5 Day Garden Route Tour: 23 - 27 Oct 2019

Day 1

We depart from Cape Town at 7h30am (please refer to Pre-Departure Information) and travel via pretty Hermanus (only in season) which is famous for its miracle of nature as the Antarctic whales come into Walkers Bay to calve (seasonal). Our route to Mossel Bay is via farmlands of apple/pear orchards and rolling hills with lunch on route. From here we drive along the scenic route to Knysna/George, our overnight stop for 2 nights.  

Day 2

After a good breakfast we drive via George and the picturesque Outeniqua Pass to the Mecca of South African ostrich farming – Oudtshoorn. Here we visit one of the many Ostrich Show Ranches, the Cango Wildlife Farm and an optional visit to the dripstone cave – Cango Caves* is possible on request (optional cost as it is not wheelchair accessible at all). After a leisurely drive back with breath-taking views we relax for the 2nd night at Knysna/George.

(B)

Day 3

Today we drive via Knysna, trough Wilderness and the Lake District, one of the world’s most picturesque drives. After a fascinating stop at Knysna Head and a boat cruise* (weather dependant & optional extra cost) on Knysna Lagoon we travel to the heart of the Garden Route – the Tsitsikamma National Park - which embraces an 80km strip of superb coastline together with a marine reserve that stretches 5 km offshore. Here you can relax or take walks in the forest which is richly endowed with plant life and birds, the rock pools teem with colourful marine life; and whales, dolphins & sea otters can often be seen sporting close to the shoreline. (B)

Day 4

In the morning you have the chance to visit the Monkeyland*, Birds of Eden* and the Elephant Sanctuary* (*optional extra cost) where you can do a “Trunk in hand tour” (Elephant-back Ride* also available on request at optional cost) or you can take some time out and just relax. After an exciting or peaceful morning, our journey takes us to Stormsriver, the Adventure centre of the Garden Route with the Bloukrans Bungi-jump* (216M!!), one of the highest in the world. We take a leisurely drive along more fantastic coastline before returning to Tsitsikamma Forest for the second night. (B)

Day 5

On our last day we take a leisurely drive along the breathtaking coastline to the 5th largest city in South Africa - Port Elizabeth, also known as “friendly city” or “windy city”. On arrival in PE the tour ends (B)

Please note that the above itinerary can also run in reverse and other changes may occur due to accommodation availability or other unforeseen circumstances

For more information please visit: Garden Route

Genius Albert Einstein

Celebrating the GENIUS ALBERT EINSTEIN - born 14 March 1879

E=mc² 

So many brilliant & inspiring quotes: 

• Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.
• Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
• Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new
• Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
• Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
• Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.
• Imagination is more important than knowledge.
• If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
• You never fail until you stop trying


Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics. His work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science. - Wikipedia

Epic Guest House breakfast

Start the day with an EPIC breakfast! Fresh & full of goodness, perfect way to start the day! @EpicGuestHouse #breakfast #healthy #healthylifestyle #HealthyLiving #fruits #fresh #TGIF #weekend #EpicGuesthouse

Mid-Week special @ Epic Guest House

Mid-week Special @EpicGuesthouse Book for 2 nights or longer between Mon – Thur

& receive 20% discount on the sharing rates OR 10% discount the single rates!

- ENDS 18 APRIL 2019 #midweekvibes #EpicEnabled #MarchMadness #CapeTown #Noordhoek

DESTINATIONS FOR ALL - 1 & 2 October 2018 in Brussels

We have exciting news… EPIC ENABLED will be at the DESTINATIONS FOR ALL WORLD SUMMIT in Brussels on the 1^st & 2^nd October 2018!

You can find us @ table no: 11.  We would be delighted to set up an appointment with you! Let us know when it would suit you best?

Come and meet Alfie, the man behind it all!

He would love to chat to you, answer any questions you might have and work on new future projects!

