Join Danielle Connolly and Josh Grisdale, founder of Accessible Japan, as they dive deep into everything you need to know about accessible travel in Japan. This comprehensive guide covers essential information for travelers with disabilities planning to visit Japan.
In this episode, Josh and Danielle discuss:
This episode marks the 10th anniversary of Accessible Japan, a valuable resource that has been helping travelers with disabilities explore Japan for a decade!
Have questions about accessible travel in Japan? Visit tabifolk.com to post your questions and connect with a community of travelers who can help. Even if your question seems ultra-specific, the tabifolk community is ready to assist!
Visit accessible-japan.com for comprehensive guides and resources for travelers with disabilities visiting Japan. Follow Accessible Japan on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms for regular updates and travel tips.
Join host Danielle Connolly as she interviews Jodie St. Clair from Learners and Makers, a family of four who has been traveling the world full-time since August 2022. Jodie, an above-the-knee amputee since age 13, shares her experiences navigating the world with her family while balancing accessibility needs.
Jodie shares valuable insights on balancing disability needs with family travel, the mental aspects of navigating unfamiliar environments, and how slowing down can make travel more enjoyable for everyone. From their two-week repositioning cruise across the Pacific to their experiences at Tokyo Disney, the St. Clairs demonstrate how thoughtful planning and flexibility can create amazing travel experiences.
Follow Learners and Makers on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and their blog to join their continuing adventures around the world!
Want to connect with other travelers and share accessible travel tips? Join our online community at tabifolk.com or download the tabifolk app today! Share your experiences, ask questions, and become part of our growing accessible travel community.
In this episode of tabifolk Talks, host Danielle Connolly speaks with Lorraine Woodward, founder of Becoming rentABLE - a groundbreaking platform connecting travelers with accessible rental properties. Lorraine shares her personal journey with muscular dystrophy and how it inspired her mission to make travel more accessible for everyone.Discover how Becoming rentABLE is revolutionizing travel for people with disabilities through validated accessible rental properties. Learn about their innovative certification process, business opportunities in accessible rentals, and future plans including their partnership with Expedia Group.---Join tabifolk today - the best community for accessible travel! Create your free account at tabifolk.com or download the app to connect with fellow travelers, share experiences, ask questions, and find inclusive travel resources for all abilities.
Join us for another episode of tabifolk talks, where we explore accessible travel and inclusive adventures! In this episode, we're joined by Cristina Căluianu from Accessible Romania by Sano Touring to discuss Romania's accessibility, travel options, and hidden gems.Planning an accessible trip to Romania? Cristina shares expert insights on transportation, accommodations, cultural experiences, and adventure opportunities for travelers with disabilities. Don't miss out on learning about accessible city tours, historic sites, spa tourism, and more!
Connect with Us! 🔗 Join the accessible travel community – https://www.tabifolk.com 🌐 Plan your accessible trip to Romania – https://www.accessibleromania.com🔔 Subscribe for more episodes about accessible travel worldwide! 👍 Like & share if you found this useful!
Join us for another episode of tabifolks talks - a live webinar series all about accessible travel and adventures - brought to you by tabifolk! This time we are joined by Jamie from Adventures by Jamie - a travel agency certified in accessible travel!On this episode we will be discussing all things Disney Parks. In the past year, there have been major changes in the Disability Access Services at the parks. While we aren't a fan of these changes and hope that they will improve in the future, the episode will focus on questions for people with disabilities and their families who are still interested in taking a vacation to one of the Disney Parks. We will also discuss the benefits of booking with an agency that is experienced in accessible travel.
Join us for another episode of tabifolks talks - a live webinar series all about accessible travel and adventures - brought to you by tabifolk! This time we are joined by Jamie from Adventures by Jamie - a travel agency certified in accessible travel!On this episode we will be discussing all things Disney Parks. In the past year, there have been major changes in the Disability Access Services at the parks. While we aren't a fan of these changes and hope that they will improve in the future, the episode will focus on questions for people with disabilities and their families who are still interested in taking a vacation to one of the Disney Parks. We will also discuss the benefits of booking with an agency that is experienced in accessible travel. Topics Covered:00:00 Introduction to Tabifolk Talks01:26 Welcome & Guest Introduction – Jamie from Adventures by Jamie04:59 Jamie’s Journey into Accessible Travel & Founding Adventures by Jamie07:55 Changes to Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) – Who Qualifies?10:19 The DAS Application Process & What to Expect12:17 Key Differences Between Disney World & Disneyland Accessibility16:04 Tips for Navigating the Parks Without DAS19:46 Best Times of Year to Visit Disney Parks (Weather, Crowds & Events)24:11 Medical Needs & Accessibility Services at Disney27:23 Exciting Upcoming Additions – Villains Land & More!30:26 Where to Find Jamie & How to Plan Your Next Trip🌟 Want to make your Disney trip more accessible?Jamie and her team at Adventures by Jamie offer FREE travel planning services tailored to travelers with disabilities. Learn more at AdventuresByJamie.com🔔 Subscribe for more accessible travel tips & discussions!Join a community of travelers with disabilities sharing information by downloading the tabifolk app or making a profile on tabifolk.com!
