Accessible travel podcast: Recent Episodes
Nicholas Lapsley
Accessible travel podcasts are the place to be to listen to all things relative to travelling with a disability. We will have plenty of guests to talk about their experiences from personal and business points of view.
In the last ever episode, we head to America where we talk to a well-rounded traveller. Kristin has been to Europe, South America and Antarctica by aeroplane and cruises. She has also been camping and road triping as a wheelchair user.
In this episode, we talk to Declan who is studying law to improve disability rights. We talk about what laws and regulations are currently in place to protect people with disability while travelling and what needs to change. Declan will also talk about their personal experience going to New Zealand and Hobart via cruising and road-tripping.
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Bells are ringing and fireworks are banging. This week we give you the Holiday edition of the Accessible Travel Podcast. Join Kate, Tamsin and Aaryan as they tell their travel experience when travelling during the holiday season.
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This week we are joined by the I Can't Stand podcast host, Peta Hooke. She talks about her years of travel experience from around the world including Australia with Cerebral palsy. We will talk about her experience with the eagle hoist on Qantas aeroplane to help her transfer to her seat. She also will talk about her mortified car that allows her to travel independently.
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It's time to say Happy Birthday to the accessible travel podcast. This episode will be a quick recap of what we have done so far, from day 1 to now. We will hear a special birthday message from Tamsin as well. yippee hooray.
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In Episode 50, we sit down with Nicole, a seasoned traveller with a passion for adventure. Nicole takes us on a captivating journey through her travels in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan, sharing incredible stories and cultural insights. She also delves into her experiences as a Girl Guide and recounts thrilling moments like conquering the heights of Mount Kosciusko. Nicole offers a unique perspective on the challenges of accessible accommodation during her adventures, shedding light on the importance of adaptability when faced with such situations. Tune in for an episode filled with travel tales and valuable lessons in embracing the unexpected.
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In Episode 48, join us for an eye-opening conversation with Sophie as she shares her experiences of travelling with a wheelchair and cochlear implants. Sophie sheds light on the sometimes silly, yet often frustrating, questions she's faced regarding her wheelchair battery and cochlear implant. Tune in to hear about a challenging trip to Mudgee, where seemingly accessible accommodation turned out to be quite the opposite. Plus, don't miss Sophie's inspiring passion for skiing, proving that you can do anything.
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In Episode 45, join us as we dive into an exciting adventure across the United Kingdom! Our host shares a captivating overview of their UK trip. What makes this journey even more enlightening is the use of the Sunflower Lanyard, a symbol for hidden disabilities. Tune in to discover the importance of accessibility in London and gain valuable insights on what to consider before embarking on your own UK adventure. Whether you're a travel enthusiast or simply curious about making your trips more inclusive, this episode is a must-listen.
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Episode 44 brings you an inspiring conversation with Rohan, a fervent advocate for individuals with disabilities, youth empowerment, and mental health services. In this episode, Rohan shares his transformative experience journeying to America to immerse himself in Project TEAM. This innovative program is dedicated to amplifying community engagement for young adults with disabilities. Join us to discover Rohan's remarkable insights, gained from his firsthand encounter with Project TEAM, and learn about his ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone.
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In Episode 43 of our podcast, join us for an enlightening conversation with Cassie, a consumer research advisor at Healthy Trajectories. Cassie takes us on a journey through her insights gained from her international travels, including her memorable trip to Europe and Lebanon in June 2018. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the crucial need for individuals and organisations to better comprehend and address the unique requirements of people with physical impairments. Tune in as Cassie shares her valuable perspectives on fostering greater understanding and support.
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In Episode 42 of our podcast, we sit down with Sara from Luz All Abilities, a remarkable individual dedicated to making travel accessible for all. Sara's expertise lies in assisting families with diverse needs in planning their vacations and providing on-ground support during their holidays. Having explored destinations worldwide, from the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the historic sites of Israel, Sara brings a wealth of experience to the table. Tune in to hear her insightful advice on various aspects of inclusive travel, including utilising the sunflower lanyard and establishing direct communication with service providers. Whether you're a traveller seeking accessibility or simply interested in expanding your travel horizons, Sara's insights are a must-listen.
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In Episode 41, we sit down with Meret, where her travel journeys have taken her to captivating destinations such as New York, Athens, Norway, and Egypt. Meret, a dedicated CPActive champion, shares her eye-opening travel experiences as a person with cerebral palsy. Tune in to hear about her adventure in Athens, where she was told by the hotel that this tour is accessible and everything will be fine. However, her plans took an unexpected turn when the driver told her that the tour wasn't accessible. Meret also candidly discusses the challenges she encountered during her travels, including her airport experiences in the USA with the fingerprint. Join us to learn how Meret's resilient spirit and determination have shaped her remarkable journey.
