Traveling with disability

Travelling the world and experiencing its fantastic sights, experiences and cultures is something everybody should have the opportunity to enjoy. For most people money, time or simply being scared to do it are barriers enough to overcome. For some of us though there are additional difficulties which make travelling just that little bit harder, and often also that little bit more rewarding. Disability comes in many forms. For some it may be overcome by simply remembering to bring contact lenses/glasses. Others may have the inconvenience of needing to use a hearing aid, diabetic injections or medications. For others, like myself, mobility is the biggest issue. If you have a disability, know someone with one, or are simply interested then feel free to read on or leave your comments in the forum.

My name is Rob, I broke my neck falling down a cliff in Devon in 1996, when I was 20. I now walk short distances with crutches or use a wheelchair for longer distances. I have travelled quite a bit since my accident and intend to continue doing so. I have backpacked around South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, North America and Southern Africa during 3 longer trips of between 6 weeks and 9 months - plus a few shorter trips to European destinations. There are additional difficulties to overcome when travelling with a disability but with a bit of planning, and a sense of adventure I can participate in most of the usual backpacker activities. Some of my exploits and stories will be described here once I get some time. I am off to a flooded Bangladesh to work as a volunteer in a spinal injuries centre (www.crp-bangladesh.org) near Dhaka in 2 days so I may have to wait till I get back. Feel free to post any questions, comments or new areas for discussion in the forum. Rob.