Barbados is a coral island, pushed out of sea by volcanic activity in a faraway time. On the West Coast of Barbados, coral shore beaches of fine white sand stretch along a blue-green sea. Coral reefs fringe the Barbados shoreline to provide excellent snorkeling and Scuba Diving. Along the East Coast, a lively surf is blown briskly by the strong and constant trade winds and the waves pound against a rocky shore. The constant breeze of the trade winds gives Barbados a mild and pleasant tropical climate.

When you visit Barbados, you will see it is mostly a flat coral island with excellent beaches, but there are rolling hills and many deep ridges and gullies, with an interesting distribution of flora and fauna. Within the Barbados coral core there is a vast array of caves and underground lakes which provide an excellent supply of drinking water that is amongst the purest in the world. Geologically, Barbados is unique, being actually two landmasses that merged together over the years. This and other anomalies make this Caribbean Island quite phenomenal, and there are geological structures that you will find only in Barbados.

One of the most distinguishing features of Barbados is its relatively flat terrain. It’s the region’s only non-volcanic landmass. But once you’re here, you’ll soon discover Barbadian life is far from flat. From the rugged beauty of its rocky eastern shoreline, to the calm, serene waters of its “Platinum Coast,” Barbados packs plenty of punch into 430 sq. km of Caribbean paradise.

The Barbados Museum and Historical Society

Housed in a former 19th-century British military prison at the Garrison, the Barbados Museum and Historical Society is a must-see – and well worth the US$7.50 admission (half price for children). The museum takes visitors through the key points of Barbados’ history via natural history displays, Amerindian objects, historical maps and a genealogy reference library.

Children get a glimpse of what life was like for young Barbadians in the Yesterday’s Children gallery, which provides an educational step back in time. Other exhibits include replica furnishings from an 18th-century plantation house, as well as a gift shop featuring West Indian literature, arts and crafts and handmade jewelry. The museum is open Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Sun, Sand & Beach

When the Bath facilities were re-opened, Barbadians were thrilled to find what a beautiful restoration had been carried out at one of our country’s most popular beaches. Among those whose spirits soared on seeing its inclusive design are Barbadians with disabilities – especially those with mobility challenges. Spacious bathroom and shower facilities for the wheelchair users were among some of the newly installed fixtures along with the beautifully crafted and very accessible gazebo.  Sun, sea and sand for all!

Cricket

With cricket being so dear to a West Indian heart, the administration of Kensington Oval has ensured that cricket will be accessible to all! With ramped access to all stands, Wheelchair users can sit among their friends on several levels with a fully accessible bathroom just a few feet away. Highly trained volunteers are on hand to assist wherever necessary all cricket enthusiasts with special needs.  The Hearing Impaired is also included with close captioning on television screens and the Loop system to work with T-coil hearing aids.  Crickets will forever be being accessible at the KENSINGTON OVAL for everyone.

George Washington House

Parts of our history which connects Barbados to the United States can be experienced at this refurbished plantation building which was home to “the first father of the US’ George Washington and his ailing brother for two months.

Clear pathways and entrances make access very easy to view the rooms on the ground floor, which captures most of what this site has to offer. George Washington House is a truly inclusive and memorable visit.

If you are craving some warmth and relaxation without worrying about ‘how to’ or ‘what if’, I urge you to consider this amazing spot in the world- you will not be disappointed!

Accommodations

One of the many fully accessible resorts is the Radisson, which is synonymous with outstanding levels of service and comfort delivered with utmost style.

The folks at Radisson understand that accessibility is important to every guest. The hotel has accessible rooms that may include the following accessible features:

•  Amenities within accessible range to reach
• Controls operable without grasping or twisting
• Transfer seat to tub
• Wider guest room and bathroom doorways
• Wheelchair accessible lobby
• Wheelchair accessible public entrance
• Wheelchair accessible public restrooms
• Wheelchair available – on request
• Beach Wheelchairs are available for rental

At age 29, Tarita was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis- Struck with the realization that her life would never be the same. Knowing that her best way forward was to take hold of that life and ensure that its direction was one of her own choosing, that the MS was not going to control her future, she seized on a passion for travel she had nursed since childhood. This once Social Worker became an entrepreneur in an industry where she has been able to carve out a significant niche, based on a personal philosophy that travel should be Inclusive and not exclusive.

Tarita has found her place as an expert in creating dream vacations for those who thought dream vacations were for other people. A Certified Special Needs Travel Advocate, a contributor for the Huffington Post, and host of The Lonely Planet- Travel for All Show- 

Her company Travel for All takes great pride in ensuring that, regardless of your level of mobility or ability, you will have the experience of a lifetime.

For more information about FAB, visit http://fullyaccessiblebarbados.com/. Also visithttp://barbados.org/.