Row River Trail

Disabilities suck. Living with one doesn’t have to. Or so I’ve learned as FSH muscular dystrophy started to seriously impact my life on all levels. Just a few years ago I was climbing mountains, teaching yoga, and writing articles and a book on yoga philosophy (yeah, you can check it out: Shakespeare’s Yoga). Today, however, I require full-time assistance with most daily activities i.e. bathing, eating, and dressing, etc. For someone who was once independent and hyper-efficient, the rapidly progressing interdependence became increasingly depressing. (And believe me I still have my days.) I suddenly felt useless and a burden to those around me. The only place I felt freedom from the physical and mental shackles that I now perceived I was to carry for the rest my life was whilst riding on my candy apple red mobility scooter. Able-bodied enough to venture out on my own for a good hour and a half, my red scooter quickly became a life enhancing mobility device of the highest order, maybe even a lifesaver. Soon, my gorgeous husband Lou Cassella researched paved bike trails in our local area so together we could explore more of the great outdoors with him by my side on his road bike. The more we explored the world with the requirements of a limited mobility participant, the more we began to see the need for more accessible travel for everyone, not just the able-bodied. Some of the places we’ve been have wowed us, Grand Canyon for example. Other spots show definite need for improvement. Red Scooter Diaries is inspired by our adventures and observations. To encourage those with disabilities to keep going, to get outside, to explore the world and move forward with a full life. We would also like to hear what has worked for you. And together let’s raise the bar on accessible travel for everyone. Beep, beep. - Claire Szabo-Cassella View all posts by Red Scooter Diaries