Lew,

This is late - at our last VVSC I offered to create a email for you to send to past VV travelers. Here’s the proposed version.

1. Please review and offer your input first.
2. Then I’ll ask VVSC for input and review with the intent of you sending this out early next week.
3. There is a recommendation and a BU option below. Luke has reviewed these and we think the email only (no survey) is the best approach.
4. Both are based on the mobility definitions outlined below: VV 2025 Planning - Section 1: Mobility and Travel Capabilities

rgm

I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Let me know if you'd like to discuss this in person.

Rick

RECOMMENDATION: Option 1: Email, No Survey. People to simply reply to the email sent by Lew.

• Timing: early the week of labor day. Then 2 followup emails.
• Subject: Help Shape Our 2025 Village Voyager Adventures!

As a previous Villager Voyagers traveler, your feedback is important for our 2025 planning! Your input will not only influence our future trips, but it will also be shared with Lori Robinson and Luke Hasgough. This promotes transparency and alignment between HV and the resident-led Village Voyagers program.

Could you spare a few minutes to share your thoughts? We want to know about:

• Destinations: Where would you like to explore with Villager Voyagers?
• Experiences: What activities would make a trip special for you?
• Trip Length: Do you prefer trips that build community through day-long experiences, overnight bonding, or extended adventures?
• Mobility: What mobility considerations matter to you when choosing a trip?
📌
(RGM COMMENT ONLY FOR LEW: Here are the definitions, but I did not include them in this email: Section 1: Mobility and Travel Capabilities)

Please reply directly to this email with your insights.

Remember: Destinations, Experiences, Trip Length, Mobility. Your feedback shapes our journeys!

We truly value your input as we create exciting new journeys for our Villager Voyagers community!

Warm regards, The Villager Voyagers Team

BACK UP - Option 2: ask people to complete a survey:

POSSIBLE Villager Voyagers Travel Preferences Survey

Introduction

Hello, Villager Voyagers! As we begin to plan our 2025 travel adventures, we are eager to get feedback from our past travelers. This survey seeks to collect information on the changing "off-campus and travel" preferences of our community. We aim to leverage this understanding in planning Village Voyagers trips and sharing insights with relevant HV members like Lori Robinson, Luke Haskough.

Please take a few minutes to provide your feedback. Your insights will help us develop more exciting travel opportunities for our community!

Section 1: Mobility and Travel Capabilities

Instructions: Please select the option that best matches your current mobility level:

• Level 4: Wheelchair/Scooter: I primarily use a wheelchair or mobility scooter for anything beyond a short walk.
• Level 3: Limited Mobility: I need a cane, walker, or similar aid for walking. Walking long distances can be difficult.
• Level 2: Mostly Independent: I can walk moderate distances (up to a mile) but may need occasional rest breaks. I may require assistance with stairs or uneven surfaces.
• Level 1: Independent: I can walk several miles without any trouble and can easily navigate stairs or uneven terrain.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• For activities such as sightseeing or walking tours, how long can you comfortably stand before needing a break?
• Less than 30 minutes
• 30 minutes to an hour
• Over an hour
• When exploring a destination, do you find navigating stairs challenging?
• Yes, stairs are often difficult.
• I can manage a few flights, but multiple flights are tiring.
• Stairs are no problem.

Section 2: Your Preferred Trip

• Please describe your ideal travel destination in a few sentences, explaining why it appeals to you.
• Which types of destinations are you most interested in exploring? (Select all that apply)
• Local (within a few hours' drive)
• Regional (within the Midwest)
• National (across the United States)
• International

Section 3: Trip Preferences

• What are your usual preferred trip durations? (Select all that apply)
• Day trips
• Overnight trips
• 2-3 nights
• 4-6 nights
• 7+ nights
• How much do mobility accommodations influence your decision when choosing a trip?
• They are crucial – I can only participate with specific accommodations
• Significantly – I consider them carefully
• A little – I appreciate accessible options
• Not at all

Section 4: Ranking Your Priorities

• Please rank the following factors in order of importance when choosing a trip (1 being the most important, 4 being the least important)
• Accessibility Features
• Cost
• Destination
• Trip Duration

Section 5: Additional Feedback

• Are there specific activities, themes, or areas of interest you would enjoy on future trips? These could include history, outdoor exploration, art and culture, culinary experiences, etc.
• Please rank the following methods from 1 (most preferred) to 5 (least preferred) for how you typically discover upcoming Villager Voyagers trips:
• Email
• Printed flyers/brochures
• Community website or bulletin
• Word of mouth
• Other (please specify)

Thank You!

Your feedback is invaluable! We appreciate you taking the time to help us shape an exceptional travel program for our community.

Village Voyagers Steering Committee

Definitions and Expected Behaviors for Mobility Accommodations:

• Level 3: Extensive Mobility Accommodations
• Description: Provides the highest level of support for individuals who depend entirely on mobility aids and require continuous personal assistance. This level ensures fully accessible travel arrangements, from transportation with hydraulic lifts to accommodations with extensive modifications and dedicated assistance at all times.
• Expected Behaviors: Full dependence on mobility aids, requiring constant assistance throughout all travel activities.
• Emotional Insight: Embracing extensive support allows you to enjoy travel experiences safely and without limitations, fully participating in all activities.
• Level 2: Enhanced Mobility Accommodations
• Description: Designed for individuals who need support beyond basic but do not require constant assistance. This level is differentiated into two sub-levels to better address specific needs:
• 2A (Closer to Level 3): Suitable for those who frequently encounter mobility challenges and require regular assistance. This sub-level includes features like on-demand assistance for navigating uneven terrain and steps, and additional supportive devices tailored for more complex environments.
• 2B (Closer to Level 1): Best for those who are relatively independent but appreciate having support accessible for occasional challenging situations. This sub-level offers intermittent support such as low-entry vehicles and minor accommodation modifications that simplify mobility without altering it significantly.
• Expected Behaviors:
• 2A: Needs regular help with mobility challenges, relying on assistance for more difficult tasks.
• 2B: Manages most activities independently but utilizes available support for occasional challenges.
• Emotional Insight: Selecting enhanced accommodations aligns with your level of mobility, ensuring comfort and safety during travel. Whether you need support frequently (2A) or just occasionally (2B), you have the flexibility and resources to maintain independence.
• Level 1: Basic Mobility Accommodations
• Description: Supports those who are fully mobile and comfortable managing travel activities without special modifications. This level provides the essential features for basic accessibility, fostering independence and self-reliance.
• Expected Behaviors: Capable of independently handling all aspects of travel, requiring no additional mobility support.
• Emotional Insight: Continuing to travel independently strengthens self-reliance and confidence, enhancing your ability to enjoy diverse experiences actively.