
Q: What do you do about travel insurance? What do you need, and what’s covered, for a child with a disability?
Adaptive Adventures
Jesi Stracham: breaking barriers and paving the way
By Pauline Mackenzie
She’s not your average athlete, nor is she content with merely inspiring others. Jesi Stracham is on a mission to motivate, empower and break down barriers in the most extraordinary way possible.
Journeys with Autism
Paige Layle on autism, travel and more . . .
By Pauline McKenzie
I promote and spread awareness by advocating for myself and others online, by making videos on TikTok and YouTube that are educational and entertaining and I also post on other social platforms.
Thomas Henley is on a quest to change the aesthetic of autism
By Pauline Mackenzie
Regardless of the bouts of anxiety, Thomas loves to travel and has done so extensively. “I’ve travelled all over the place. I’ve been backpacking around Southeast Asia with a friend.
Feature Stories
4 disability influencers who will inspire you to travel
By Wheel the World
Sharing your stories online is a powerful way to inspire others, to educate and showcase your abilities. Many individuals with disabilities may feel limited in the experiences they can have and places they can go
Want to travel? Costa Rica is an accessible paradise
By Wheel the World
Wheel the World recently did a trip to highlight the accessibility of Costa Rica. If you are hesitant to travel, Costa Rica is a perfect place to start.
Unlocking Cape Town's Beauty. A dive into Accessible Tourism
By Tarryn Tomlinson
Cape Town, a city renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural tapestry, and vibrant history, is increasingly becoming a beacon of accessible tourism.
Thunder Bay, Ontario: a winter for everyone!
By Erin Simmons
Nestled in the heart of Northwestern Ontario, on the edge of the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior, Thunder Bay is known as one of Canada’s premier outdoor cities. Thunder Bay however embraces itself as a community that is committed to making sure everyone feels welcome no matter what challenges they may face.
Accessibility meets luxury at Ximuwu Lodge, South Africa
By Alicia Williams
As the African journeys of Netherlands couple, Patrick and Elly Suverein continued, their desire to make this vast and untamed land their permanent home grew stronger with every passing day. Their vision is singular—to provide an inclusive safari experience where mobility poses no barriers.
Latin America for All: making the impossible possible
By Cristina Vallejo
I love to travel. I loved to work in the travel field. I traveled for work, and worked so I could travel. Besides being passionate about travelling, I´ve always been passionate of promoting my country as a unique destination.
Celebrating icons who blaze the trail in a quest to create a barrier-free world
By Pauline Mackenzie
I love to travel. I loved to work in the travel field. I traveled for work, and worked so I could travel. Besides being passionate about travelling, I´ve always been passionate of promoting my country as a unique destination.
Cruising Corner
Exploring Alaska with Princess Cruises
By Marcia Frost
I never expected to be disabled for my bucket list trip.
Bridgette Jones on the high seas
By Angela Lynn
Cruises offer several advantages in terms of community, accessibility, and unique experiences.
Specialized Travel Agents
Disability travel agents who plan worry-free trips around the world
For individuals with disabilities, a trip can be difficult to plan. There are many reasons for that. The world isn’t always built with accessibility in mind and consequently, it can feel out of reach for those who require assistance or special conditions.
Vlogger Spotlight
Vineet Valentine Victor
While no place in the world is entirely wheelchair-accessible, I must say that my best travel experience so far was in Switzerland.
Blogger Spotlight
Shanna Groves, Lipreading Mom
Hitting the open road is one of my favourite warm weather activities. My family and I have travelled Route 66 twice and frequented highways in the U.S. West, South, and East. We’ve visited places like Oklahoma and Texas more times than I can count to see family and friends.
