High Roller: Fred Maahs Jr.’s Mission of Accessible Travel for All

Fred Maahs Jr., based in Delaware, has been a trailblazer in accessible travel advocacy for over 35 years. His journey began at 18, when a diving accident left him paralyzed from the chest down—ten years before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. “I quickly realized the world wasn’t built for people like me,” he says, reflecting on the early days post-injury.

Throughout a long and successful corporate career, travel became part of Fred’s job. Over time, he also became a trusted voice on accessible air travel, frequently called upon to consult on industry practices. In 2019, he left the corporate world to start his own consulting firm, helping businesses improve accessibility in tourism. Then, in 2022, he co-founded Journeyable, a digital platform dedicated to making all travel more inclusive. “Our vision is for it to become the resource for accessible travel—where people can find tips, ask questions, and even help shape the industry through feedback,” Fred shares.

Fred knows firsthand the challenges of navigating air travel with a disability. He’s flown throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe, often managing independently. “Every flight felt like an adventure,” he says. “You’re hoping your wheelchair arrives in one piece.” Despite improvements in training and equipment handling, inconsistencies persist—even within the same airline.

His proudest achievements range from helping pass early accessibility legislation in Washington, D.C., to the creation of Journeyable, and to advising the U.S. Department of Transportation and presenting at the Dubai Accessible Air Travel Summit. “Creating change that lasts is what I’m most proud of,” Fred says.

To BACKBONES’ audience, Fred offers this advice: Do your research. He recommends using platforms like Journeyable to explore destinations, read firsthand stories, and even find vetted travel agents. “It’s not just about planning once—things change. You have to stay flexible,” he cautions.

Looking ahead, Fred hopes to see hotel websites offering detailed, reliable accessibility information—“not just symbols, but actual dimensions and specific features based on different needs.”

Fred Maahs Jr. reminds us that accessible travel isn’t just about compliance—it’s about freedom, dignity, and inclusion for all. Through platforms like Journeyable and continued advocacy, he’s helping pave the way for more equitable travel experiences.