Just then the stage lit up and an entourage from Tanzania began to announce the "Trek for Life" charity climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Africa sounded more like my optimal temperature. And I knew I could make the summit after interviewing Jesse Owens, the first person to conquer the mountain in a wheelchair. After the presentation I spoke to the Chief Park Warden for neighboring Arusha National Park, Erastus Lufungulo. He enthusiastically took up the challenge to include the wheelchair route up the mountain at the Kilimanjaro website and recounted to me the logistical work he had done to facilitate Jesse's climb.
Moving on through the pavilion it was encouraging to find the booth for an accomplished inclusive adventure supplier - Environmental Traveling Companions (or "ETC" to their friends). Their offerings include whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, cross-country skiing, and a host of community-oriented good works such as the annual "Day on the Beach" in Santa Cruz, California. ( http://www.dayonthebeach.org/photogaller... )
What I found next was equally encouraging. I discovered an industry ready to make the leap to serving the disability market.
As I raised questions of universal design and the accommodation of travelers of different ages and capacities I found that all the ski resorts present had adaptive skiing programs. Tour operators specializing in Russia, Africa, and the US all had contingency plans for serving this niche even if they had not yet accommodated a client with a disability. No one seemed ignorant of the untapped purchasing power and potential of this niche.
Two tour operators merit special mention.
It was nostalgia for my stint, pre-paralysis, as a ranch hand that made me stop in on Rock Springs Guest Ranch. Eva Gill, Director of Sales and Marketing, for this guest ranch in Bend, Oregon was forthright about both her desire to accommodate guests with disabilities and the constraints at the ranch. The thoughtful approach she has taken is evident at their web site. ( http://www.rocksprings.com/Guest_Ranch/A... ) I read it as respectful of the needs of their guests and as an honest assessment of their facility. I was particularly taken by the fact that she did not hesitate to speak highly of a neighboring equestrian center and to partner with them to provide a safe horseback riding experience. This openness to invest in something beyond simple self-promotion and engage in destination development for travelers with disabilities is a trend to watch for - and one to reward with your patronage!
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