Skift Take
They are among the most resilient travelers on the planet. But the pandemic is testing the mettle of travelers with disabilities — and the businesses that support them — in unique ways.
For most segments of the population, Covid-19 has largely shut down non-essential travel. But even the local travel happening now is adding to the challenges faced by one group: travelers with disabilities.
“Covid-19 has put a 100 percent hold on our tours for individuals with developmental disabilities,” said Don Douglas, the owner of Able Trek Tours, a Wisconsin-based tour company that specializes in accessible travel, as “many destinations and attractions (such as sporting events, festivals, and concerts) we frequent are closed.”
Indeed, Douglas is far from the only figure involved in accessible travel hamstrung by the global pandemic.
“The biggest impact on travel for those of us using personal care is getting carers to go out with us,” said Josh Grisdale, the founder of Accessible Japan, an online community that provides support to disabled travelers. “Some agencies that provide carers don’t want us to go out at all and potentially expose the carer to Covid-19 as they would take it to other clients (including those with more severe disabilities).
[caption id="attachment_407473" align="alignright" width="300"] New taxis called “JapanTaxi” are modeled after London Cabs and can be found fairly easily a
