Travelling Chair

Travelling Chair is a “reviewing website for accessibility”, says wheelchair-bound Ariane Garner-Williams. “In the past, you’d call up a restaurant and ask about accessibility and they’re like, 'Yeah, of course'… but then you turn up and there’s steps or no disabled loo.”

To conquer this problem she joined the Travelling Chair community, a new online network where people with access needs can independently review Melbourne venues and rank their true accessibility. And they’re dreaming big: “We’ve got a view of becoming worldwide,” Garner-Williams enthuses. “We have a guy in Paris doing reviews for us at the moment, which is great.”

In terms of what can be reviewed, Garner-Williams tells us it’s pretty open. “Anyone can be a reviewer, and if there’s an existing review you can add your opinion to it. Two opinions are better than one. You can review restaurants and bars, live music, doctors offices… even public toilets if you want!”

To contribute, just jump onto Travelling Chair.

Ariane’s top 3 Melbourne spots for wheelchair users:

Skinny Dog Hotel

Great food and great accessibility. It’s my favourite place.

CQ Bar

Ask the security and they take you the most direct route round the back. It’s a great place with good access.

Beer Deluxe

Fully accessible and they have more than just your average beers. Some good odd-ball stuff and they serve good food too!