WHAT: EXPO Accessible Tourism 

DATE: 1^st & 2^nd October 2018

LOCATION: The Egg Brussels

ADDRESS: Bara Street 175, 1070 Brussels, Belgium

ACCESS: Free entrance

CONDITIONS: Pre-registration to the EXPO is required -> click here

RIP – Stephen Hawking – what an inspiration to us all!

“It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.”

“Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious, and however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.” - Professor Stephen Hawking

From Biomechatronics to Stair-Climbing Wheelchairs: Technology for Accessibility

The future is now.

Modern science ultimately exists to better humanity, and although there are very differing opinions on what “bettering humanity” is, this writer thinks we can all agree that investing in technology that helps improve the lives of the differently-abled is an unambiguously good thing.

Not only is it good, but it’s pretty cool, too.

There’s the seemingly-minor upgrade to the Apple Watch, which encourages wheelchair-users to wheel or spin around at regular intervals. The Apple Watch currently prompts those without physical disabilities to get up from their desks - but this is at the expense of inclusivity, since everybody benefits from some kind of exercise. It may seem small to some, but it is a step towards mainstream inclusion of all bodies, particularly since this is a feature of a free software upgrade, so no new hardware or extra money would be required.

Specialty hardware is important, however, and has been around for decades. Maltron, a manufacturer of specialized computer keyboards for various physical disabilities, was founded in 1977! They make one-handed keyboards (for both the left and the right hands), single-finger keyboards, and even keyboards for use with a head or a mouth stick. There is also a keyboard made with recessed keys for those with cerebral palsy.

The IntegraMouse Plus is used via minimal lip movements, making it great for paraplegic users, or users dealing with multiple sclerosis. It comes enabled with a joystick mode for computer games too.

There’s also the enPathia, which can be thought of as an adapted mouse. It’s a small sensor that can be attached to a band, which can then be attached to any part of the body, at any position. There’s a lot of emphasis on the product adapting to the user, so there is no discomfort or steep learning curve when using enPathia. It can be used on the head, forearms, even feet!

Computer peripherals that are adaptable to all needs are essential for allowing everyone to work, access information, express creativity and communicate. Very recently, another big stride has been made towards easing communication: the SignAloud gloves, invented by two university students at The University of Washington, allow users of American Sign Language to communicate by translating the hand movements to spoken word. Although the gloves are still very much in the prototypical stages (the gloves only work via Bluetooth, which is becoming less widely used), the applications are potentially far wider. They’re small and lightweight, they don’t cover up the user’s entire arm or body, and they don’t need any video input, making them much more accessible for everyday use.

Easing communication and enabling people to work is vital, but so is easing movement, of course. Advancements in technology for mobility has made leaps and bounds within the past 20 years. Wheelchairs don’t need to be just for basic, two-dimensional movements anymore, since the IBOT Wheelchair’s inception in 1999. The unique thing about the IBOT is that it lets you climb stairs, by using its two sets of powered wheels, which rotate about each other. The user can also rise to 6ft from a sitting level, and can travel on various terrains, like sand, dirt, gravel and even (3 inch-deep) water.

Unfortunately, the IBOT is no longer for sale, due to a lack of demand contributing to high retail prices that couldn’t be fully covered by insurance policies. However, Toyota has recently partnered with DEKA Research and Development to revive the wheelchair, so there is hope yet.

More readily available are very sci-fi - but quite real - biomechatronic exoskeletons. There’s the Ekso, a bionic suit that the user literally wears which is made for those with weaknesses in their lower limbs, allowing them to stand and walk. There’s also the ReWalk, which the company describes as a “wearable robotic exoskeleton” to give hip and knee motion to spinal cord injury sufferers. They can then stand, walk, turn and use stairs. Another similar product, the Keeogo, uses sensors at the knee and hip joints to literally detect what movement you want to do, and helps you achieve it. The manufacturer, B-Temia, says that this human-machine interface “injects biomechanical energy at joints” which helps restore, maintain or augment their biomechanical functions.

