Traveling has never been something that I love. Embarking on a journey as a wheelchair user is always accompanied by a set of challenges. Having lived with mild cerebral palsy throughout my life, travel has often been a daunting prospect. This fear of travel was not for lack of wanting to travel, it was born from an apprehension of the unknown that would await in a new city, a new experience, undoubtedly filled with inaccessible obstacles. I wanted to experience the joy of adventure. My desire to overcome this fear is what prompted me to start up my new business, Accessible Escapes, first to push myself to step out into the world of traveling with confidence and to hopefully encourage others to do so as well.

Deciding that the one passion I enjoyed most, viewing and critiquing film, would be just the push that I needed to get started on my journey of uninhibited travel, I elected to attend the Chicago International Film Festival for the first time.  I chose to participate in that festival because I have been a film critic for 13 years and wanted to experience new films in a new location, as I had previously attended the Roger Ebert Overlooked Film Festival in Champaign, IL, for several years. While that festival in my hometown has many unique restaurants and tourist attractions, it is something that I know well, and I wanted to venture into the unknown. In that sense, my passion for film triumphed over my fears of inaccessibility.

Exploring the Festival Scene

Chicago, a city I’ve visited several times, took on a new allure as I anticipated immersing myself in the cinematic wonders of the International Film Festival. With screenings from over 50 countries, the festival promised a treasure trove of cinematic gems not readily available in local theaters. The film festival was held for 10 days in several theater locations across Chicago. However, I was only there for viewings over the last weekend, Friday through Sunday. With 275 movies being shown over the ten days, there were still many left to choose from that made it challenging to decide which to see. There was something for everyone, drama, documentaries, horror, humor and anime. But although film was my sole purpose for being in Chicago, no visit to Chicago would be complete without sampling its unlimited and diverse restaurant options.

Navigating the Cityscape

My journey began with a visit to a restaurant named Peri Peri Nandos, nestled within the AMC New City complex where a number of the films were showing. This allowed us to scope out the facilities prior to our first viewing scheduled for the following day. Not only was this restaurant conveniently located within the theater complex but I was also fortunate to meet up with a longtime friend and film critic, Michael Phillips for lunch. Michael is the film critic for the Chicago Tribune and has been in that job over 20 years.

There were various accessibility issues inside the restaurant, most of which had to do with the table and chair set up and the fact that you had to go back and forth to retrieve your utensils, special items and your order from the counter. While this is inconvenient for most people, as a wheelchair user I then have to implicitly rely on restaurant staff for assistance. But despite encountering accessibility challenges within the restaurant, the food was delicious and our lunch provided an opportunity to catch up and fuel our excitement for the festival ahead, something I would have missed had I not made this trek to Chicago.

Advanced Preparation with Hotel Accomodation

Accommodations are a crucial accessibility feature for individuals with physical disabilities. So it was frustrating when upon checking into our hotel, we encountered the need to switch rooms to address my request for a bathtub in my room. Physical disabilities vary, however many hotels make walk-in showers a typical accommodation to address accessibility. In addition, many times accessible rooms are equipped with one king sized bed, creating a complication for accompanying companions. This was a problem in my room reassignment as well. The only option for a tub in my assigned accessible room, came with one queen sized bed with a pull out sofa. My accommodation requests were made clear during the reservation process, but were not provided. Unfortunately, failed accommodations are not uncommon for disabled travelers and contribute to the anxiety of their travel in unknown circumstances. Failed or not, advanced planning is essential for prioritizing accessibility in travel accommodations.

Lights, Camera, Access!

As the festival unfolded, I couldn’t help but notice the absence of individuals with physical disabilities among the attendees. While lines formed outside each screening venue, the demographic skewed towards women aged 30 to 50 and elderly individuals in wheelchairs, highlighting the need for improved accessibility and targeted marketing efforts.

Despite the challenges, I delved into the cinematic offerings, viewing films like “The Beautiful Summer” and “The Taste of Things” at the AMC New City theater. Situated within the bustling AMC New City complex, the theater offered a mix of accessibility features and limitations. While the theater itself was wheelchair accessible, with designated seating areas and ramps, there were still obstacles to navigate, such as crowded lobbies and narrow corridors. However, the presence of attentive staff members helped mitigate these challenges, providing assistance when needed. The screenings at AMC New City allowed me to immerse myself in captivating narratives, including “The Beautiful Summer,” where the presence of the director added depth to the experience. It was a testament to the power of storytelling to transcend barriers, showcasing the inclusivity of the film festival despite the physical obstacles faced by attendees.

Overcoming Obstacles

Day two of the festival presented new hurdles. While our first movie of the day, “Fallen Leaves,” was at the AMC theater where we attended films on day one, the second film was at the Music Box theater in Chicago. The Music Box Theater, known for its historic charm and eclectic screenings, posed unique accessibility challenges. Located in a bustling area near the Lincoln Park neighborhood, navigating parking, maneuvering through crowded streets, and negotiating curbs proved challenging, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and preparation for individuals with wheelchairs. Despite these obstacles, the allure of experiencing the latest Hayao Miyazaki movie, “The Boy and the Heron,” at the renowned Music Box Theater was irresistible. Pre-purchasing tickets helped expedite entry, but the journey to accessible seating within the theater itself proved daunting amidst the bustling crowd. Nonetheless, the captivating storytelling of Miyazaki’s film transcended the physical challenges, underscoring the importance of inclusive spaces in cultural venues.

Despite the obstacles encountered, my experience at the Chicago International Film Festival was nothing short of memorable. The diverse array of voices and perspectives showcased in the films left a lasting impression, underscoring the festival’s potential as an inclusive and accessible event. While the journey as a wheelchair user may present its share of obstacles, the rewards of embracing new experiences and passions outweigh the challenges. Overall it was an enjoyable escape to a city I had always been aware of but never appreciated. By advocating for accessibility and inclusivity, we pave the way for a more equitable and enriching travel experience for all.