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In Episode 40, get ready for a Thrilling conversation as we sit down with JP, a passionate adventurer and competitor in the world of Boccia. Fresh from an international Boccia competition in Chile, JP shares his thrilling experiences on the global stage. Join us as he takes us on a journey through the enchanting cobblestone paths of Rome during another Boccia competition, revealing the challenges and triumphs of navigating such historic terrain in a wheelchair. As our guest, JP also takes us through his adventurous stories from his travels to New York, Canada, and the UK, where he talks about the highs and lows of his remarkable journey. Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt episode filled with tales of resilience, determination, and the boundless spirit of adventure.
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In this episode, we will be talking to Gretta, a remarkable individual who is a non-verbal wheelchair user with cerebral palsy. Join us as Gretta shares her adventurous experiences of skiing in various locations across Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, showcasing the immense possibilities of adaptive sports. We delve into the pressing issue of accessible transportation to the snow, where the only option to the ski slope comes with a hefty $500 price tag, shedding light on the need for more inclusive and affordable alternatives. Additionally, we explore the challenges she has faced on aeroplanes, such as being seated in the middle of the section instead of the front. This episode promises eye-opening insights into the world of accessibility leaving you with a profound appreciation for the resilience and determination of individuals like Gretta.
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In this inaugural Discussion Panel episode, we have an experienced lineup featuring Sophie, Eric, Kate, and Madison. Together, we look into the Interesting topic of the future of accessible travel. Drawing from our own experiences, we share personal stories like arriving at accommodations allegedly fully accessible, only to encounter cramped bathrooms and other inaccessible features. We also open up about the anxiety of flying with mobility and hearing equipment and navigating noisy environments that pose challenges for individuals with hearing aids and cochlear impairments. Join us as we visualise the transformative possibilities of the future of accessible travel space.
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In Episode 37 we talk to an accessible travel blogger Julie who is a dedicated mother to Braeden, a non-verbal wheelchair user living with cerebral palsy. Join us as we explore Julie's incredible travel experiences with her son, including unforgettable trips to Disneyland, New Zealand, and Fiji. Julie's determination to ensure every adventure is accessible for Braeden is quite extraordinary. Through her tireless research and determination, she proves that no destination is off-limits. Discover the adventurous stories, invaluable travel tips, and insightful advice Julie shares on her blog, "Have Wheelchair, Will Travel." "Have wheelchair will travel" Websitehttps://havewheelchairwilltravel.net/
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In this episode, we talk to Brendan, a remarkable individual who has been diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome and severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Despite these challenges, Brendan has found his passion for travel and nature. Join us as Brendan shares his unique perspective on finding mindfulness through road trips and camping adventures around Australia, seeking the remotest corners of the country. Brendan also dives into his profound understanding of the mental health industry, acquired through a decade of diverse treatments. From enduring the harsh side effects of traditional medications to exploring artificial intelligence medicine, Brendan's journey has led him to pursue non-invasive alternatives and hopes to provide future generations with innovative treatment options. Tune in to discover the wealth of knowledge and insights Brendan brings to the table.
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In this special episode of our podcast, we delve into the significance of Disability Pride Month and its connection to accessible travel. We ask our guests, Sophie, Ashlee, Madison, Tamsin, Jo, and Jack, what Disability Pride Month means to them and how it intersects with the world of accessible travel. As we explore their diverse perspectives and experiences, we unravel the origins of Disability Pride Month, which originated in America with the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Throughout July, this annual celebration aims to promote and honour disability pride. Join us as we delve into this important topic and gain insights into the empowering nature of Disability Pride Month and its impact on creating a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone.
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Welcome to "The Best of the Accessible Travel Podcast" episode, where we embark on a thrilling journey through the world of inclusive travel. Join us as we dive into a diverse range of topics including accommodation, sports, adventure, and airport travel, exploring how they cater to a wide range of disabilities. Discover the latest advancements and best practices in accessible accommodations such as wheelchair-friendly hotels. Dive into the exhilarating realm of adaptive sports and witness the incredible stories of individuals pushing their limits and defying stereotypes. Feel the adrenaline rush as we recount unforgettable adventures tailored to various individuals with disabilities. Join us for an extraordinary episode that celebrates the power of inclusive travel, ensuring that everyone can explore the world without limitations.
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Nicole recounts her first trip in 10 years as she went on holiday to Hawaii. She talks about many topics from struggling with the airport's fingerprint security measures to the delight of finding an accessible room that exceeded expectations, Nicole shares her journey filled with both challenges and surprises. She will also talk about her experience with a taxi driver that was unfamiliar with the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme card.
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Joseph joins us as we delve into his personal experience with a taxi driver's refusal to accept the Taxi transport subsidy scheme card, preventing Joseph from receiving his entitled 50% discount. As we explore the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, we also embark on a journey to Lebanon, discussing the unique experiences of travelling through its airports, exploring local attractions, and examining societal attitudes towards people with disabilities. Prepare for an eye-opening conversation that sheds light on the complexities of accessibility and inclusion in different parts of the world.