This time we are joined by Meg from KultureCity - the world's leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance, were they seek to Make the Nevers Possible by creating sensory accessibility and inclusion for those with disabilities. In this episode we will talk about what is included in a KultureCity Sensory Bag, their Sensory Room initiatives, their free app which includes the World’s First AI Talker & Conversation App, and more!
Join a community of travelers with disabilities sharing information by downloading the tabifolk app or making a profile on tabifolk.com!
Join the conversation on accessible travelDiscuss in our forums: tabifolk.comDownload the KultureCity app: KultureCity.org
Let’s make the world more inclusiveSubscribe for more insights on accessible travel.Like this podcast and drop a comment with your thoughts.
In this episode of Tabifolk Talks, host Danielle chats with Simon Miller, the founder of Enable My Trip, a non-profit dedicated to providing accessible travel information. Simon shares his journey, insights into accessible travel challenges, and tips for travelers with mobility needs.🔹 Topics Covered:
💬 Have a question? Come over to https://www.tabifolk.com and ask Simon!🔗 Resources & Links:Enable My Trip: https://www.enablemytrip.comtabifolk Community: https://www.tabifolk.com👍 Like, Subscribe & Share to support accessible travel!
Traveling with a child who has complex medical needs comes with unique challenges, but for Amy Tarpein, it has become a life-changing journey of joy, resilience, and advocacy. In this episode of Tabifolk Talks, we sat down with Amy, founder of Elijah’s Baby Bucket List, to discuss how she turned a deeply personal mission into a global movement for inclusive travel.
The Story Behind Elijah’s Baby Bucket List
Amy’s son, Elijah, was diagnosed with lissencephaly, a rare terminal brain condition, at just eight months old. Doctors told her he wouldn’t live past two years, but Amy was determined to fill his life with adventure. She packed up her family and embarked on a 13-hour road trip to Florida, where Elijah saw the ocean for the first time. That moment changed everything, sparking Elijah’s Baby Bucket List, a mission to create meaningful experiences and prove that travel is possible for families with medical and accessibility challenges.
What began as a family journey quickly became a global inspiration. Through her blog and social media, Amy shares invaluable insights on accessible destinations, travel tips, and the importance of making memories, encouraging other families to embrace travel despite obstacles.
Making Family Travel Accessible
For Amy, traveling with a large family while ensuring accessibility adds layers of complexity. From researching destinations to staying flexible in the face of unexpected challenges, she’s learned firsthand what it takes to create inclusive travel experiences.
Advocating for Inclusive Travel
Beyond personal adventures, Amy works with businesses and tourism boards to assess and improve accessibility. She’s collaborated with Hilton Hotels, Visit Wichita, and other organizations to identify gaps and promote inclusive travel experiences.
Building a Supportive Community
Amy’s journey led her to write Braver Together, a book that shares her family’s story and offers encouragement to others facing similar challenges. Her message is simple but powerful: not everything can be fixed, but it can be carried—with the help of a supportive community.
Through social media, Amy has connected with families navigating the same struggles, proving that no one has to face these challenges alone. While being a content creator comes with its own hurdles—like balancing privacy and avoiding burnout—the opportunity to uplift and support others makes it all worthwhile.
What’s Next for Elijah’s Baby Bucket List?
Amy’s goals include:
Join the Conversation on tabifolk!
Amy’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of advocacy. Have you faced challenges or triumphs in accessible travel? Share your experiences and connect with a global community of travelers with disabilities on tabifolk!
If you’re not already a member, now is the perfect time to join. tabifolk is an inclusive online space where travelers with disabilities, caregivers, and accessibility advocates come together to exchange tips, ask questions, and support one another. Whether you’re seeking advice on an upcoming trip or want to help others by sharing your experiences, tabifolk is the place to be.
Sign up today at tabifolk.com and become part of a movement making travel more accessible for everyone!
Welcome to Tabifolk Talks, the podcast where we explore the world of accessible travel, one conversation at a time! In our latest episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Sharon Newhardt, Director of Inclusion and Culture at Morgan’s Wonderland, a groundbreaking theme park in San Antonio, Texas. Designed from the ground up to be fully inclusive, Morgan’s Wonderland is setting new standards in the amusement park industry, ensuring that guests of all abilities can experience the joy of play without barriers.
