When most people hear “Kohler,” they probably think of the brand stamped on their bathroom fixtures and little else. As a designer, Kohler represents quality craftsmanship, elevated branding, and innovative collaborations. What many don’t realize is that Kohler is also a small village in Wisconsin, nestled just an hour north of Milwaukee.
Kohler Wisconsin is a charming community, complete with its own post office, shops, restaurants, and neighborhoods. Originally designed around the original Kohler factory, this town has grown with the company. With quaint homes and historic brick buildings, the village exudes a vintage, Americana vibe that feels like stepping back in time.
Kohler invited me to participate in their 2024 Diversity Council. As a designer it is a dream to be included and align with quality brands and on a personal level, this trip marked a significant milestone: my first time traveling solo.
Traveling with a disability
Becoming a quadriplegic at 17 derailed the typical young adult travel experiences, like backpacking through Europe or exploring Southeast Asia. Before my injury, I hadn’t traveled much on my own. Afterward, the idea seemed both daunting and unattainable. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to share travels with my husband. Chris has been tackling the challenges of accessibility in travel for the past 13 years. Together we have been to 49 states, 6 countries, and counting. When Chris wasn’t with me I’ve gone on trips with friends or family to ensure someone was there to help navigate the inevitable barriers.
At home, I live fully independently, relying on no caregivers or assistance in my daily life. Yet traveling often strips away that independence. So, what made this trip different? First, Chris couldn’t take time off work, meaning I’d have to go alone if I wanted to attend—which I absolutely did. Second, the Kohler team went above and beyond to accommodate my needs. Third: bravery. It was time to face this challenge head-on and prove to myself that I could do it.
The best advice came from my best friend, who reminded me to “just take it one step at a time.” Get to the airport—check. Navigate security—check. Find the gate—check. Instead of worrying about the entire journey at once, I focused on each task in front of me. And so, I embarked on this adventure—one push at a time.
The Airport: Getting to Kohler, WI
Chris helped me check in and manage my bag, as I always check luggage to bring my travel shower chair. After saying goodbye at security, I breezed through TSA thanks to PreCheck. PreCheck is a game changer as it eliminates invasive pat-downs. My chair was tagged at the gate and then I used the dreaded uncomfortable aisle chair to get to my seat. Watching my chair get loaded onto the plane was a relief—pro tip: use AirTags for both your chair and luggage. After a three-hour flight, an airport worker assisted with my suitcase. I transferred to the car to begin the 2 hour drive from Chicago to Kohler.
The Hotel Room
For people with disabilities, the term “accessible” in hotel descriptions can vary greatly. Over years I’ve rarely encountered a hotel room that fully supports independent living. From poorly placed toilets and a lack of roll-in showers to towering 32″+ bed heights, there’s often a barrier to true accessibility.
During my stay at The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, I experienced a refreshing exception. Originally built in 1918 to house Kohler factory workers, the historic building has vintage Americana charm, traditional decor, and a rich architectural history. While this old-world allure might raise concerns for accessibility, the staff alleviated those worries by sending photos of the room in advance. This allowed me to assess potential obstacles.
To my surprise, the room exceeded my expectations. The bathroom featured a well-designed roll-in shower with controls conveniently placed on the side of the bench. While the roll-under sink in the bathroom was challenging due to its vessel design, I adapted by using the roll-under wet bar sink in the main room. The toilet area was equipped with double grab bars around the bathroom’s perimeter, simplifying transfers. Even the bed height, at 22″, was slightly high but manageable.
Although the room was compact, it was ideal for a solo traveler. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but overall, this was one of the most thoughtfully accessible accommodations I’ve experienced, making it an excellent choice for first-time travelers seeking independence.
Getting Around
Navigating a destination can often be the most challenging aspect of travel for people with disabilities. Thankfully, this trip was centered around a specific purpose, with most activities on-site or nearby. Once I familiarized myself with the hotel’s layout—including its multiple elevators, added through years of renovations—I could easily access every area despite the maze of levels and staircases.
For trips around town, we used a van with a ramp. Although everything was close, the rainy, cold weather made the modified van a welcomed convenience. One highlight was visiting the Kohler Design Center, a three-story showcase of history, innovative products, and inspiring vignettes. It was a perfect setting to meet the Kohler team and connect with other participants.
The second day brought a mix of relaxation and learning. I started the morning by exploring the property, enjoying the sunshine, snapping photos of the beautiful scenery, and grabbing a latte at a charming atrium coffee shop. Later, I experienced a treatment at The Waters Spa—easily one of the best spa experiences I’ve ever had. The day concluded with inspiring speakers and panels that highlighted the event’s purpose.
While navigating the property and town was made easier thanks to the accommodating hotel staff, the experience highlighted a familiar issue: the separation that often accompanies accessibility efforts. I appreciated the thoughtful accommodations, but it’s hard to ignore how often accessibility becomes an afterthought.
Conclusion
The need to “figure out” how to accommodate someone with a disability—while well-intentioned—can feel isolating. It’s a reminder that while individual efforts are appreciated, there’s still work to be done in creating inclusive systems where accessibility is seamlessly integrated, rather than treated as an exception. This trip reaffirmed the importance of continuing to push for a world where accessibility doesn’t require extra planning but is simply part of the design.
