Recommendations. Reflections. Advocacy.
Support Claire Facing adversity is the acid test of our character. At no time in my life has this been more true than when confronted with the impact of a rare disease called facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD or FSH). As muscle groups from the face to the feet atrophy, affecting my ability to walk, lift, … Continue reading Bending Focus: Lessons from a Rare Disease
Support Claire The quality of mercy is not strain'd. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes. Shakespeare Whether you are a caregiver or in need of one, navigating the art of caregiving can be tricky. This article … Continue reading Let’s Talk About Caregiving (and Muscular Dystrophy)
Support Claire This is a spin for the bucket list! With breathtaking vistas of ancient sandstone formations flanked by scented junipers spiring into bright blue Arizona sky – some of the most photographed scenery in the world – this scooter ride is spectacular! Getting There From Phoenix, take the I-17 north, exit 298 onto SR-179 … Continue reading Scootering Sedona’s Red Rock Scenic Byway (Arizona SR 179)
Support Claire Not far from Scottsdale lies a scenic gem of the Tonto National Forest known as Needle Rock Recreation Area. Its sole byway is Needle Rock Road. Pictures don't do justice to the beautiful vistas that unfold along this 3-mile stretch, (though I will certainly post a few). Four Peaks in the … Continue reading Spinning Scenic Needle Rock Rd – Rio Verde, AZ
Support Claire Traveling differently abled has never been better. ADA legislation coupled with ever growing consumer demand has greatly improved the availability of quality accessible travel in the USA and abroad. That said, as someone who travels as often as possible while managing FSH muscular dystrophy, I find that the following measures best ensure successful … Continue reading Top Tips When Booking Accessible Travel
Support Claire Given beautiful weather, my husband and I often head to Peoria's New River Trail for some scenic urban spinning. This popular trail system has it all, including easy accessibility for mobility devices. Getting there Handicap parking and ADA restrooms are readily available at Rio Vista Community Park (8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria). This … Continue reading Scootering New River Trail, Peoria, AZ
Support Claire Spoiler alert: This ADA accessible desert adventure will make others pale in comparison. It has for us. Since discovering Apache Wash Trailhead, my husband Lou and I go a couple of times a week. For spectacular spinning, it's simply one of the most beautiful accessible trail systems we've encountered in the Phoenix area … Continue reading Best Scootering in the Sonoran Desert – Apache Wash Trailhead, Phoenix
Support Claire If you're looking for excellent accessible travel experiences in the Silver State beyond casinos, Reno-Sparks has some wonderful choices. Here are our top picks for where to sightsee, stay, and spin your wheels in "The Biggest Little City in the World": Where to sightsee National Automobile Museum What I look forward to most … Continue reading Beyond the Casino: Top Accessible Travel in Reno-Sparks, NV
Support Claire Santa Fe, the country's oldest state capital, is chock full of accessible adventure. Whether you're going for the art, a fabulous meal, incredible (window) shopping, or an outdoor spin, this picturesque city delivers in spades. Maximize your experience by knowing the best places to play and stay for accessibility. Here are our top … Continue reading Where to Play and Stay in Accessible Santa Fe
Support Claire Uplifting and informative, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum is an accessible travel must. This collection of works by the "Mother of American modernism" exudes the empowering dynamics of a talented artist who learned the rules, and then unabashedly proceeded to reinvent them on her own terms with great commercial success - yeah, she rocked … Continue reading Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Santa Fe
Support Claire In July 2019, I attended four Utah Shakespeare Festival performances in three different theaters, all via motorized powerchair. Uber-talented actors, gorgeous costumes, and state-of-the-art set design made it clear that "the play's the thing" at this Cedar City based event. Each production was simply jaw dropping fantastic, most notably Twelfth Night. The ADA … Continue reading Accessibility at the Utah Shakespeare Festival
Support Claire Sure, like so many others on mobility devices, we took in dinner and a show after cruising The Strip. (I got around easily in my Jazzy red power chair.) But, by far, the most interesting thing my husband Lou and I did in Las Vegas was to take a one-hour guided tour of … Continue reading Neon Boneyard, Las Vegas
Support Claire In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous. – Aristotle Although the entire 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail has felt the tred of my red scooter tires, the section my husband and I return to most frequently starts at the Vernonia Lake adjunct. (See map.) Super accessibility The paved loop around … Continue reading Accessible Adventure at Vernonia Lake and Banks-Vernonia State Trail, Oregon
Support Claire I have often teared up at a theater, but at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, I teared up because of the theater. Let me explain: OSF‘s dedication to Access for All its patrons is an impressive example of social responsibility — and a smart move for the ongoing success of the theater organization. From … Continue reading Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Support Claire For travelers with or without disabilities, Las Vegas is becoming less about the casinos, and more about “The Experience.” Whether you’re looking for award-winning cuisine, color beyond compare, or a blast of contemporary culture, you’ll find it in “the city that never sleeps." And with great accessibility. I’ve never seen more scooters per capita … Continue reading Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden, Las Vegas
Support Claire Of the twelve southwestern national parks encompassed within The Grand Circle, Zion is the jewel in the crown. Here are some tips to maximize accessible travel for people with disabilities. Get yourself an Access Pass (You can thank me later.) The national parks issue an Access Pass for US citizens with permanent disabilities. You … Continue reading Best places to spin, sup, and sleep in accessible Zion National Park
Support Claire After wintering in the desert, it was great to reacclimate to the luscious Pacific Northwest with one of our favorite ADA accessible outings, one we’ve done over a dozen times: rolling a section of the Springwater Corridor into and around downtown Portland’s riverfront. Scenic cityscapes peek through punctuated clearings of natural wetlands, making … Continue reading Accessible Bridges and Boardwalks, Portland, OR
Support Claire I look forward to the day when all ADA accommodations are this well thought out. With ample space, appropriate bathroom fittings and easy access parking to a relatively new, ground-floor unit, Driftwood Lodge is the place to stay for accessible travel accommodations when visiting Zion National Park. But wait, there’s more! Entry: Upon arrival … Continue reading Driftwood Lodge, Springdale, UT (Zion National Park)
Support Claire Of the twelve southwestern national parks encompassed within The Grand Circle, Zion is the jewel in the crown. Here are some tips to maximize accessible travel for people with disabilities. Get yourself an Access Pass (You can thank me later.) The national parks issue an Access Pass for US citizens with permanent disabilities. You … Continue reading ADA Accessible Zion National Park
Support Claire A friend told us about Phoenix’s Heard Museum over dinner. Intrigued, my husband and I went the very next morning, and were so glad we did. She was right: The museum’s collection of traditional and contemporary American Indian art (mostly southwestern) is simply superb. Each exhibit oozes quality over quantity. Great accessibility From … Continue reading Heard Museum, Phoenix