In this episode of the Back Up and Thriving Accessible Travel Podcast, host Sophie Elwes interviews Pete Donnelly, who has lived with a T6 spinal cord injury for 18 years. They discuss Pete's journey with Back Up, his rehabilitation, mastering wheelchair skills, and his exceptional travel experiences globally. Pete shares valuable insights into overcoming internalized ableism and the societal barriers faced by people with disabilities. He also offers practical advice for living well with a spinal cord injury and his top travel tips to make life easier for wheelchair This conversation aims to inspire listeners to view travelling post-injury as not only possible but potentially life-changing.

Episode Highlights:
04:05 The Accident and Rehabilitation
05:55 Facing Perceptions and Internalized Ableism
09:59 Mastering Wheelchair Skills
19:37 Navigating London with a Wheelchair
25:12 Adventures Abroad: Traveling with a Wheelchair

Episode Links:

• Back Up Wheelchair Skills App
• Back Up Courses
• Taking Flight

Credits:

This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Lucy Lucraft.

Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin.