Summer Camps Abound for Kids and Adults with Disabilities
May 02, 2012 :: By Michell Haase
Now that Spring Break is over, many parents are contemplating camp opportunities for their kids. As the parent of a child with a disability, this wasn’t necessarily something I thought about early on. My daughter had medical needs and mobility challenges. Where would she go? Most camps in the park district flyers didn’t appear to be set up for her. Girl Scout Camps didn’t seem to know what to do with her. What would happen if her shunt malfunctioned or she got an infection? Who would help her go to the bathroom? I asked all these questions, and wasn’t sure that she would ever get to experience the magic of summer camp. Read More...

Beyond the Waters Beach Party--Accessible Fun at the Beach in Chicago
August 31, 2011 :: By Linda Mastandrea
When you think of summer in the city, what comes to mind? For me, it's the beach and the lakefront. Miles and miles of people biking, walking, roller blading, sunning, playing volleyball, and swimming, enjoying the gorgeous view that we Chicagoans have bragging rights over. Until relatively recently, though, much of Chicago's beaches and lakefront were off limits to people with disabilities. There was no parking. Bathrooms were inaccessible. If you could get to the beach at all, you still couldn't get to the water's edge to dip your toes in. Read More...

Adaptive Boating for People with Disabilities
August 24, 2011 :: By Todd Huber
Being out on the water can be a very freeing experience for everyone.  Seeing gorgeous sunsets drop into the horizon, feeling the wind in your face as the sails tack, or experiencing the thrill of rafting white water rapids along a canyon river all come to mind as adventures not to be missed.  These invigorating adventures are not exclusive to those who are able-bodied.  There are many opportunities for people with disabilities, too!  We've highlighted some fantastic water expeditions that include everyone so that you can get your feet wet, too! Read More...

Favorite Places to Visit in the U.S.
June 09, 2011 :: By Michell
As the summer begins, and we look at a busy season of special needs travel travel, I fondly looked back to some of our favorite places around the United States. We have been fortunate enough to have traveled widely and done so many interesting, and accessible, activities while on the road that it was hard to narrow it down! I thought I would share with you some of my favorite places in hopes that it might spark your wanderlust, too! Read More...

TravelinWheels Highlights Accessible Beaches in North America
March 17, 2011 :: By Michell Haase
Kelsey is graduating high school and I asked her to choose anywhere in the world she would like to go on vacation as her gift. She decided she wanted to go to Maui. Maui! I love Maui! What a great choice! Beautiful sunsets, great dining, and lovely beaches... Wait! Oh no! Kelsey is far too big for the sled. How will she possibly enjoy those beautiful beaches in her wheelchair? Read More...

TravelinWheels visits the Windy City, Chicago!
January 27, 2011 :: By Michell Haase
I decided that this week I wanted to highlight some areas of Chicago. We are a bit impartial here at TravelinWheels about Chicago because it is our hometown! That being said, it really is a great city to explore, and most of the popular areas are accessible to all disabilities. My daughter Kelsey and I have made our way on public transportation to every major tourist attraction, as well as those off the beaten path. She is in a manual wheelchair. Main areas of the city have good curb cuts, sound and countdown stoplights, and a street grid system that is easy to navigate. Read More...