Kevan’s Accessible Globe Trotting Adventure

When Kevan Chandler, from North Carolina in the United States wanted to travel around Europe, he was worried about accessibility.  So, he turned to his close circle of friends for advice.  Between them, the group made Kevan’s dream a reality with an ingenious solution.  They adapted a hiking backpack so Kevan could travel on his friends back and leave his wheelchair at home.  Now, six years after the trip, the story of Kevan and his friends’ adventure has inspired books, a documentary and discussions on redefining accessibility.

Putting A Plan in Place

Thirty-six-year-old Kevan lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).  Day to day, he uses a powered wheelchair and a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) to get him around.  But prior to his European trip, Kevin wanted to iron out any accessibility issues he could run into on while abroad.  From navigating hilly Irish cities to the distinctly un-wheelchair-friendly cobblestones of Paris, Kevan and his friends realised that they needed to get creative to make the trip work.  The group worked together to adapt a carrier backpack for Kevan to travel in.

Kevan said: “I let a bunch of medically unqualified musicians put me in a backpack and carry me around the world!”

Around the World, Accessibly

The adapted carrier included strategic padding and support cushions for Kevan’s comfort and because it was a rucksack, it meant that his friends could take turns carrying him on their backs.  It also meant that Kevan could have the freedom to access any tricky terrain that his wheelchair wouldn’t be able to cope with.  Leaving his wheelchair at home also meant there was no risk of his mobility aid getting damaged or lost in transit.  While the accessible carrier offered a unique experience, there were times during their adventure where Kevan wondered whether the invention was right for him.

He remembers: “I wanted a moment to wander off and do my own thing and I realised I couldn’t because I didn’t have my wheelchair.  I was really faced with a moment of ‘my wheelchair gives me freedom in some ways and having this backpack gives me freedom and an experience in another way’”.

Redefining Accessibility

On their return from an unforgettable holiday, Kevan and his friends realised how much their accessible carrier could change other people’s lives.  Soon after, the group started a non-profit organisation, working with the makers of the original carriers they had modified, selling them around the world so others could have the incredible experience Kevan had.  The team behind the new organisation, named ‘We Carry Kevan’, also planned their next big adventure, a trip around China.  Six years on, the company has gone from strength to strength with over 650 families owning the product.  Looking back, Kevan’s surprised at what has grown from such a simple idea but is delighted with the result.

He concludes: “We’re helping people realise through example that accessibility comes together when you have people with you to think creatively and outside the box.”

Read more about Kevan and his story: https://wecarrykevan.org/.