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In this episode, I talk to Daniel, a talented wheelchair rugby player from Queensland. Daniel shares his frustrating experiences of having to withdraw from events due to event organisers' failure to meet his accessible requirements. He also recounts an incident during air travel that resulted in his wheelchair getting broken. Despite these challenges, Daniel's resilience shines through as he shares his inspiring journey of being named the QLD Young Australian of the Year for his remarkable efforts in saving endangered orangutans, a cause he passionately pursues alongside his brother. Furthermore, Daniel is currently working on a research project looking into community transport for his university studies, showcasing his commitment to making the world a more inclusive place.
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In this episode, we will recap all our episodes in the world of accessible travel, exploring how it addresses the needs of the largest minority group: 15% of the world's population with disabilities. We go beyond mobility issues to include hearing, and vision impairments and neurodivergent issues, discussing the importance of barrier-free destinations, easy-to-use websites, adapted services, and transportation that caters to everyone. Join us as we advocate for increased accessibility and enhanced travel experiences.
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In this episode, we'll be talking to Luca, a former soccer player who transitioned to golf after many years on the field. Luca has cerebral palsy, and he'll be sharing with us how this disability impacted him while playing sports and how he learned to maintain a positive and healthy mindset. We'll explore his journey from soccer to golf and how he navigated the challenges along the way. Luca's story is an inspiring testament to the power of determination and resilience, and we can't wait to share it with you. Tune in to learn more about Luca's journey and the lessons he's learned along the way.
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In this episode, we'll be talking to Sarah, the founder of Medistay, a business that provides accommodation for people who have recently been discharged from the hospital or who have disabilities. We'll dive into the company's growth during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they discovered and took full advantage of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to expand their customer base. Sarah also shares how Medistay looks at all the different aspects that clients need and want, such as community access, to ensure they provide a supportive environment for their guests. Tune in to learn more about this innovative business and the impact they're making in the healthcare industry.
In this episode of the Accessible Travel Podcast, we chat with Tahlia, a remarkable athlete and disability advocate. Tahlia shares their inspiring journey of competing at the 2018 World Cerebral Palsy game in Spain for swimming, missing out on the Tokyo Paralympics by a slim margin, and transitioning to football/soccer to eventually play for the Para Matilda. She talks about the challenges they faced in each sport, how they overcame them, and the importance of accessible travel for people with disabilities. Tahlia's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals with disabilities and a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
In this podcast episode, we talk to Liesl Tesch, an Australian Paralympian who has represented her country at seven Paralympic Games, winning two gold medals. Tesch is widely regarded as one of the most respected members of the Australian women's wheelchair basketball team, the Gliders. After retiring from basketball, Tesch turned her attention to Parasailing and became a pioneer of the sport in Australia, winning first in 8 out of 11 races. In 2017, she made history by becoming the first wheelchair user to be elected to the NSW Parliament, pursuing a new career in politics. Join us as we explore the remarkable life and accomplishments of Liesl Tesch, and gain insights into what drives her to pursue excellence in everything she does.
Join us for an interesting episode featuring Monique Murphy, a Paralympian swimmer who fell from a fifth-floor balcony at a university party and woke up from a coma without her right foot. She went on to represent Australia at the 2015 International Paralympic Committee Swimming World Championships and won a silver medal in the women's 400m freestyle S10 at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Monique's story is one of resilience, determination, and triumph over obstacles, and is sure to inspire anyone facing their own challenges.
Sustainable Development Goals are set by the United Nation which is a Call for Action to improve health, education, environment, reduce inequality and increase economic growth globally. In this episode, we will dive into goal number 11 which is sustainable city and community as it covers accessible tourism. To spice this episode up we will also talk about two relevant case studies at the end to put this into real-life perspective.
References Links:
- https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal11
- https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/issues/promoting-accessible-tourism-for-all.html
- https://sdgs.org.au/project/maven-disability-awareness-training-for-relationships-australia-western-australia-rawa/
- https://sdgs.org.au/project/the-sustainable-tourism-hub-sth/
Please Note: Nicholas will not appear in this episode due to Illness so Charlize will answer my question solo.
Charlize is one of the amazing Para matilda who has played a few international games. We will find out what is like to travel as part of an elite sports team and what considerations to make regarding what accessibility need is needed. On top of this, we will hear about the amazing Cerebral palsy alliance sports camp ( football and swim/tri camp ).
If you would like to come onto the podcast please email me via
nick.lapsley@gmail.com
Doing a 7 continent marathon over 7 days is a big challenge, but when it is for a great cause like the Cerebral Palsy Alliance) you would do anything. Jo will also talk about her exchange trip to the USA and how accessible she found it over there.
