Accessible travel goals: making room for possibility
Able in Spirit: How to Dream Big
By Emily Dash · Originally published 5 August 2015
Original article
Emily Dash is an emerging writer, actor and motivational speaker who lives with Cerebral Palsy. She is also a passionate advocate for people with disabilities.
When Stephen Hawking was asked what advice he’d give to other disabled people, he said “don’t be disabled in spirit as well”. If you are working with someone who has a disability, please keep this in mind. Because the world needs more “big dreamers”. People who see possibilities, rather than barriers. People who aren’t afraid to try something new, who step outside their comfort zone and gently encourage others to do the same. People like that can change lives.
Let me give you an example. It’s quite hard for me to travel on my own, given the high level of personal care I require on a daily basis. I’ve always had to travel with my parents, which is great but they can’t always get time off work. I couldn’t travel as much as I’d like. That all changed a year ago, when my “big dreamer” friends and support workers encouraged me to organise a five-day trip to Melbourne with them in fully accessible accommodation.
We weren’t afraid to think outside the box. We couldn’t fly at that time, so we took the train and saw beautiful countryside. We needed specialist equipment, so my family’s removal business organised to send it down. The whole trip went seamlessly, and we had the best time eating good food and hanging out with friends. Now that I know it’s possible and my confidence has improved, I feel like the world has opened up for me. The first trip was so successful that we returned to Melbourne a few months later. We also made a short documentary of our travels, which has recently been submitted to a short film competition. You can see it her_e: _http://www.focusonability.com.au/FOA/films/A_Journey_821.html
Society’s expectations of people with disabilities are generally far too low. If this begins to affect an individual’s sense of self, then it may create a whole range of issues with independence. Within organisations that support people with disabilities, I’d love to see the focus shift from over-protection and learned helplessness towards strengthening abilities and promoting inclusion. It’s about helping to build confidence, and the capacity to deal with fear and uncertainty.
Does all this sound impossible? Overwhelming? Terrifying? “Dreaming big” opens up a moral grey area – how do we draw the line between respecting and accepting the limits of a person’s impairment, and pushing boundaries? Ultimately I think this needs to be done on a case by case basis, taking into account individual and situational circumstances. It’s happening, and it works. All it takes is some planning, problem solving, creativity and a little bravery. I live it every day. We need to keep the momentum going, particularly in the context of the NDIS.
So keep your eyes open for opportunities, and try to help the people you are working with grab them as they come. You never know where they might lead.
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
Choose a goal and the pace at which you explore it
You may want a trip, a smaller outing or more time to decide. Start with the experience you want and list the access and assistance it would require. Discuss transport, equipment, personal care, accommodation and what would happen if arrangements changed. Ask providers for precise information rather than assuming accessible means suitable for you.
Emily’s solution worked for her group. It is a source of planning questions, not a transfer or transport method to copy. Check current NDIS support rules separately from ordinary holiday costs, and decide which compromises you are comfortable making.
Bring options without turning encouragement into pressure
Listen to the person’s goal and reservations. Offer practical alternatives, explain the arrangements within your role and agree how decisions will be made. Do not promise a seamless trip or equate declining an activity with a lack of ambition. Confirm equipment and support responsibilities with the relevant people before departure. The NDIS Code of Conduct is a useful reference for respectful professional support.
Questions readers ask
Does a successful trip prove the same arrangements will suit me?
No. Plan around your own access and support requirements.
Find support for an outing you want to plan
Tell Clickability where you want practical assistance and compare support workers. Discuss the tasks, equipment and access arrangements before booking.