Some folks with mobility difficulties may soon get a lot of use out of very technologically advanced prosthetics such as this prosthetic arm, the fingers of which can be moved individually with the user’s mind.

It’s not yet available to the public; this was a study done at John Hopkins University. The test subject had to just think about finger and hand movements for the prosthetic to follow. This was made possible by electrodes being connected to his brain, and the study is notable because of the information gathered via these electrodes.

It would be really cool if a mechanical limb such as that were to be used with some kind of heat- and touch-sensing artificial skin - which actually does exist!

There are two separate research groups, in the US and in South Korea, who have already developed prototypes. In the US, at Stanford University, Zhenan Bao’s team has already developed a “skin-like self-healing polymer material” and an electronic skin that changes colour depending on the pressure applied to it. Their skin, the Digital Tactile System (DiTact) is an “artificial mechanoreceptor system”, and is a thin plastic two-layered sheet . There are sensors in the top layer that relay pressure information to a flexible electronic circuit in the bottom layer. Here, the information from the sensors is translated into pulses of light which will then be transmitted to nerve cells via light-emitting diodes.

In South Korea is Hyonhyub Ko’s research group, at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology. When pressure is applied onto their two-layered skin, electrodes within both layers connect, and the sensors’ electrical conductance and resistance both change. Because of the microscopic ridges, the skin is super sensitive: it can detect water droplets and single hair strands!

It’s only a matter of time (and corporate investment) until these technologies are made into products that are easily accessible to the public. We think that, in a world where science is making leaps as bold as this one, and in a world where mobility and accessibility is not only amended but also enhanced, the possibilities for advancements in all areas are boundless.

Take a look through the gallery below:

 

Do you agree? Would you give any of these inventions a try?

Cory Lee - The accessible traveller

Twelve Apostles, Australia

Cory Lee, a 26-year-old, born in Georgia, USA is a graduate of the University of West Georgia and a keen traveller involved in accessible travel. In October 2016, Cory will be flying to South Africa to join Epic Enabled for an accessible safari trip exploring the famous Kruger National Park and a private game reserve situated in Limpopo.

When just a toddler, Cory was taken to medical professionals for a muscle biopsy after his mother noticed he wasn’t yet walking and struggled with standing up. Diagnosed at the early age of two with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a form of Muscular Dystrophy, his muscles are weaker than the average person. Due to the progression of the disease, his muscles continue to deteriorate and he now makes use of a wheelchair to go about his daily activities.

Adventurous by nature and an avid traveller, he noticed there was not much information online with regards to accessible travel so back in December of 2013 he started Curb Free with Cory Lee. The purpose of his blog is to publish information and accessibility reviews on various cities, attractions, hotels and tours that will make travelling for other wheelchair users hassle free and more of an adventure.

With a following of over 45,000 across his social media sites he states his, ’biggest achievement has been connecting with so many other people through his blog.’ Cory has spoken at various conferences and receives emails from new visitors to his blog often. He loves getting to know his followers and feels the demands of a blog make it all worthwhile when a person has been inspired to travel after reading Curb Free with Cory Lee.

Cory strongly believes, “the world is too big to stay to stay put in one place” and aims to inspire others to start exploring, while he himself travels as much as possible while still able to do so.

When asked what his concerns are when it comes to disability he stated that since he works in the travel industry, most of his concerns involve accessibility when it comes to travel and the lack of accessibility in various destinations around the world.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Cory says that he, “would love to see airplanes become more wheelchair friendly”, and explains flying as, “such an arduous process for wheelchair users and wheelchairs are often damaged during flight, so many people don’t travel at all for fear of what might happen.” He believes that if it were made possible that, “wheelchair users could remain in their wheelchairs during the flight it would open up a whole new world and be a real game changer.” Cory is hopeful that, “something will be done to improve air travel in the near future.”

