By Rachel Schreiber
Before 1996, if Jonathan Robinson wanted to travel, he would do so and nothing held him back. However, the effects of a head on collision alerted him to the plight of the disabled and their special travel needs.
The lower right side of Jonathan’s body was broken in the accident. During his year-long recovery he wondered if he would be able to travel again. It was during this period he spoke with people in rehabilitation about getting their lives back together. In order to get his life back together, Jonathan knew he had to travel once again. Realizing this, he embarked on his first excursion as soon as physically possible. He knew “modifications” were going to have to be made, to deal with his new set of physical circumstances. It was this realization that became the inspiration for Enabled Traveler.
He says, “I liked to travel and I thought it would be good if I could provide the disabled with a tour guide specifically for them to have a better vacation, or even have a vacation. Right now, there’s nothing on the internet which offers the disabled vacation options or shows them how to have a good time while on vacation.” Enabled Traveler has planned two vacations in Italy, a trip to Canada and one to the California wine country for their disabled clients. He states, “In Italy, they might promise an amenity and when the client arrives, they find that’s not the case. We have experienced travel agents who have been to the countries we send our clients to and the agents know where to send the clients so they don’t run into issues. The US trips have been mostly interstate trips, like car rides from Michigan to Indiana or to New York.”
The mentally disabled may also take advantage of his services. Jonathan says, “People who are mentally challenged, such as those with brain injuries, are welcome to use my services, but we ask they travel with a companion, or we can assign them one.”
“I believe the Enabled Traveler is perfectly positioned as an internet show. The would-be traveler visits Jonathan’s web site and fills out information about a trip. From there he contacts travel agents who find the most accommodating travel options. He states, “Forty-eight percent of disabled market has stated the internet has made their lives better because they’re more connected to the world. This is especially true for the shut-ins.”
Jonathan has grand plans for his two-year-old business. Suha Ahmed is his co-host for a future travel show. She graduated from Wayne State University and majored in Middle Eastern Languages and minored in English. Suha was working at the Wellness Center when she found the Enabled Traveler through an ad. She says, “His business really caught my attention; it’s a beautiful plan.” Jonathan envisions Suha as a tour guide. She would take the viewer on his/her first-hand visit of the location via the internet. Similar to the Travel Channel show, the Enabled Traveler would document vacation spots. Jonathan explains, “The show will be housed on the website and we’re working with a television network. The president of the company has a tie into Colors-Network which has an audience of 15-17 million viewers. The president liked the Enabled Traveler idea and wants to sign on a co-producer, and take it to Colors-Network.”
Jonathan says, “Our goal for the Enabled Traveler is to be the ultimate tour guide for the disabled. We want to book custom trips for them.” In addition to the articles on travel, the web site will have posts on other topics such as health, technology and fashion. He states, “If we more effectively inform our travelers about all these areas we can help make our clients’ travel experiences better overall.”
The Enabled Traveler
Jonathan Robinson
2482 Eagle’s Circle, Suite 3
Ypsilanti, Mi, 48197
Phone: 734.730.5546
Email: contactus@enabledtraveler.com
Website: www.enabledtraveler.com