Michael's Story

On July 10th 2005 Mr. Michael Ayars, resident of the Prospect Plains Group Home started a journey of independence.  A major civil war buff, Michael had dreamed of traveling to Charleston, South Carolina.  After a whole year of saving his pennies, the day had finally arrived.  Erica Fischer from the main office of the Arc of Middlesex had assisted Michael in planning his bus route, but he alone made his way through seven bus changes to get to his final destination at the Not So Hostel Hotel.  Michael and Erica searched high and low to find an affordable  place to stay.

Mrs. Fischer reached out to John Willson who is the Director of Visitor Services in Charleston, South Carolina.  Mr. Willson was very helpful by providing information on inexpensive places to stay and transportation information.  Mr. Willson explained to Michael and Erica that Charleston is currently making sure that the city is ADA compliant.  He was interested in getting feedback from Michael for how the city was doing in this area.  Because of these conversations, Michael has now been appointed a liaison for the city of Charleston, and his story will be featured in the newspaper.  Michael wanted to travel for the fun of it, having the opportunity to help make sure that people with disabilities can have access to tours, restaurants and hotels in the city of Charleston, South Carolina is just a wonderful bonus.

Michael says, “Lydia from the Not So Hostel Hotel was very helpful and breakfast was included.” Everyone at the Not So Hostel Hotel took care of himself or herself.  One morning Lydia taught Michael how to make pancakes. This downtown location was perfect to catch buses, walk or to take taxis to the many tours and historical locations that he wanted to visit.  On the first day, Michael visited the Charleston Museum.  “I enjoyed the plantation section the most."


Michael utilized the visitor’s center to help choose from the wide variety of activities available in this happening, friendly city.  “The visiting center was very helpful in letting me know what places were available for tours."  One tour Michael particularly enjoyed was the tour of Fort Sumter.  He took a boat tour there and “I got to go inside the fort too."

“The T-Bone Steakhouse” was my favorite restaurant because it had all the friendly atmosphere."  Michael says that everyone he met in South Carolina was very nice and usually helpful too.  He kept very busy touring during the day and often seeing movies at night including the Fantastic Four.  He took bicycle taxis to the market district to shop for postcards, stamps and souvenirs.  His favorite item that he purchased were tapes of the historic area so that he could remember this great trip.

This trip was so fun filled that Michael has decided to save up for a second trip at Christmas time 2006.  He would like to bring his roommate with him next time too.  He says, “The best part of the trip was more independence and meeting different people,"  “Well after all, my heart is in Charleston."