You may have heard this a million times, but it's true, we're all "people" first, so you should use "people first" language. This is an acknowledgement that a person's disability does not define them, but their humanity does.  For example, instead of saying, "a disabled person" you should say, "a person with a disability," Before you assume that a person with a disability needs your assistance, you should always ask the person if they need your assistance first. If they do, they will let you know how you can best assist them. It is considered rude if you ask a person about their disability. ...

"I’ve traveled to many places around the world since I broke my neck and became paralyzed from the chest down.  Since my accident, I use a wheelchair to get around, and if there is one thing I can tell you for sure, the word “accessibility” has different meanings just about everywhere you go.  Hotel managers have literally told me, “Yes, we’re accessible for wheelchair users.  We have rooms on the first floor and we have an elevator.”  Well, I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t tell me a thing about whether or not I can even actually get into the room.  So, in addition to avoiding issues...

For many patients who are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, the ability to travel is important to their self-esteem and lifestyle. Working patients may need to attend business meetings or conferences. Older patients may have dreamed of traveling during their retirement. A family event such as a wedding, graduation or family reunion may require travel away from home. At times, emergencies such as illness or a death in the family may require travel. Is it possible for kidney patients to travel? Yes, most patients who receive dialysis or have had a kidney transplant can travel safely...