My name is Karin Willison, and I’m a disability consultant, travel blogger, writer, and nonprofit leader based in Bloomington, Indiana. I love dogs, musical theatre, traveling, antiquing, and sharing my journey to survive and thrive in a society that often isn’t designed with people like me in mind.

When I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant, doctors told my parents that I’d never walk, speak, or feed myself, and that I’d probably have mental disabilities. My parents refused to accept that, and fought for me to have equal rights in education and in life. I have my BA in English from Stanford, MA in Psychology from Antioch, and I live in my own home, so that shows you exactly how much the doctors knew.

I use a power wheelchair, and need assistance with many daily tasks, but I don’t let that stop me. I am determined to live a full and exciting life, and surround myself with wonderful experiences and people.

After surviving an emotionally and financially abusive relationship, I started this blog to chronicle my healing process and the road trip to NYC that helped me find myself again. But three years later, just when I had found peace and happiness, I was attacked and thrown out of my wheelchair in a home invasion robbery perpetrated by a former caregiver and her boyfriend. They subsequently sent me death threats, and I was forced to leave California and move to Indiana. 

Recovering from violence is a hard road with many bumps along the way, but I’m doing well now. I have my life back, and I’m determined to live it on my own terms. I still love traveling to amazing places whenever I can, and sometimes I blog about it. But these days, I’m more focused on my other projects.  

I’m Co-President of the Mobility Aids Lending Library, a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization that provides donated medical equipment for free to people in need.  

I’m the owner of The Ability Toolbox, a website featuring life hacks, product guides, and more for people with disabilities.

…And last but not least, I do educational presentations, ADA consulting, sensitivity reading, and project development. I can help you make your business, organization, or creative work more accessible and inclusive. For more details, see Work With Me.

Contact Me

Want to connect? Please email me at karin@freewheelintravel.org – I look forward to hearing from you!