#Weeknotes 85 (2 Aug) — Barriers to travel for people with disabilities, improving tennis game, and how younger generations are worse off than their parents
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Work wise:
Over the past week, I had the opportunity to support colleagues on a research project that looked at barriers to travel for those with additional needs (with varying disabilities). I was fascinated to hear lived experiences while also feeling troubled and upset learning about the ordeals and horror stories. There’s a lot of fear and anxiety when it comes to travelling for those with disabilities. It takes a lot more energy and time to plan and in addition, it is more expensive. As one participant told us: “Everything you normally do on holiday is 10 times harder.”
It was clear that what separates those who travel more confidently from those who are adverse to travel is knowledge and financial capability. Knowledge of the rights you have, the support you’re entitled to, and the reasonable adjustments you can ask for and expect. Sadly that knowledge isn’t accessible. It’s a combination of research, who you know, and lots of luck. Then even with knowledge, you will need to be ready to spend that much more to get the support you need to have a proper holiday. When I say a ‘proper’ holiday, it’s getting closer to what a ‘normal’ holiday is like for one without any disabilities. Sadly, it can never be the same. If you’re wheelchair-bound, forget about relaxing on the beach on your own. Wheelchairs aren’t meant for the sand. You can at best, roll up close to the beach on the pavement and look at the water from afar. It’s not a great way to enjoy the beach. Having disabilities also means there is little room for spontaneity. Everything needs to be planned, pre-booked, and confirmed thrice. Then you pray it’ll work out the way you hoped.
There’s so much reliance on certain facilities and even when you do think you got it all nailed, facilities may not work the way they should. That’s another thing, any disruptions or changes can put one in a terribly vulnerable situation. One shared a story about their wheelchair-bound friend who got left behind on a train unable to get off by herself. She had to wait around for hours until finally a cleaner found her. That should not happen to anyone. One mom feels “fortunate” that her daughter’s disability is visible. That way people who see her are more ‘accepting’ that she has additional needs. My heart sank when I heard this, imagining how many people’s disabilities are hidden and are being discriminated against. Sadly, for those with disabilities in our current society, it’s too easy to experience situations that would trample one’s confidence, dignity, image, sense of safety, security, self-worth and independence.
For those with disabilities, trust and reassurance are key. Trust that travel agencies, transport facilities, and accommodations will do what they say they’ll do.
“I don’t trust anyone else to do it because I got let down so often”
“Until the people around me say it’s pretty good, I’m not confident in trusting how good it is.”
“You can say you got PA booked or policies in place, but can you really believe that?”
They need assurances that adjustments will be made and their needs acknowledged.
“Can I walk safely from my bedroom to the kitchen and other spaces safely?”
Why organisations in the travel business should care and invest in better supporting those with additional needs:
- They’re the most loyal customers. Due to so many barriers, once they find something that works, they stick to it. This applies to not just those with impairments! “Once you book a good holiday, you’ll book it again and again.”
- Many are happy to pay more if it means they’ll have a better experience, minimising anxiety and stress.
- Simply because everyone deserves a good experience.
Some tips to better support those with additional needs
- Show and demonstrate your ability to support people with additional needs: One idea could be to separate reviews that focus on accessibility
- Have experts in your organisation who understand the needs of those with disabilities (and ideally those with first-hand experience) and educate the business so everyone is equipped to provide adequate support. “People don’t get Down Syndrome, For goodness’ sake look it up before you ask stupid questions!” A mom shared her frustrations.
- Ensure there’s consistency in contact and communication with those with disabilities. It’s exhausting to be passed around in an organisation and retell one’s story and needs.
- Be mindful of your customer’s needs from the first point of contact. That way you can anticipate and better support these customers who will be more likely to stay loyal.
- Most importantly, be kind. Kindness goes a long way and can touch people’s hearts in ways we can never know. “It all comes down to the person working there and their kindness. unfortunately, that’s not always there.” We can all do more with kindness.
Life wise:
First half of the week, we had a full house with my partner’s 2 sons and mom around and now it’s just me and my partner and our 2-year-old son. The house is a lot quieter. I’m enjoying the peace as I know they won’t last!
I was able to play a bit more tennis this week. It’s such a great sport that checks off many boxes for me: fresh air, exercise, and social connection since it’s not an individual sport. I have noticed myself improving over the past few months and feel pretty pumped about it. I feel fortunate to live close to my local tennis club. The low barrier to arranging a hit really makes a difference in how often I get to play. One can only improve by playing!
Of course we’re also in the middle of the Olympics. It’s incredible to see so many athletes come together from around the globe to compete and show off their abilities in one place. I love that so many people are watching it, it feels like a large group watching experience where no matter who you bump into, you can pick up a conversation about the Olympics. It really does bring people together in so many ways! Someone asked me which country I’m rooting for and I feel torn. I can’t seem to choose between the Canadians and British! I’ll be happy if either one wins more metals. :)
Things I came across:
A fantastic and heartfelt podcast I listened to this week is Why young people are worse off than their parents — and What to do about it with Scott Galloway via Ted Talks. In it, Scott talks about “the great intergenerational theft,” or how older generations are stealing prosperity from the young. The way Scott was able to make tough concepts easy to understand is admirable. I would recommend it to anyone especially parents to have a listen. Only with knowledge can we all do something about it.
Here’s a practical episode I listened to thanks to Radiolab’s How to Save a Life podcast episode.
“Statistics show that 1 out of every 5 people on earth will die of heart failure. Cardiac arrests can happen anywhere, anytime — in your bed, on the street, on your honeymoon. And every minute that passes after your heart stops beating, your chances of surviving drop dramatically. For all the strides modern medicine has made in treating heart conditions, the ambulance still doesn’t always make it in time. The only person who can keep you alive during those crucial first few minutes is a stranger, a neighbour, your partner, or anyone nearby willing to perform CPR. Yet most of us don’t do anything.”
The episode goes on to teach how anyone can learn hands-only CPR, a skill that empowers us to save a life! I love that it’s so easy and there are Spotify CPR playlists with tunes that are in the same rhythm as a CRP procedure. This playlist has songs that felt appropriate: “Stayin’ alive”, “I will survive”, “Hang with me”, and “Don’t stop ’til you get enough”. You get the gist. 😆
Photo of the week:
