Real-world accessibility insights for wheelchair travel.
WheelchairTraveling.com is a resource dedicated to helping wheelchair travelers explore destinations with greater confidence.
The site shares accessibility observations, research, and travel experiences from destinations around the world. It also provides insights that help tourism organizations, cities, and parks better understand and communicate accessibility conditions.
Founded in 2006, WheelchairTraveling.com began as a personal travel blog and has grown into one of the longest-running resources focused on wheelchair travel and accessibility information.
Travel guides on the site document real-world mobility conditions such as terrain, slopes, entrances, pathways, transportation access, and other environmental factors that can significantly affect accessibility.
A distinctive focus of WheelchairTraveling.com is documenting travel environments such as terrain, surfaces, pathways, and distances — details that are often missing from typical accessibility descriptions but can greatly affect mobility.
Today the site includes hundreds of wheelchair travel guides and accessibility reports covering cities, parks, outdoor recreation areas, cultural sites, and destinations around the world.
The platform also features contributions from wheelchair travelers globally, helping build a shared knowledge base of accessibility experiences.
Insights shared through WheelchairTraveling.com have also helped tourism organizations, cities, and parks better communicate accessibility conditions and develop clearer visitor information.
The Work of WheelchairTraveling.com
WheelchairTraveling.com operates at the intersection of travel information, accessibility observation, and destination insight.
The work supports three primary areas:
- Helping wheelchair travelers better understand accessibility conditions before visiting destinations
- Documenting real-world accessibility observations gathered through travel experiences and research
- Providing insights that help tourism organizations, cities, and parks communicate accessibility information more clearly
This approach helps bridge the gap between traveler experience and destination planning while encouraging more inclusive travel opportunities.
About Ashley Lyn Olson
WheelchairTraveling.com was founded by Ashley Lyn Olson, a wheelchair traveler and long-time advocate for accessible travel.
At the age of fourteen, Ashley became paralyzed after a car accident. Rather than ending her passion for exploration, the experience inspired her to discover new ways to access the world and share that knowledge with others.
Through years of travel across the United States and internationally, Ashley began documenting accessibility conditions that wheelchair travelers frequently encounter but are rarely described in typical travel guides.
Ashley has explored destinations across the United States and internationally, including 20 countries, 29 U.S. states, and 37 U.S. National Parks, along with hundreds of regional parks and recreation areas.
Early in her travels, Ashley realized that many accessibility descriptions did not reflect real-world usability. In response, she began recording more detailed information about the environments she visited, including terrain types, slopes, entrances, transportation access, and restroom usability.
Over time, this work developed into a practical approach for documenting accessibility in travel environments and helping travelers understand what to expect before they arrive.
Her work in accessible travel has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Travel + Leisure, and New Mobility Magazine, and she has spoken at tourism and accessibility conferences focused on inclusive travel.
Today, her work continues through WheelchairTraveling.com, helping travelers discover destinations and navigate accessibility with greater confidence.
Accessibility Evaluation & Field Testing
Ashley provides real-world accessibility evaluations from the perspective of a wheelchair traveler. These evaluations focus on practical usability and traveler experience in addition to accessibility standards.
Evaluations may include written observations, photographs, and recommendations to help improve accessibility and communication with visitors.
Areas of evaluation may include:
- Hotels and lodging
- Parks and outdoor recreation areas
- Museums and cultural attractions
- Pedestrian routes and sidewalks
- Transportation access and stations
- Parking and drop-off areas
- Restrooms and public facilities
Accessible Tourism Consulting
Destinations around the world are increasingly recognizing the importance of welcoming wheelchair travelers and improving accessibility for visitors with mobility needs.
Ashley offers insight based on years of firsthand travel experience and accessibility documentation.
Consulting may include:
- Reviewing accessibility conditions at destinations
- Identifying barriers experienced by wheelchair travelers
- Advising on how to communicate accessibility information clearly
- Helping develop accessible visitor resources or travel guides
- Reviewing accessibility descriptions before publication
Accessibility Documentation & Guide Development
Clear accessibility information is essential for wheelchair travelers and people with mobility limitations.
Ashley works with organizations interested in creating accessibility guides that provide practical details beyond simple compliance descriptions.
Accessibility documentation may include:
- Terrain and surface conditions
- Slopes and distances
- Accessible entrances and pathways
- Restroom access
- Parking and transportation connections
The goal is to help travelers better understand accessibility conditions and plan their visits with confidence.
Speaking & Educational Programs
Ashley is available for presentations and discussions related to accessible travel and inclusive tourism.
Topics may include:
- Understanding real-world accessibility needs
- Documenting accessibility in meaningful ways
- Improving accessibility communication for visitors
- Empowering wheelchair travelers to explore more places
Impact Snapshot
Since its launch in 2006, WheelchairTraveling.com has documented accessibility conditions across destinations in the United States and internationally.
Through travel guides, field observations, and community contributions, the site has helped:
- Share accessibility observations from hundreds of destinations
- Document real-world travel experiences from wheelchair travelers
- Provide practical accessibility insights about terrain, entrances, transportation, and facilities
- Support destinations seeking clearer accessibility communication
- Encourage more wheelchair travelers to explore new places with confidence
WheelchairTraveling.com continues to grow as a resource for travelers and destinations seeking clearer accessibility information and a better understanding of real-world travel conditions.
Media & Publications
Ashley Lyn Olson’s work in accessible travel has been shared through WheelchairTraveling.com and collaborations with tourism organizations, travel professionals, and members of the accessible travel community.
Media and collaboration opportunities may include:
- Interviews and podcasts
- Travel writing and guest articles
- Accessibility insights for tourism publications
- Destination accessibility reviews
- Speaking engagements and panels
For media inquiries or collaboration opportunities, please contact Ashley through WheelchairTraveling.com.
Collaboration
Ashley welcomes opportunities to collaborate with destinations, tourism organizations, parks, and businesses working to improve accessibility and expand opportunities for inclusive travel experiences.
