The Challenges of Traveling with a Disability
For many, travel is a source of excitement and adventure. But for individuals with disabilities, the journey can be fraught with obstacles that most people never consider. Shaun Castle and Anne Robinson, both paraplegic and quadriplegic respectively, have learned to navigate these challenges with determination and resilience.
Shaun Castle, a former Army veteran who sustained an L4 spinal cord injury in 2003, finds it difficult to imagine life without travel. “I love seeing the world,” he says. “For me, there’s no bigger fear than being stuck at home staring at a wall.” However, his mobility limitations make spontaneity nearly impossible. Every aspect of his travels—and his life in general—is meticulously planned.
Anne Robinson, another Army veteran who became quadriplegic after breaking her neck in 1999, shares similar sentiments. Both Castle and Robinson work with the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), an organization dedicated to supporting veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders. PVA has been instrumental in advocating for accessibility and rights, including its role in pushing for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was enacted in 1990. Despite these efforts, barriers still exist for travelers with disabilities.
Hitting the Road
Robinson travels approximately 25,000 miles annually by land, but air travel is not an option for her. She has attempted flying twice, both times encountering significant issues. Once, her shoulder was dislocated during a transfer, and another time, her wheelchair was damaged beyond repair. “It’s too dangerous for me to try to get on a plane anymore,” she explains. Her husband, a former trucker, handles all the driving. They plan their routes carefully, factoring in weather conditions, construction, and potential delays. Their van is limited to about eight hours or 350-400 miles per day due to her physical needs.
Even when they find accessible restrooms, there are often hidden challenges. “You don’t know if the door or the toilet is positioned correctly for your chair,” Robinson says. To manage, she uses a urinal, and her husband helps empty it when they’re away from others.
Taking Flight
For Castle, air travel presents its own set of difficulties. As the chief operating officer of PVA, he travels about two weeks each month. He prefers driving when possible, but for longer trips, flying is unavoidable. Booking flights requires careful planning. He ensures at least an hour and a half between flights to allow for deplaning, collecting belongings, using the restroom, and rehydrating. Since he has no access to a bathroom on planes, he dehydrates himself for two to three days before a flight to avoid accidents.
Castle also brings essential items such as wipes, extra clothes, and his wheelchair, along with a seat cushion and power adapter. He is particularly concerned about his wheelchair being mishandled. If it gets checked through, he risks being left with an airport chair that may be damaged or poorly maintained. “That’s literally life-threatening,” he says, citing cases where people developed pressure sores from improper use of airport wheelchairs.
Aisle chairs, which are narrow and rigid, pose additional dangers. “They’re not level with the gate, so you’re basically in the hands of someone else,” he explains. “It’s like a trust fall.”
Getting Around
Access to transportation is another major hurdle. Cabs, rideshares, and public transit are not always accessible. “Just because you have a minivan doesn’t mean I can get in and out,” Castle says. His wife, who acts as his caregiver, often has to lift him in and out of taxis. He prefers renting cars with adaptive features, such as spinner knobs, but availability is not guaranteed. Without proper accommodations, disabled travelers could be left stranded.
Accessible Accommodations
Lodging also presents challenges. While hotels built after 1993 are required to offer accessible accommodations under the ADA, there is no standardization. “One hotel room is not like another,” Robinson notes. Shower dimensions, for example, can make a difference in whether or not she can use them. She also cannot use bathtubs, which are common in many hotels.
Despite these hurdles, both Castle and Robinson remain determined. “Having a spinal cord injury won’t stop me from seeing the world,” Castle says. “I will always travel until I can’t.” Their experiences highlight the ongoing need for greater accessibility and awareness in the travel industry.
