Identifying Barriers When Traveling for Those with Physical Disabilities Through a Scoping Review

Publication Date

Spring 2026

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Laura Lenhart

Second Advisor

Amy Bala

Third Advisor

Maryleen Jones

Abstract

Background: 

Approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide live with disabilities. International conventions recognize travel and leisure participation as fundamental rights. However, individuals with physical disabilities continue to face significant barriers when access leisure travel opportunities.

Methods:

This modified scoping review examined existing literature across seven databases (PubMed, EBSCO, SAGE, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and APTA) using search terms "people with disabilities", "wheelchair", "wheelchair users", "non-ambulatory", "travel", "leisure", 'recreation", "access", "affordability", and "accessibility". After screening nine articles met inclusion criteria and underwent an analysis based on recurring themes.

Results:

A thematic analysis of the literature revealed five themes that highlight the travel experiences of Persons with Disabilities (PWD): 1.) Emotions such as anger, feear, anxiety, isolation, etc.; 2.) Untrained staff across transportation and hospitality departments that result in unsafe practices, damage to assistive devices, and inaccessibililties; 3.) Lack of caregiver knowledge such as transfer techniques and medical knowledge, which could lead to financial burden; 4.) Structural barriers also surfaced that lead to poor disability accommodations that frowned upon mobility devices; and 5.) legislation that led to inconsistent enforcement, fragmented jurisdictional application, and unpredictable policy variability across modes of transport.

Conclusion:

Barriers to accessibly leisure travel extend beyond physical obstacles to encompass social, emotional, and systemic aspects that collectively sabotage the rights and dignity of PWD. Findings indicate that legislation alone is not enough to address the inaccessibilities without comprehensive staff training, caregiver support, universal implementation of law and regulations, and inclusion of disabled perspectives from PWD. Addressing these sophisticated barriers requires coordination from transportation, legislation, and hospitality to provide individuals with a more privileged and reserved form of accessibility for all.

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