About
The start of my trip to Berlin was a nightmare.
Ten years ago, I was travelling in my wheelchair solo, halfway around the world to the German capital.
With 3 weeks annual leave, some savings and a passion for Deutsch design culture, I was more than excited.
The guy I was talking to about my accommodation, assured me the converted warehouse I’d seen online was suitable for my needs.
I even sent the exact dimensions of my wheelchair.
After 22 hours in the air and a 4-hour train trip I arrived, exhausted, to find my uber-cool Kreuzberg digs inaccessible. Apparently, it was ‘wheelchair-friendly’ after the 20 cm step at the entry.
For the record I had a great time in Berlin, but this is not a unique story.
I started Freewheel Weekends to create the kind of material I look for when I’m planning travel. It’s the questions that aren’t answered by travel sites, that I feature in my reviews and videos. What are the surfaces like? Are the paths steep? Where are the accessible toilets?
Freewheel Weekends is a passion project and I hope you enjoy it. We don’t have sponsors and we’re not beholden to advertisers.
The Access Agency
From Freewheel Weekends, The Access Agency was born. Advising on access and communications and advocating for travellers with reduced mobility. Travellers like us.
The Access Agency is a profit for purpose business, we want people with reduced mobility and disability to travel better and experience more.
#AccessibleTravel #TravelForAll #AccessMatters #AccessibleTourism
Presentations and press
How accessible is Melbourne for people with a disability? - The Age
Interviewed and filmed as part of the investigative piece by journalist Jewel Topsfield
‘The Untapped Market of Accessible Tourism’ - Input Doc Podcast
Interview by Tim at Clyde Golden about the opportunity presented by accessible tourism
Exploring Egypt with Ryan Smith - The Accessible Travel Talk Show 2020
Interview with Wheelchair Travel founder John Morris
‘Hitting the Town’ Inform Magazine, Autumn 2019
Article written about travelling with a disability that includes tips in planning and the transformative effect of travel.
‘Good Access is Good Business’ Yarra News, March 2019
Interviewed as part of an accessibility article, “Good Access is Good Business”.
‘The value of improved accessibility to beaches’ - 2019 Victorian Marine & Coastal Forum, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Co-presented on the broad benefits of beach access with Bert Parker from the Disabled Divers Association.
‘The Power of Accessibility’ - Australian Red Cross
Cco-presented with Rocca Salcedo on the importance of accessibility to the staff at Australian Red Cross. Conducted with Speakers Bank.
Travel and Accessibility Interview
Interview with Ryan about accessible travel and his vision for Freewheel Weekends with the Speakers Bank.
YMCA & Parks Vic - Access Weekend Interview
Interview as part of a promotion for YMCA and Parks Vic.
Human Rights Arts and Film Festival - Ambassador
Ryan is proud to be an Ambassador for the Australia’s Human Rights Arts and Film Festival.
Thanks to
Thanks to Rocca Salcedo (xox), John, Kris, Bert, Phillip, B, Dr Danielle, Dave, Amie, Rosemary, Colin, David, PT & the DDA guys.
Thanks to all the strangers who’ve shot photos for us and didn’t take off with the camera.
