My Interview with Carrie-Ann Lightley
Carrie-Ann Lightley, 33, from the Lake District, is a wheelchair user who has Cerebral Palsy. She is well
known for her successful blog (carrieannlightley.com) and passion for travel. In 2019 she was named on
the Disability Power 100 as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK. Hannah Deakin has interviewed her.
known for her successful blog (carrieannlightley.com) and passion for travel. In 2019 she was named on
the Disability Power 100 as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK. Hannah Deakin has interviewed her.
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| Carrie-Ann travelling |
How Did You Get Into Working in Tourism?
I started with national charity Tourism for All back in 2005. My job involved running their helpline, membership
and partnership services, to support disabled people looking for accessible travel and tourism information, and helping accessible tourism businesses to promote their services.
and partnership services, to support disabled people looking for accessible travel and tourism information, and helping accessible tourism businesses to promote their services.
Writing for Tourism for All’s newsletter inspired me to launch my blog in 2007. After 13 years with the charity, I moved on to AccessAble in 2018.
What Does Your Job with AccessAble Involve?
My role is Marketing Manager. I lead on our work with external partners, including Destination Management Organisations, disability charities and directory websites.
I have overall responsibility for all of the content on AccessAble’s blog, and I oversee the management of our network of AccessAble Champions – disabled bloggers and vloggers who act as ambassadors for us.
What Are the Main Hurdles That Wheelchair Users Need to Overcome In Travelling?
I think that the most fundamental thing is venues communicating accessibility properly. It’s not for me, or for
anyone, to say what constitutes good accessibility – because that will be different for every single disabled person.
anyone, to say what constitutes good accessibility – because that will be different for every single disabled person.
The key is providing honest, easy to find information about whatever level of accessibility you have, because your venue will be accessible to someone.
One thing that could change the world for disabled people is information.
Do You Think Travelling Is Becoming More Accessible for Disabled People?
Absolutely. 15 years ago I couldn’t get on a bus in my home town; now all of our local buses have automatic wheelchair ramps.
The development of Apps like AccessAble’s means that disabled people can be spontaneous, going out with Access Guides in our pockets, rather than spending hours hunting for misleading information.
Also the prevalence of disabled people like you and I, and so many others, who are online sharing our experiences and creating resources, to support those who may be going through similar difficult life journeys, to the ones we’ve faced, can only be a good thing.
How Does It Feel to Be Named As One of the 100 Most Influential Disabled People In the UK?
It’s such an incredible feeling. I grew up without any disabled mentors. Without anyone to look up to who was like me. The Disability Power 100 has given me the opportunity to empower the next generation of disabled people, and I’m so honoured.
You Have Been Writing Your Successful Travel Blog for Many Years. Do You Have Any Advice/Tips For Disabled People Considering Travelling for the First Time?
When planning a trip, I work through my Wheelchair Accessible Travel Survival Guide. Research, research and research some more.
Spend time web searching, guide book reading and asking for recommendations. Make sure that you have everything documented – confirmations, mobility equipment manuals, medical prescriptions. Take out insurance which includes cover for any medical conditions you have, and your mobility equipment. Do what you can to protect your mobility equipment from damage.
Spend time web searching, guide book reading and asking for recommendations. Make sure that you have everything documented – confirmations, mobility equipment manuals, medical prescriptions. Take out insurance which includes cover for any medical conditions you have, and your mobility equipment. Do what you can to protect your mobility equipment from damage.
Allow time for delays, and don’t try to pack too much into your itinerary.
Do You Have Any Tips and Advice for Other Disabled Bloggers?
I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that honest, open writing is what people really want to read. That thing that you might be embarrassed to share, or that opinion that you’re really passionate about? Write that. Writing your truth builds such a deep connection with your readers.
Where Is the Next Place You Would Like to Go/Travel to?
Pre-pandemic I had my ultimate ‘bucket list’ trip planned – Bali, Australia and Singapore. That’s sadly had to
be cancelled, but I hope that before too long I’ll be able to start travel planning again.
be cancelled, but I hope that before too long I’ll be able to start travel planning again.
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