Menu

The TakeAway: Brooke shares her experience with accessible travel

June 18, 2025


At just 13 years old, Brooke’s life was turned upside down when she experienced a major stroke. Since then, she has been living with ongoing challenges, including mobility issues that require a wheelchair, occasional speech difficulties, and fatigue. But Brooke has faced it all with courage and determination. She’s come to embrace what she calls her “new Brooke” identity - fierce, stubborn, and resilient. Her strength in adapting to life after stroke has not only shaped her own recovery but continues to inspire those around her.

Brooke is currently in New York attending the Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP) 2025 at the United Nations. She has shared advice about accessible travel here.

What does accessible travel mean to you and how do you plan for it when you organise a trip? (0.17 secs)

Brooke says, "Accessible travel means not being afraid to speak up and say what my needs and wants are. Not only to myself, but to the people in the travel world that may have not dealt with a person with my needs before

Resources:


Brooke says, "The other thing, I am really concerned about going to the 'states’(USA) and having my bags looked in too. So, I bought smart lock luggage by Hays. The luggage has an app that locks and unlocks the bag."

Resources:

Brookie, what are the most common accessibility barriers that you encounter when travelling. How do you navigate them? (4.31 mins)

Brooke says, "Once again, it is about speaking up. People don't understand what my needs are. It's about educating others and making them aware."

Resources:

Carol: Do you feel like the community understands your needs?

Brooke says, "No, not on the whole. I have also found that definitions and language around accessibility are different in different countries. So, if you have access8iblity needs, don't assume that people will understand your needs."

Resources:


Brookie, what essential items do you always pack for your accessibility needs? (6.42 mins)

Resources – here is a list of what Brooke sees as essential:

I can see in your hand a travel packing list. (9.38 mins)

Brooke says, "It's quite easy to forget something after a stroke, especially with brain fog and cognitive fatigue. So, an itemized list is really helpful. Also, don't pack alone, ask a friend, family member colleague or NDIS support worker to help."

If you want to talk to a team member about accessible travel, please call StrokeLine 1800 787 653.