Traveling with a child who has complex medical needs comes with unique challenges, but for Amy Tarpein, it has become a life-changing journey of joy, resilience, and advocacy. In this episode of Tabifolk Talks, we sat down with Amy, founder of Elijah’s Baby Bucket List, to discuss how she turned a deeply personal mission into a global movement for inclusive travel.
The Story Behind Elijah’s Baby Bucket List
Amy’s son, Elijah, was diagnosed with lissencephaly, a rare terminal brain condition, at just eight months old. Doctors told her he wouldn’t live past two years, but Amy was determined to fill his life with adventure. She packed up her family and embarked on a 13-hour road trip to Florida, where Elijah saw the ocean for the first time. That moment changed everything, sparking Elijah’s Baby Bucket List, a mission to create meaningful experiences and prove that travel is possible for families with medical and accessibility challenges.
What began as a family journey quickly became a global inspiration. Through her blog and social media, Amy shares invaluable insights on accessible destinations, travel tips, and the importance of making memories, encouraging other families to embrace travel despite obstacles.
Making Family Travel Accessible
For Amy, traveling with a large family while ensuring accessibility adds layers of complexity. From researching destinations to staying flexible in the face of unexpected challenges, she’s learned firsthand what it takes to create inclusive travel experiences.
Advocating for Inclusive Travel
Beyond personal adventures, Amy works with businesses and tourism boards to assess and improve accessibility. She’s collaborated with Hilton Hotels, Visit Wichita, and other organizations to identify gaps and promote inclusive travel experiences.
Building a Supportive Community
Amy’s journey led her to write Braver Together, a book that shares her family’s story and offers encouragement to others facing similar challenges. Her message is simple but powerful: not everything can be fixed, but it can be carried—with the help of a supportive community.
Through social media, Amy has connected with families navigating the same struggles, proving that no one has to face these challenges alone. While being a content creator comes with its own hurdles—like balancing privacy and avoiding burnout—the opportunity to uplift and support others makes it all worthwhile.
What’s Next for Elijah’s Baby Bucket List?
Amy’s goals include:
- Visiting all 50 states before venturing internationally (Paris is at the top of the list!).
- Hosting group trips to help families experience accessible travel together.
- Expanding her advocacy work to push for more inclusive travel options worldwide.
Join the Conversation on tabifolk!
Amy’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of advocacy. Have you faced challenges or triumphs in accessible travel? Share your experiences and connect with a global community of travelers with disabilities on tabifolk!
If you’re not already a member, now is the perfect time to join. tabifolk is an inclusive online space where travelers with disabilities, caregivers, and accessibility advocates come together to exchange tips, ask questions, and support one another. Whether you’re seeking advice on an upcoming trip or want to help others by sharing your experiences, tabifolk is the place to be.
Sign up today at tabifolk.com and become part of a movement making travel more accessible for everyone!
