For nearly 20 years I have been carrying an idea around in my head.  Someone needs to provide a video presentation for people with disabilities who like to travel---especially if the person has a disability that requires a wheelchair. Oh sure.  There are books and web sites that may say this place or that place is accessible, but is it really?  HOW accessible is it?

I have traveled with a wheelchair for many years, and I often find destinations that are supposed to be "wheelchair accessible," that really aren't.  For example, the ramp to the entrance might resemble a ski slope on Mt. Hood, or the entrance to the bathroom allows a child's wheelchair or a baby stroller to enter, but not an adult-sized wheelchair---and certainly not a power chair.

A short time ago, one of my best friends, a disabled Viet Nam vet, called ahead to a Portland attraction---a riverboat on the Willamette. He was assured it was wheelchair accessible. It was supposed to be an enjoyable evening on one of nature’s most beautiful waterways. Upon arriving, however, he was shown a gangplank barely the width of his chair.  He could not use it with any safety.  Then, if he had been able to board the ship, he would have found the restroom and the main gathering area inaccessible.  Like the famous couple in the movie Titanic, he would have had to spend the tour on the bow of the ship, as that was the only truly accessible place on board.

I knew I had to act. I contacted my friend Dave Hood, long-time radio, television, and movie personality and producer, to see if he would be interested in my idea. He was and we began the development of Wheelchair Destinations.

Wheelchair Destinations is a series of travel DVDs that explain and accurately rate the accessibility of many popular travel destinations in this beautiful country.  Our Web site, www.wheelchairdestinations.com is full of accessibility information, and travel ideas.

Our goal is to provide a realistic view of site accessibility for any traveler who uses a wheelchair or some other mobility device.  We want families and friends to enjoy traveling together.  Reinvent the way you plan to travel.

Best Regards and Accessibility to all,

John Williams