Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosie Dunn.
Hi Rosie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Nashville native and have lived here for most of my life. I love to travel and have traveled to 19 countries and 39 US states so far, including living abroad in Ireland for a year! I am also a full time manual wheelchair user and have been since I was very young. In 2019, I created an Instagram page and blog called Rosie Roaming to document and share my experiences traveling. As a wheelchair user, trip planning and navigating new cities presents me with unique challenges- I share what works for me to help other wheelchair users plan their trips and to help raise awareness for the importance of accessibility. On my Instagram page, I also share more about my life in addition to my travels. I am also currently in Occupational Therapy school, and would love to combine my OT knowledge with my personal knowledge to help improve travel for wheelchair users.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Each destination presents me with new challenges and obstacles- some which I expect, and some which I do not. Overall, travel is one of my favorite things to do, but by going to new places I know I will also run into challenges. One challenge that I run into the most frequently is finding an accessible bathroom at a hotel where I can use the shower safely and independently. I feel that the setup I need to shower safely and independently is not very elaborate, but even in rooms labeled as accessible (if we can find them at the hotels I’m staying at), the design is not often inclusive or practical. It is very frustrating to need help with this task when I can do it independently at home.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am most proud of using my challenges to help others. I share my perspective on accessibility of different places I have visited because as a wheelchair user, I know the importance of getting the details right and I know which information is relevant and helpful to other wheelchair users. Sometimes, accessibility information that comes from businesses or other people without lived experience of disability is well-meaning, but not very helpful, detailed, or accurate. One of my main goals with Rosie Roaming is to help other wheelchair users feel more confident and excited about travel. Wheelchair users can face a lot of barriers when traveling, and I want to help make it easier. I also share about my experiences and perspectives as a 25 year old woman who loves concerts, fashion, and photography- not just strictly accessibility information. I do my best to find a balance between sharing barriers as well as joy and beauty. My life with a disability is full of challenges, yes, but it is also full of joy, and I want more people to know that these two things can coexist.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Nashville is my hometown and where a lot of my family lives. I am also currently in Occupational Therapy school in Nashville, and have made many friends here as well. For me, being in a place with so many people that I love is my favorite thing about the city. I’m also very glad that we have a lot of live music- I love concerts, and there are so many great venues in town (my favorite is Ascend Amphitheater).
When I lived in Dublin, I got to experience using public transit to navigate the city on a daily basis for the first time, as I didn’t have access to a car. In my life in Dublin and travels around Europe, I loved being able to access public transportation that was convenient, safe, efficient, and accessible, as well as experience great walkable cities. In my dreams, I would love to be able to bring Copenhagen’s metro system to Nashville (and bring back a Pinkberry location- I still miss the one that closed on West End in 2013!)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rosieroaming.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rosieroaming
