This is an interview with Flor Lara one of the pioneers of teaching Catalan Sign Language. The interview is in Catalan Sign Language with English subtitles and covers some of the issues regarding deaf people and tourism. The video is embedded here from YouTube, but if you have any problems just follow this link direct: Flor Lara Interview
Accessible Everything
An accessible & inclusive travel blog for people with disabilities
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American Airlines
These days all we read about from people with disabilities is how badly they’ve been treat by airlines, they have no disability awareness, they broke yet another wheelchair or they don’t have subtitles on the safety video so deaf people have no idea about the procedures in case of an emergency. We often complain and normally with good reason about the service that we receive and we rarely read about the positive actions of airlines or their staff.
I just wanted to share a small story about my recent trip from Nicaragua - Spain, I could probably write much more about the lack of service and awareness but we all know of these issues, instead I want to say thanks to American Airlines (I know, I’m surprised too!).
I reserved my ticket through LastMinute.com and at the last minute my flight from Managua - Miami was changed from Midday to 7.30am but the remaining part of the itinerary remained the same. Although this was nobody’s fault, just a change in the scheduling of the flights, for me as a paraplegic wheelchair user this has all kinds of consequences the main one being the extended amount of time the trip would take and the 9 hour layover in Miami. This in turn increases the amount of time that I am in my wheelchair and therefore the risk of getting pressure sores (also known as bed sores). Also as I cannot elevate my legs the blood gets stuck in my ankles and they swell which isn’t particularly great for anyone!
When we (my partner and I) arrived at Miami we went to the American Airlines desk and explained the situation. Without any fuss or arguing they immediately put us up in the Miami Airport Hotel and gave us free lunch vouchers. I was surprised to say the least as normally you have to argue for hours, stating and restating your complaint. We were given an adapted room and managed to get a few hours sleep and a shower before continuing our trip with British Airways. Although the adapted bathroom at the Miami Airport hotel left much to be desired as it had a very low bath and rather high beds, the break was very welcome.
Due to this great service from American Airlines I arrived in Barcelona fully intact without any pressure sores. So without further ado, THANK YOU American Airlines!
(this article is by no means an endorsement or recommendation for people with disabilities to use American Airlines!)
Accessible Jazz
After a long flight via Miami and London (review of great service from American Airlines to come) I’m eventually back in good old Barcelona in the neighbourhood where I used to live, Gracia. Yesterday I went for a wheel down to the beach and along the accessible promanade passing by the inclusive beaches, specifically San Sebastía, adapted by wooden ramps to the sea which are staffed by local Red Cross volunteers and where they also have a beach wheelchair.
After sunning myself for an hour or so and drinking a suprisingly expensive banana smoothie I headed back to Plaza Rius i Taulet, Gracia for the 18th Festival l’hora del Jazz (The Hour of Jazz). The plaza is totally accessible and the jazz from 12.00 - 15.00 hrs is totally free. The festival continues every Sunday throughout September (21st and 28th), so if you happen to be in Barcelona and like jazz it’s well worth checking out.
The nearest adapted metro station is Fontana on the Green Line (L3) and the nearest bus stops are on Gran de Gracia. You can find the bus numbers through the TMB website.