I’m Karin, known in some circles as Ayesha, and I’m a writer, editor, travel blogger, website creator, and dog mom. I love New York City and Broadway musicals, just not quite as much as I love having an acre of property in the country where the air is clean and the birds sing every morning. Oh, and I used to be a well-known phan, as they call us, of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical The Phantom of the Opera. It has been a long time since Phantom was a major part of my life, but younger people who are just getting into the show are often curious about the history of the phandom. Cast members who re ..read more

I’m thrilled to share this episode of the Thrillist Explorers podcast. It’s all about traveling with a disability and I’m one of the guests! You can listen below or find it in your favorite podcast app.  The topics/guests are: 1. Morgan’s Wonderland — a fully accessible and inclusive amusement park in San Antonio, Texas. They even have waterproof power wheelchairs so guests can enjoy the water park! I’ve been wanting to visit and the podcast does a great job of explaining what makes this theme park so amazing. 2. Tony Giles — a blind and partially deaf world traveller who shared wonderful ..read more

As I’m writing this, it is March 2021 and it’s been a year since I’ve updated this blog. Although I don’t only write about travel here, it’s been depressing to look back on my past trips and have to wonder when I could be in the world again. But I’ve been far from silent during this time. You can read many of my reflections on the pandemic and other topics over at The Mighty, where I have been an editor for the past five years. One year ago, when the pandemic was just beginning in the United States, one of my good friends posted a social media message about supporting each other during what mo ..read more

Inspiration. Lately, it seems like it’s become a four-letter word in the disability community. Phrases like “inspiration porn” get tossed around regularly and the definition seems to be constantly changing, depending on who you ask. But what is inspiration porn, really? Is it possible to have inspirational portrayals of disability that are positive?    The term “inspiration porn” was popularized by the late Stella Young in her famous TED talk, “I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much.” If you haven’t seen it already, I suggest watching it before reading the rest of this po ..read more

Could wheelchair-friendly tiny houses be a “big” option for people with disabilities?  A look at wheelchair accessible tiny houses If you’ve spent much time on social media, chances are you’ve seen a tiny house pop up in your feed. They’re a growing phenomenon, and for good reason. Tiny houses pack the amenities of a full-size house into a remarkably small footprint, and with considerably more style than the average house on the block. Tiny houses are often built on trailers, and have tons of custom features to suit the personality and needs of their inhabitants. They’re affordable, too ..read more

I am a disability travel blogger who takes road trips all over the country, and as such having a reliable wheelchair accessible van is essential for me. In 2019 my father and I were sold a van with a defective VMI Ricon Slide-Away lift by the Mobility Van Store of Lakeland, Florida. The lift manufacturer, VMI, has refused to help. It has cost me thousands of dollars in repairs and I now face replacing the lift at a cost of several thousand more dollars. I’m seeking information, financial reimbursement and justice in this matter. The lift is a lemon and I want my money back! Can you help?   I l ..read more

If you have a disability, you may be in need of home care services, a Medicaid personal care attendant to help you with everyday tasks such as dressing, bathing, cooking and cleaning. If you have a child with significant medical needs or a developmental disability, you may be seeking help to care for them while you’re at work or sleeping, or financial support to be their carer yourself. Perhaps you have an aging parent or relative who needs care in their home so they don’t have to go to a nursing home. Medicaid waiver home and community-based services programs can help you or your loved one wi ..read more

If you have a disability and you’re traveling to New York City, you may be considering seeing a Broadway show and wondering how to get wheelchair accessible Broadway tickets. For many people, attending a musical or play is one of the highlights of a New York City vacation. If you’ve read other disability travel guides here on Free Wheelin’ or elsewhere, you may also be aware that New York City isn’t very wheelchair accessible, and theatre hasn’t always been inclusive when it comes to disability. But thankfully, things are starting to change.   In 2019 Ali Stroker became the first wheelchair us ..read more

When you or a loved one has a disability or is aging, you may need to hire a caregiver. A caregiver can be a family member, personal care attendant, home health aide, nurse, school aide or CNA. No matter what their title, they have an essential and trusted role — to assist with someone’s personal needs and empower them to live a full life regardless of the physical or mental challenges they may face. It’s a job that gives someone the potential to do tremendous good, or cause tremendous harm. Unfortunately, people with disabilities are at high risk for abuse by a caregiver, and one in 10 people ..read more