One of my least favorite qualities in people is doubt. There’s always someone there to tell you that you can’t do something or that it would never happen. Me on the other hand, I like to show people that they’re wrong and that I CAN do it. Just because you add some wheels to the equation doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

People don’t believe I ever leave my house, let alone travel. I was and still am very fortunate to grow up in a family that loves to travel and see the world. I’ve been to Hawaii, Ireland, Canada, and California just to name a few places. They all provide their own challenges in getting around, so flexibility and patience is key. More times than not, I will come a cross a set of stairs that limits me from getting from point A to point B. At first it sucks, but there’s always a way around it if you look hard enough.

The other cool thing about traveling in a wheelchair is you get to see all the back routes and the behind the scenes stuff. When my family and I arrived in Hawaii, there was no way for us to get off the plane because the only way out was down the stairs. Our next option was climbing aboard a scissor truck that would drop us off at the bottom. Who knew they had scissor trucks in Hawaii? Trying to get to the metro in Washington D.C. was a struggle as we were lowered hundreds of feet into the ground in a tiny elevator. Claustrophobia definitely set in and I never thought I would see the light of day again, but I lived. That wasn’t even the worst part of the metro. Once we got to the actual trains, a good buddy of mine and I had to take a leap of faith in our chairs over the gap between the train and the platform, while battling the busy businessmen and the fast-closing doors. If there was ever an example of stress, it was this attempt to take the metro into the city. Sometimes it can be terrifying, but I wouldn’t change any of it. It’s always worth it.

Traveling with a disability doesn’t limit me; it just makes things more interesting! This summer I have Paris and Minnesota lined up, and I can’t wait to see what they both have in store. Who knows, maybe they can scissor truck me to the top of the Eiffel Tower!

Hey everyone! I’m Liam and I’m a sophomore at Central Bucks East high school in Doylestown, PA. I live at home with my parents but I also like going out with friends, playing wheelchair hockey, and enjoying the outdoors! I was born with a rare muscle disease called Collegian 6 Deficient, but that doesn’t stop me!