Jean Hartley

I am a polio survivor who has lived in Kailua Kona for 20 years. I know the difference between accessible and just a "helping hand".

My background as a college instructor in Communications and as a missionary has allowed me to travel to 32 countries. I am familiar with the challenges of traveling alone internationally, as well as arranging my own transportation, housing, touring, entertainment and other events: "how many stairs?", "I need a seat on the aisle", "is there an elevator?"

I often missed out on doing things I felt I could not do - no one encouraged me to ask questions or negotiate alternatives. In 2007 I was crew on a Tall Ship outfitted for disabled voyagers. We sailed from London across the North Sea to the Netherlands on a 3-masted, 18 square sailed ship. I returned home convinced that adventures were open to me that I had considered closed. DISABLED ADVENTURES HAWAII is the result of my new-found courage to try the untried.

It is my gift to you - use it often and well.

Disabled Adventures Hawaii makes a grand entrance in 2007 Christmas parade in Jean's red VW.
A parade entry that attracted attention.

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Read the following 2 articles:

"STANDING TALL" - Jean's sailing adventure aboard a tall ship and her acceptance of her physical disability. Cover story in Spring 2008 issue of "Abilities" magazine.

“ZIPPED TO FREEDOM” - Jean zips over the tree tops at 35 mph attached to a cable and discovers the joy of being included.