The Inspiration Behind Morgan’s Wonderland
Morgan’s Wonderland was born from a moment of heartbreak that led to a movement for change. Founders Gordon and Maggie Hartman were inspired by their daughter, Morgan, who has cognitive and physical disabilities. During a family vacation, Morgan tried to engage with other children in a pool, but due to communication barriers, they didn’t know how to respond and moved away. Seeing her disappointment, the Hartmans envisioned a place where every child, regardless of ability, could play together. That vision became a reality in 2010 with the opening of Morgan’s Wonderland, the first ultra-accessible theme park in the world.
Attractions That Redefine Accessibility
Morgan’s Wonderland continues to push the boundaries of inclusion with its innovative attractions:
Exciting New Additions in 2024:
Morgan’s Wonderland Hotel: Breaking New Ground in Accessible Hospitality
Accessibility doesn’t stop at the theme park. Morgan’s Wonderland is taking its commitment a step further with the upcoming Morgan’s Wonderland Hotel, expected to open in late 2025. This innovative lodging experience will offer fully accessible rooms tailored to guests with mobility, sensory, and other needs, ensuring that inclusive travel extends beyond the park.
Why Accessibility in Travel Matters
Sharon Newhardt shared invaluable insights on why inclusive design should be the standard, not an afterthought. From hotels and transportation to public spaces, accessibility should be woven into every aspect of the travel experience. Morgan’s Wonderland actively collaborates with businesses and organizations to promote universal design, helping create a more inclusive world for travelers of all abilities.
Why You Should Visit Morgan’s Wonderland
If you’re looking for a travel destination that celebrates inclusion and adventure, Morgan’s Wonderland is a must-visit. Whether you’re a person with a disability, a family seeking an accessible getaway, or simply someone who believes in a world without barriers, this park offers an experience like no other.
Join the Conversation on tabifolk!
Accessibility in travel is an ongoing discussion, and we want you to be part of it! Join our community at tabifolk.com to connect with other travelers, share experiences, and ask questions about accessible travel. Whether you’re looking for tips, recommendations, or just a supportive space to talk about travel challenges, our platform is here for you.
Let’s make travel accessible for everyone—together.
Join the conversation on accessible travel at tabifolk.com – a global community for travelers with disabilities!
The inaugural episode of TABIFOLK TALKS features an insightful discussion with Josh Grisdale, founder of tabifolk.com and Accessible Japan. Hosted by Danielle Connolly, this episode covers everything from the origins of tabifolk to the realities of accessible travel in Japan and beyond. Whether you’re an experienced traveler with accessibility needs or just starting to explore, this episode provides invaluable insights into navigating the world with confidence.
The Story Behind tabifolk
Josh created tabifolk after receiving countless accessibility-related inquiries through his other platform, Accessible Japan. He realized that while he could answer individual questions, having an open forum would benefit a much larger community. Originally named Accessible Travel Forum, he rebranded it to tabifolk—a combination of the Japanese word tabi (journey) and the English word folk (people). The goal? To provide a space where travelers with disabilities can share experiences, ask questions, and support one another.
Features of tabifolk
Danielle and Josh explore the many features of tabifolk, including:
Groups by Destination & Topic – Find information on locations worldwide, from Japan to Disney parks.
Private Messaging – Connect directly with other travelers for advice.
An Easy-to-Use App – Making community engagement even more convenient.
Accessibility in Japan: The Reality vs. The Perception
Japan’s accessibility is often misunderstood. Josh explains how Tokyo is one of the most accessible places he has ever experienced, thanks to:
Public Transport Accessibility – Over 96% of train stations in Tokyo have accessible routes.
Tactile Paving & Audio Cues – Originally invented in Japan, these features assist blind travelers.
Toilet Accessibility – Japan’s restrooms are known for their cleanliness and universal design.
Cultural Differences in Disability Awareness – While Japan excels in infrastructure, attitudes towards disability inclusion continue to evolve.
The Economic Value of Accessibility
Josh highlights the financial benefits of accessibility, urging businesses to recognize the untapped market of disabled travelers. With an aging population and increasing awareness, investing in accessibility isn’t just ethical—it’s smart business.
Moving to Japan & Becoming a Citizen
Josh shares his personal journey of moving from Canada to Japan, first visiting as a student and later becoming a Japanese citizen in 2016. He describes the gradual improvements in accessibility over the years and how Japan’s legal framework ensures continuous progress.
Final Thoughts & How to Get Involved
Josh wraps up with an encouraging message: Get out and explore! Whether traveling across the world or just down the street, visibility matters. By sharing experiences and advocating for accessibility, we can all contribute to a more inclusive world.
What are your thoughts on accessibility in travel? Have you faced challenges or discovered great resources? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re not already a member, join the conversation at tabifolk.com today!
