Hello and welcome to the latest Accessible Travel Newsletter. This issue has a new guest post from Mobility Smart, rounding up the best accessible aids to make travel easier for disabled people, even more podcast ramblings from me, the usual accessible travel news roundup, and a discount for a premium newsletter which supports disabled creatives. More on those below. 

How are you doing, lovely readers? This intro section seems to frequently feature a confession from me; I'm not sure if that’s what you signed up for, but I can say that you’re getting honest, authentic content that you might not see elsewhere. So, here’s this issue’s confession – I tried to be a ‘proper’ blogger, and I didn’t actually like it. I’ve spent 6 months working tirelessly on my blog and freelance writing, sticking to my own, very strict, self-imposed rules and schedules, and in the end, I burnt out. I’ve come to the conclusion that, for me, success doesn’t look like constant hustle, it looks like balance. I’m still going to be writing, blogging and creating this newsletter, but at a pace that is more sustainable for my health and happiness. 

With that in mind, here’s what I’ve been up to over the last couple of weeks: 

The amazing Liz Wright invited me on to the Conscious Being podcast. This might be one of my favourite interviews, ever. We chat about what it means to identify as a disabled woman, growing up ‘mainstream’ and the effect that can have on mental health, the importance of language and terminology, and so much more. Listen here.  

Another pod chat – can you tell they are my favourite thing to do?! This time with the brilliantly funny guys at the Challenging Behaviours podcast. We cover my journey to becoming an accessible travel blogger, destinations getting it right, and not so right, why accessibility is an important market for the tourism industry, and my work at AccessAble. Listen here. 

If you’d rather take your interviews in written format, check out lovely Lydia’s latest newsletter, where I chat about the ‘new normal’ for accessible travel. Read the latest issue here. If you’d like to support Lydia’s work and sign up to her premium newsletter – which gets you two extra emails a month, access to a resource library discounts, and more, as well as supporting disabled creatives – you can get 20% off a one-year subscription here. 

I’m thrilled to be writing regularly for PosAbility Magazine; the latest issue features an article from me on accessible travel and COVID safety. You can claim a free digital issue here. 

[AD] AIDS TO MAKE ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL EASIER

What are the best accessible aids to make travel easier for disabled people? Phil Ashforth from Mobility Smart guest posts for Carrie-Ann Lightley, giving us the detail on travel aids, from support handles to specialist cushions. 

ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL NEWS ROUNDUP

• John Morris from WheelchairTravel.org is building a global database of wheelchair transportation providers. Find out how you can help

• We know that more is being done to encourage walking and cycling, but how accessible is active travel infrastructure? 

• Disability Horizons reports on Transport for London’s accessibility improvements for disabled passengers during Covid-19 

• Public Health England has released a series of animations to be used on social media, which raise awareness of disability and face coverings. Download them here. 

• Another Government update - Transport Secretary announces plans to make pavements accessible for all 

• Train operator Avanti West Coast are trailing at-seat ordering for food, and they say it will cover the train’s wheelchair spaces. Here’s the info 

• Sunny Fitzgerald for Conde Nast Traveller - 6 Ways Travel Has Become More Accessible During the Pandemic 

• The hilarious Rosie Jones, who has Cerebral Palsy, has a new Channel 4 travel show to be broadcast in 2021 - A Great British, Female, Gay, Disabled, Covid Compliant Adventure