If you would like to come onto the podcast please email me via
nick.lapsley@gmail.com
We travel to Tokyo and a variety of other locations within NSW in this episode. We will be talking about having balancing issues when the train stops, trying to deal with crowded spaces and dealing with noisy places. We also talk about the ski trip we did together last year and how the trip was made accessible.
What is it like to turn up at a hotel and find it's not accessible, despite it saying it is accessible on their website? We will also explore ways of getting used to the airport and its processes when using mobility aids and talk through the extra steps that need to go be gone through.
This week, I will be talking to Madison about a range of topics that impact the Deaf/Hard of hearing community such as alternative communication methods and using assistive technology. We will also come back to the topic point of the deaf camp to hear a different perspective of the camp (listen to Episode 11 - Ashlee).
We are heading to Zurich, Switzerland this week to see what accessibility is like over there. Aunty Jean will be talking about various topics such as assistance available through the airport, using the local trams, experiences when travelling overseas and much more.
Ellie Cole has competed in 4 paralympic and 3 Commonwealth games. She will talk about what it's like to travel with a prosthetic leg around the world and see the difference between countries. We will also talk about the importance of disability representation in different areas, especially in sports.
If you would like to come onto the podcast please email me via
nick.lapsley@gmail.com
Gold Coast, the Australian capital for theme parks. This episode will recap our recent trip and look at what accessibility is like on the Gold Coast. The episode will finish with Jack, Ben and Ashlee's favourite part of the trip.
If you would like to come onto the podcast please email me via
nick.lapsley@gmail.com
Tamsin is an Australian Paralympian who went to the Rio Paralympics in 2016 at the age of 14. We talk about what it's like to travel to the Paralympics and what it's like to live within a Paralympic village. We will also talk about Tamsin's recent trip to Europe and the adaptive changes she needed to make due to the cold weather with snow and ice.
Sasha has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and has travelled on a variety of trips for both work and leisure. We talk about what it is like to go through the airport with only the use of one hand and how to deal with epilepsy while travelling. We will also put a positive light on customer service at one of the hotels as they were willing to listen to feedback and they were willing to change to make it more accessible.
This week we will talk about a range of mismanaged situations from airport to taxis including meeting the accessibility needs. We will talk about how we can improve the system which should be easy to follow such as not mishandling any accessibility equipment. We will end the episode talking about the ridiculous amount of paperwork we need to do to become more independent such as obtaining a driver's licence.
Ashlee has done a few trips within Australia and has a cochlear impairment. She will talk about how she got through airport security and how to adapt so she doesn't miss the much needed information from airport announcements. She will also talk about the state-wide deaf camp (NSW/ACT) and its use of different practices to make it more accessible for everyone.
Jess is an Australian goalball player who has travelled around the world to play in many international competitions. She will talk about travelling in countries that are not as accessible as Australia and what it is like to travel with others with vision impairments as well.
Happy New year everyone. This episode will be a recap of the trips I have done in 2022 and take a brief look at what the 2023 forecast is for the podcast. 2023 will be filled with a range of exciting guests that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Off to Europe this week, exploring the big towns plus the smaller ones. In this episode, Ben will talk about his European trip that he went on earlier in the year. We will explore the differences in accessibility between small and big towns within Europe and airport processes.
Christmas is finally here and it is time to make our Christmas wishes. Throughout this episode, there will be a range of people with disabilities talking about their Christmas wishes to make travel more accessible. In the end, we will be showing a highlight reel of the first 6 episodes that we have aired so far.
In Australia, we are now in the summer period and this is when a lot of families go to the water to cool down or go on holiday along the coast. I will be talking to one of the swimming teachers from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Lauren. Having an individual with a disability in the family can make it a bit more difficult as research may require making sure the area and accommodation it is suited for the individual with a disability. Also making sure you know how to safely rescue and manage risk is important as different individuals have different needs.
Saturday the 3rd of December 2022 was the International Day for People with Disabilities. This is a day to increase public awareness of people with all types of disabilities. For this episode, I will be talking to Claire who has a hearing impairment. We will focus on comparing the difference, before and after having a BAHA inserted and how to adapt airport security procedures to make it more suited for people with BAHA and similar hearing implants.
Ready to hear from a boccia superstar who has just travelled recently to Rome for an international tournament. Aaryan will talk us through many interesting international experiences from Rome to South America to Africa. He will talk about the different ways various locations view and address the importance of accessibility. On top of all this, he will share his experience skiing down the Snowy Mountain slopes.
Let's talk about accessibility on trains and planes by chatting with Kate about her past experiences in a wheelchair. We will explore where there are issues within the current system. For example, having to crawl to the seat as the wheelchair doesn’t fit through the doorway of a first-class section of the train. This episode will demonstrate that there is still a long way to go in making travelling accessible for all.