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John Morris sitting in his power wheelchair.

John Morris

My name is John Morris. In the Fall of 2012, a car accident changed the course of my life. Severe burns laid claim to three of my limbs, making me a triple amputee. Shock, fear, anger, sadness, hopelessness. Yes, I grappled with all of those emotions. But that’s not what I’m here to talk about.

Before my disability, I was a traveler. I took flights for no other reason than to fly. I explored destinations all around the world, sometimes for only a day or two. Travel was, in effect, my first true love.

I refused to surrender that to disability.

And so, more than a year after my car accident, with bedsores, amputations and all, I took my first trip as a disabled person… to Los Angeles. It was a joyous occasion—my alma mater, Florida State University, won the college football national championship game. And I was there.

But planning that trip was difficult. The internet was filled with unreliable information about traveling with a disability. Nothing I read prepared me for what traveling with a wheelchair is actually like. As I began to take more trips—to Washington, D.C., then to Boston, Seattle and finally to Beijing, China—I asked myself, why hasn’t someone created a resource that tells me what I need to know?

Connect with John Morris

John Morris on M4G Advocacy Media

Journeys: Season 3, Episode 17 – John Morris PART 2
Journeys: Season 3, Episode 16 – John Morris PART 1
Purpose

Resources from John Morris

WheelchairTravel

WheelcharTravel.org is a comprehensive online platform dedicated to empowering individuals with mobility challenges to explore the world with ease and confidence. This user-friendly website serves as a valuable resource for travelers, offering a wealth of information, tips, and resources tailored to the unique needs of wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

Key Features:

Accessible Destination Guides: WheelcharTravel.org provides in-depth guides to wheelchair-accessible travel destinations worldwide. These guides include information on accessible accommodations, transportation options, tourist attractions, and dining options, allowing users to plan their trips with confidence.

Travel Tips and Advice: The website offers a treasure trove of practical advice on everything from packing for accessible travel to navigating airport security and managing mobility aids. Expert tips help travelers overcome common challenges and make the most of their adventures.

Community and Reviews: WheelcharTravel.org fosters a vibrant community of travelers who share their experiences, insights, and reviews. Users can connect with like-minded individuals, ask questions, and gain firsthand knowledge of accessible travel destinations.

Equipment and Rental Information: For travelers in need of mobility equipment, the website provides information on rental services, ensuring that wheelchairs, scooters, and other aids are readily available at their destination.

Accessible Travel Resources: WheelcharTravel.org offers a curated collection of resources, including links to accessible travel agencies, travel insurance providers, and government accessibility regulations to keep travelers informed and well-prepared.

Inspiring Stories: Personal travel narratives and success stories of individuals who have overcome mobility challenges serve as a source of inspiration, motivating others to embark on their adventures.

WheelcharTravel.org is a valuable hub for anyone seeking to explore the world while managing mobility constraints. It embodies the spirit of inclusivity, making travel dreams a reality for all, regardless of their physical abilities. Whether you're planning your first accessible adventure or seeking new destinations to explore, this website is your go-to companion on the journey to discover the world's beauty, diversity, and accessibility.

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