Wheelie Inspiring Interview Series: Ellie of Freewheelin’ Through Life

1) How did your passion for traveling begin?

I wanted to travel at a very young age. My first trip on an airplane was when I was 5, and ever since then I have been in love with it. We were traveling to Utah for a type of therapy. Since then the travel bug has taken over.

2) What made you decide to start Freewheelin’ Through Life and can you explain a little bit about what it is?

I started Freewheelin’ Through Life because I was influenced by my friend Randy Gregg. He told me that I needed to tell everyone my story, and get exposure to the job market. So that employers will see what I CAN do instead of what I can’t do. Freewheelin’ Through Life is a blog, with podcast components to it. Feel free to listen/read at anytime and I also have a facebook page, twitter feed, and Instagram feed that go along with it.

3) What is the most wheelchair friendly place that you have been to?

It is Sea Crest Beach! It was beautiful and there wasn’t anything I couldn’t do there.

4) What’s the least accessible place that you have been to?

New York City, I had to go there for surgery. The place we stayed at was up stairs at someones home, so I had to be carried up two flights of stairs. It was not a fun experience. I would love to go back and stay on the main strip.

5) What kind of problems have you came across while traveling in a wheelchair? How did you overcome them?

The first and most important is accessibility, not being able to go on tours, and not being able to do the activities that the place has to offer. I overcome these challenges by booking a room a month in advance so that I get the accessible room that I need. If there is an activity I would like to do then i have to talk to who’s in charge, so that way we can figure out a way that I can enjoy it also. Communication is the key!!

6) What are some of the top things on your bucket list?

Go to Australia, skydiving, go to Maui, body surfing, and go on a Disney cruise. I have never been on a cruise, so why not make the best of both worlds.

7) Do you have any tips for other wheelchair users that might not think traveling is possible?

Anything is possible. You just have to be creative. Planning ahead and not being afraid to ask for what you want are the two most important things I can think of.

8) Most importantly, where to next?

To celebrate getting my first job, I am going on a cruise to Hawaii.