Barney Miller has hit some of the biggest waves in the country and now the paraplegic surfer is fulfilling his dream of crossing Australia.

More than two decades ago, Mr. Miller broke the C6 vertebra in his neck in a car accident and was diagnosed with some form of quadriplegia.

After years of intensive rehabilitation, the 42-year-old has moved his arms again and can breathe independently.

Barney and Kada Miller say preparation was key to their road trip through Australia (Delivered: Barney and Kada Miller)

Mr. Miller and his wife Kada left their home in Sawtell on the north central coast of NSW earlier this year to drive around Australia.

From sailing with dolphins off the coast of Monkey Mia in Western Australia to swimming with whale sharks, the couple made their dream vacation a reality.

“It was a life changing adventure,” said Miller.

Ms. Miller said her modified campervan was fitted with ramps, hand-operated levers to control the brakes and acceleration, and other features that enabled her husband to drive.

Ramps and other modifications were made to the Miller’s campervan.Delivered: Barney and Kada Miller)

“The only thing he’s going to check off [his bucket list] is that he drove all the way across Australia. He won’t let me drive, “said Ms. Miller.

She said her adventures inspired others to support loved ones with disabilities to help make their dream vacation come true.

“We met a lot of people on the street who said, ‘My uncle, my cousin, someone you know is in a similar situation and has dreamed of doing something like that,” Ms. Miller said.

“Just seeing that we are able to do it has encouraged them to know that it is possible.”

Preparation is key

Australia’s travel industry has become increasingly accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.

But preparing and liaising with tourism companies in advance was critical for Ms. Miller to ensure that her husband could take part in various activities and tours.

“There have been some places that have tried to be inclusive,” Ms. Miller said.

“And if not, find someone else.”

Barney Miller drives with Mrs. Kada At the beginning of the year, the couple embarked on their adventure.Delivered: Barney and Kada Miller)

When the couple contacted a Joy-Flight operator in Broome, Miller said the organizers had never flown anyone in a wheelchair, but the company had received all the necessary certifications to ensure they wouldn’t miss the experience.

“They went out of their way to make sure I could get on the plane. It was amazing,” he said.

“One of my friends and the pilot lifted me on and off the plane.

“Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help, but it’s amazing how much help you can get if you ask for it.”

Despite the challenges, Barney and Kada Miller hope their trip will inspire others to make their dream vacation come true.

“You don’t really have to let anything limit you, it’s just a matter of perspective,” Ms. Miller said.

Move towards inclusion

Emma Gallagher Emma Gallagher was among the disability attorneys who helped introduce inclusive support measures at Sydney Airport. (abc news)

For the autistic Emma Gallagher, flying to work or vacation was a traumatic experience.

“I just found it very overwhelming. I often had to travel with someone else to support me because I was unable to do a whole trip on my own,” said Ms. Gallagher.

“Now I have the independence to travel alone if necessary.”

Ms. Gallagher works with the non-profit Autism Spectrum Australia, which was part of a recent project at Sydney Airport, to make air travel more accessible and inclusive.

A sunflower lanyard is available for people with invisible disabilities so that employees – who have completed specialist training – discreetly recognize that they may need help.

Mind card An online map shows smells, noise and lighting at Sydney Airport to help people with hidden disabilities navigate the terminals. (abc news)

Visual stories for flight preparation as well as an online feature that maps sounds, smells and lighting around the airport are among the new measures.

The changes have helped travelers like Ms. Gallagher and others make flying a more enjoyable experience.

“The ability to use that resource, this sensory map, to find the quietest part of the terminal so I can just relax until I get on the plane,” she said.

Ms. Gallagher said the benefits of the initiative went beyond people with disabilities and had also helped the elderly, people with dementia and those who spoke English as a second language.

“Many of the resources are being developed in plain, easy-to-read English and are designed to support as many people as possible,” she said.

A Discovery Holidays tour group in Walpole, WA Despite border closings, Kass Langdon (center right) has been busy running tours and organizing vacations for people with disabilities in WA this summer. (Scope of delivery: voyages of discovery)

Pandemic shortage

Reaching the goal is not the only challenge.

Western Australia-based vacation planner Kass Langdon specializes in guided tours and travel for individuals and groups.

“WA itself was open and we had a wonderful time traveling around the state and experiencing new things,” she said.

A woman in a hat and t-shirt. Kass Langdon from Discovery Holidays. (ABC South West WA: Anthony Pancia)

The biggest problem, however, is a lack of supply of specialty equipment such as cars and certain aircraft, triggered by numerous factors such as the COVID-19-induced economic downturn and an increase in demand for supervised vacation.

Ms. Langdon said the waiting list for certain transports could be more than 12 months.

“It is very difficult for people to find the right accommodation and transportation for them,” Langdon said.

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