Episode Recap: Accessible Adventures with Kristy Cook

I had the privilege of speaking with Kristy Cook, founder of Accessible Adventures, about her journey as a mother of a child with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and how her family has embraced outdoor exploration. Kristy shares the challenges of navigating medical care, the importance of community support, and how accessible travel has transformed their lives. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply an advocate for inclusivity in the outdoors, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Meet Kristy Cook

Kristy is a mother of four, including her son Robbie, who has LGS, a rare and severe form of epilepsy. Through her platform Accessible Adventures, she shares resources, adaptive travel tips, and inclusive outdoor experiences for families navigating disabilities. Her journey took a significant turn when her family received an RV from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, opening the door to a lifestyle focused on accessible adventures. Since then, she has become a leader in advocating for inclusive travel and community support.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Robbie’s diagnosis of LGS came later than most, and navigating the healthcare system required persistence.

• The family moved to Colorado for better medical care and improved access to disability resources.

• Community support plays a crucial role in managing life with complex medical needs.

• The Make-A-Wish RV sparked a lifestyle shift, allowing the family to travel safely and experience the outdoors.

• Accessible travel planning is essential—researching destinations, adaptive equipment, and inclusive spaces makes a big difference.

• Outdoor adventures provide therapeutic benefits, improving both physical and emotional well-being for children with disabilities.

• Financial planning for disability needs is crucial, as resources and insurance coverage vary widely by state and country.

• Inclusivity in outdoor communities benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.

• Siblings of children with disabilities experience unique emotional challenges, and open communication is key.

• Planning for the future is necessary to ensure long-term accessibility and care.

  
  

Q&A Highlights

Q: What inspired your journey into accessible travel?

Kristy: Receiving the Make-A-Wish RV was a turning point for us. It allowed us to explore safely while accommodating Robbie’s needs, and we realized there were so many accessible places that other families didn’t know about. That’s when I knew we had to start sharing our experiences.

Q: How do you balance therapy and adventure?

Kristy: We’ve tried everything—weekly therapy, taking breaks, intensives—and found that following Robbie’s lead is best. Outdoor experiences provide just as much value as clinical therapy, sometimes even more.

Q: What advice do you have for families just starting their accessible travel journey?

Kristy: Start small! Research stroller-friendly and wheelchair-accessible trails, reach out to tourism boards for recommendations, and connect with others who share their experiences online. Planning ahead makes all the difference.

Where to Listen & Connect

Catch the full episode on Spotify and follow Kristy’s journey at @Accessible.Adventures on Instagram.

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