Social media influencer Jessica Jordan Ping was born and raised in Central Illinois, U.S. She entered this world with a rare disease called CHILD syndrome, which affects only about 60 people worldwide. For her, it manifested as a shortened left arm and shortened left leg. Her leg had to be further amputated after birth. To get around, she sometimes uses a wheelchair, prosthetic leg or a walking stick. Vivacious and confident, Jessica effectively uses her social media platforms as an advocacy tool, showing the world that her disability is just one part of who she is.
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF A LUXURY VACATION?
A luxury vacation has to make me feel included. It should be an all-inclusive vacation and this concept means something different to me. This is a vacation where I can participate in every activity and never feel excluded. Where I am constantly being catered to in the same way that a non-disabled person is being catered to. This is what luxury feels like-not having to worry about whether or not I'm going to be included in the supposed inclusive activities.
A luxury vacation includes ease of thinking. I don't want to have to overthink or stress because in my day-to-day life I'm constantly stressed-is this accessible? Do I really have to call again? Do I have to scope out a location before I go on the next weekend getaway with my friends to make sure that I can actually enter it without having to be a bother to anybody?
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER?
Esta historia es de la edición April 2024 de Accessible Journeys.
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Esta historia es de la edición April 2024 de Accessible Journeys.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Cruising Corner
Inclusive adventures across the seas
Discover Kelowna this summer: Accessible adventures await!
Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, Canada's stunning Okanagan Valley, Kelowna invites people of all abilities to explore its natural beauty and vibrant culture.
An untapped niche: Accessible vacation rentals
Did you know if you filter an Airbnb search for all accessibility features, you can count the house results in the entire United States on one hand?
Enjoy the journey
Katie is the mom of Houston Vandergriff, a world renown photographer with Down Syndrome. The following is her story, from diagnosis day to changing the world through following her son's passion.
Jim Teneycke "Find a good travel ally"
I have had the pleasure of knowing Jim and his family for nearly 15 years since our kids first became friends.
Jesse Nichols "Pack your patience"
I had the pleasure of interviewing my long-time friend Jesse Nichols in early May for this issue.
Adaptive Adventures
Thrilling adventures for all abilities
Monica Gärtner
Founder, the Canadian Assisted Travel Society
Chasing a dream in the jungles of Borneo
I dream of nature and wilderness travel: rainforests, ocean, savannah, falling asleep to jungle sounds at night and birdsong early in the morning.
Empowering Travel: Navigating accessibility and advocacy for individuals with Dwarfism
I love to travel.