Cory’s biggest challenge with regards to his own disability has been, “accepting the changes that come with SMA and the gradual weakening of his muscles.” He was once able to lift his arms up but now has trouble doing so. Cory describes himself as good with adjustment although when seeing himself lose strength he naturally worries but is determined to keep living his life to the fullest by exploring and travelling while still able. He also longs, as so do many other wheelchair users, for people to see beyond the wheelchair and know they are so many things before a wheelchair user.

Australia and Iceland are at a tie for his favourite destinations; Australia because the country has a high standard of accessibility and Iceland because the country holds abundant natural beauty. He adds he is “under the impression that diverse South Africa might become his new favourite when he visits this October.”

Cory is of course eager to see the famous Big Five and is especially interested in seeing elephants and lions as he finds them to be remarkable creatures. As a lover of all animals, he is excited to see all the wildlife that the country has to offer. Cory’s bucket list includes his dream to visit all seven continents on the globe, ride a camel in Egypt, see the Great Wall of China and feel the thrill of skydiving.

When not travelling or working on his accessible travel blog, Cory can be found discovering new restaurants, exploring the outdoors when the weather is warm or watching films and attending the theatre. 

The exciting world of adapted sports for wheelchair users

Para-archery. 

Sports played by people with a variety of disabilities, including physical and intellectual impairments or disabilities, are commonly referred to as adapted sports. Many of the sports have been modified based on an already existence sport to enable people with disabilities to get involved with sports. However not all adapted sports are based on an able bodied sport, with several having been created solely for those with disabilities in mind of which there is no equivalent sport for abled bodied people.

There are many benefits to playing sport for those with disabilities, such as a feeling of independence, reduced dependency on pain and depression medication, and fewer secondary medical conditions. Playing sport is wonderful for the mind, body and soul.

A wide range of sports can be played by wheelchair users; either solo or as part of a team; on land or in water; and competitively or just for fun. Some involve speed while some involve precision but all involve skill and practise. Sports included in the wonderful world of adapted sports, but not limited to are; mono skiing, wheelchair golf, wheelchair sailing, horseback riding amongst many more enjoyable sports.

Para-archery

The very first para archery competition was held in the year 1948 and was one of the original Paralympic sports back in 1960. Anyone with a physical impairment may take up para archery, which may entail shooting at targets with the use of assistive devices if required. Para archery competitions fall under specific categories for the archers depending on which of the 3 different classifications they fall under.

Hand-cycling

A hand-cycle offers one of a kind ride for those enabled adrenaline junkies! It is powered rather by the use of arms than a pair of legs and the brakes are found on the handholds. It was developed in the 1980’s to create different means of human-powered transport; ever since it has been rising in popularity. Having been developed in a variety of styles it works well for many different forms of physical disabilities. It was first included in the 2004 Paralympics and has been popular to watch in the games since.

Paraplegic swimming

Paraplegic swimming is a fully inclusive sport available for people with a variety of physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities. Not only is swimming a great means to keep fit but is also greatly therapeutic for those with disabilities. One may not have a great sense of freedom and mobility when in their wheelchair but once they experience movement of their body in the water a sense of freedom washes over them.

Wheelchair basketball. 

Wheelchair basketball

Wheelchair basketball is played by athletes with disabilities in the Paralympic Games with the Wheelchair Basketball World Championship played two years after every Paralympic Game. Players take over a standard basketball court using their wheelchairs, while retaining most of the key rules and scoring of regular basketball, and using a 10-foot basketball hoop. Modifications to some rules are due to taking the use of wheelchairs into attention.

Wheelchair dance sport

Wheelchair dance sport is an elegant sport that was started in Sweden, back in 1968, with leisure and rehabilitation in mind, for wheelchair users. Wheelchair dancing is when at least one dancer is in a wheelchair and includes standard types of dancing such as waltz, tango, slow foxtrot, samba, jive and more. This sports comes with a variety of physical benefits, including helping to maintain physical balance, flexibility and coordination among others.  

