36 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY | AUGUST 2018 MAKING MEMORIES TOGETHER W hen her mother became wheelchair bound after an auto accident, Plano’s Leslie Farin was inspired to help her mother enjoy life.    Like Miriam, Leslie found many “accessible” locations not-so- accessible.  With her husband Larry, she built a three-bedroom and two- and-a-half bath accessible vacation home incorporating universal design – no steps, wide hallways, lower light switches, a seven-foot roll-in shower, a two-level kitchen counter and other features.   Once the home was  ready​ , Leslie was encouraged to create  AccessibleGranburyTX.com, where she provides information about additional lodging, restaurants, shopping and more.  “Our mission is to provide detailed, convenient and accurate accessibility information,” said Leslie.  “Using a 5-star rating system, we look at parking, ease of entry, accessibility of restrooms, customer service and more for each type of venue.” Leslie notes an estimated 3.5 million wheelchair users currently reside in the U.S., and the number is climbing rapidly due to the aging baby boomer population. She says with individuals with disabilities spending approximately $17.3 billion annually on travel, dining out and entertainment, providing easy access is important, not only to make this group feel welcome and comfortable, but also because it simply makes good business sense. “We’ve had clients let us know they previously would wait in a car or stay home while their family members went shopping or in to enjoy a meal or activity,” said Leslie.  “Memories are meant to be made and enjoyed together.  For us, it meant building our own refuge – a getaway we can share.” Editor’s Note: For more information about accessible travel, go to: AccessibleGranburyTX.com. Making vacation living accessible was important to Leslie and Larry Farin, who built a Granbury lake house, initially inspired to provide for her mother. TOGETHER MAKING MEMORIES By Deb Silverthorn  PLANO COUPLE HELPS WHEELCHAIR-BOUND VACATIONERS FIND ACCESSIBLE RENTAL PROPERTIES “Memories are meant to be made and enjoyed together.” -Leslie Farin EMBRACE! m'brās/ verb Embrace! was created to provide information and human interest articles to help families with differently-abled children. Whether your child has ADHD, Autism, Down syndrome or any other special need that qualifies him or her for programs in public schools, we will be researching and covering important, educational and inspiring content that addresses a wide variety of issues. The bathroom is designed with a wheelchair accessible 7-foot roll-in shower. The kitchen was designed with appliances, counters and seating to accommodate wheelchair users.