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I have had the pleasure of working with Maria McClellan as a fellow board member of Little People of America for over a year. She holds the position of Inclusion Director.
Maria was born with Morqio Syndrome, a rare form of dwarfism. According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, this occurs in 1 of every 200,000 births. She was born and raised in Hawaii but now lives in Pennsylvania and has a wealth of experience travelling across the country and advocating for inclusivity.
One of the primary challenges she faces during travel is ensuring the safe transportation of her power wheelchair. With varying requirements and procedures across airlines, Maria emphasizes the importance of thorough planning and preparation to prevent damage to her mobility equipment. From crafting a customized foam bed to carrying spare tools for repairs, Maria’s meticulous attention to detail and taking proactive measures contributes towards a hassle-free travel experience.
Despite the obstacles and barriers encountered, Maria advocates for her needs by communicating confidently with airport staff. She encourages individuals with dwarfism to assert themselves to ensure a respectful and accommodating travel environment.
In-person interactions with airport personnel is necessary, so too is the need for improved awareness and sensitivity to the needs of travellers with disabilities by airport staff. By speaking up, you raise awareness!
A journey from Hawaii to New York remains in her mind. She prefers direct flights, often finding it difficult for her and her service dog, Shadow, when a flight has a layover. That specific flight resulted in a legal battle against an airline that damaged her wheelchair. She ultimately won her battle but the stress and frustration was emotionally draining.