Wheelchair rugby

Wheelchair rugby began in 1976 and was created by five Canadian wheelchair athletes, as a sport for quadriplegics in mind. It is mostly played between two teams of up to twelve players of mixed female and male players on both teams. The game is played on an indoor court based on the same measurements as a standard basketball court. Players use manual wheelchairs that have been custom-made and specifically designed for wheelchair rugby.

Wheelchair tennis. 

Wheelchair tennis

Wheelchair tennis was created by Brad Parks in 1976 and is one of the official Paralympic sports. The sport was adapted for those with lower body disabilities and is played in specially designed wheelchairs. The size of the tennis court, balls and rackets are the same as typical tennis with two main differences; the use of wheelchairs and that the ball may bounce up to two times.

Wheelchair fencing

Wheelchair fencing is a version of fencing for people with a form of a disability that affects their lower body such as spinal injuries, lower leg amputations and cerebral palsy or athletes that require the general use of a wheelchair. The wheelchairs of fencers are fastened into medal frames on the floor and allow movement of the upper body only. The sport was first introduced in 1953 by Dr Ludwig Guttman and became a part of the Paralympic Games in 1960.

Wheels to harness makes for meaningful walking experience

Debby with Rotem.

An invention that could enhance the lives of young children with disabilities worldwide will soon be put for sale on the market. Debby Elnatan, a mother from Israel, was told the devastating news that her son at 2 years old with cerebral palsy, would not be able to walk. This led to the creation of the Upsee.

After she had come to terms with the diagnosis that her son would be wheelchair bound, she got to work on coming up with something that would allow him to be able to explore the world not from wheels but standing upright. After several attempts at creating different forms of what is now the Upsee, she was walking with her son, Rotem up until he was 7 years old. Rotem is now at the age of 19. 

A child who on their own cannot stand will be given the chance to walk with the help of an adult and the Upsee. The belt is fitted around the waist of an adult, the child is put into the harness, and they both wear a set of special sandals. When the Upsee is fitted, the adult and child can then walk together in harmony with hands free to perform other activities. 

This meaningful invention will be on sale wordlwide from the 7th of April 2015. It will set someone back around $540 plus shipping. The Upsee can fit children between the young ages of 3 and 8 years old.

It offers a great opportunity for children who are wheel-bound to experience and explore the world standing upright. Although this invention is only a short tem solution, it will leave both kids and parents delighted after being able to experience the wonders of a walk together. 

-Keira

October Safari

On our October tour we had the pleasure of welcoming Heike, Werner and Volker (DE) on our safari. Unfortunately Mr and Mrs Winstanley (UK) had to cancel in the last minute due to poor health. We hope we will be able to welcome you on one of our future tours! 

Alfie learnt some German and Heike was the official translator ;) Thanks Heike! They had a great time exploring the bush in the Kruger with lots of animal sightings and in Cape Town they enjoyed the luxury of our Epic Guest House with day tours to our amazing scenic sights.

They said they had 2 holidays in one! The first part is in the bush on Safari and the second part in Cape Town with more sightseeing’s.

We look forward to welcome you back! ;)

-Alfie and Sabine

Comfy Lounge

Now we are ready for you to relax in our comfy lounge (clutter free with no little rugs or other wheelchair 'bumps' :)

Enjoy the view with a glass of local South African wine...

...or read a good book with a 'cuppa' (coffee or tea :) chilling on the veranda or by the mesmerising fire!

 

-Alfie and Sabine

Bathroom 2 with accessibility aids!

Hi all,
We finished our en-suite bathroom of the Master (family) room.
The shower is spacious and has a fold up shower chair (or our commode can also be used:), extendible shower head, & grab-rails.

Lots of turning space in the bathroom with non-slip tiles for your safety. A 'swivel-bath' seat is available.

A large 'wheel under' sink, a toilet with drop-down grab-rails and a small sink close to it for your convenience!

We do have another drop down grab-rail for the other side of the toilet but it feels like you are on a throne! So we left it off for now but we can add it any time for you! Just let us know when you are coming :)

More updates coming soon.....

-Alfie and Sabine