Empowering Travel: Navigating accessibility and advocacy for individuals with Dwarfism

I love to travel.

- Samantha Rayburn—Trubyk

Travelling as a person born with dwarfism presents unique challenges but also opportunities for making connections. In this article, I share some of my most memorable travel experiences, from navigating inaccessible rental trucks to meeting Andre Agassi and Vice President Kamala Harris.

These stories highlight the importance of preparation, selfadvocacy and the need for greater accessibility in the travel industry. Whether it's ensuring accessible accommodations or dealing with safety concerns, my journey offers insights and advice for fellow Little People hesitant to travel.

MOST MEMORABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

One of my most memorable travel experiences occurred during a work trip. My coworker rented a massive truck that lacked running boards. I was not able to get in or out of the truck comfortably and needed a curb to climb into it. After a few unsuccessful attempts, I decided to take a taxi to our daily destinations instead.

In another instance, before the days of Uber or Lyft, I was in Edmonton for work. After a long day, I called a cab to take me back to my hotel but ended up waiting for three hours due to heavy snowfall and a busy season. When the cab finally arrived, another passenger, who had also been waiting for a long time, ended up sharing the ride. The driver and the passenger engaged in a heated political debate, making me feel unsafe. Fortunately, the passenger's stop came up, and he got out at the right time.

SAFETY