Speedcast: Curb Free with Cory Lee | Reinventing the Wheelchair Travel Experience

"Travel isn't meant to be easy—it's meant to be worth it." These words could easily be the mantra of Cory Lee, an extraordinary traveler who has visited 52 countries and all seven continents while navigating the world in a power wheelchair. In this intimate conversation recorded at the 2025 Abilities Expo in Chicago, Cory shares his remarkable journey with spinal muscular atrophy and how it became his motivation rather than limitation.

When Cory launched his blog "Curb Free with Cory Lee" in 2013, accessible travel resources were virtually non-existent online. What began as a modest attempt to fill this gap has evolved into a movement reshaping how the travel industry approaches accessibility. From humble beginnings where attraction passes felt like golden tickets to now being paid by destinations worldwide to showcase their accessibility features, Cory's trajectory mirrors the growing recognition of travelers with disabilities as a vital market segment.

The conversation takes us through the very real challenges of wheelchair travel—particularly the anxiety-inducing experience of air travel, where the fear of wheelchair damage looms large with every flight. Yet despite these obstacles, Cory's adventures span from feeding elephants in Thailand to receiving traditional tattoos from monks by riverside temples. His children's book series featuring "CorCor," a wheelchair-using explorer, is educating the next generation about both the possibilities and practicalities of accessible travel. Whether you're a wheelchair user seeking travel inspiration or simply someone who believes in exploring beyond perceived limitations, this conversation will transform how you view travel, accessibility, and human potential.

Ready to see the world from a new perspective? Follow Cory's adventures on Instagram @curbfreecorylee or visit his award-winning blog at curbfreewithcorylee.com to discover how accessible the world can truly be when we refuse to accept barriers.