With more municipal emphasis on accessibility, more people of limited ability are rolling their way around the world enjoying the freedom of wheelchair travel. From walkways to buildings, people in wheelchairs are experiencing more freedom.
Advocates for the disabled lobbying for increased accessibility in travel have paved the way for a new generation of wheelchair travelers. Airplanes, buses, trains and taxis are now better able to accommodate wheelchairs. With more ramps, curb cuts, elevators, wider doorways and automatic door openers in public buildings, disabled people are encountering fewer obstacles.
Thanks to them, traveling people in wheelchairs are able to live their lives to the fullest and see the wonderful world that’s waiting for them. Having said that, people of limited mobility still have to plan their holidays more carefully than others. Despite these societal advances, people who must travel in their wheelchairs still need to do some advance planning to ensure their comfort and safety, especially when planning vacations in foreign countries.
If the destination is a remote region or a third world country, proper research must be undertaken.
Booking your vacation online is convenient but there are questions specific to your needs that you won’t find answers to on a website. Call your hotel personally to inquire about accessibility and door widths in the room. Ask for a confirmation number or code as proof of your booking. This rarely, happens, but sometimes hotels overbook and can give your room away or deny that you even made a reservation.
When booking your airline, not all offer the same time of service. Accessibility is generally not an issue but make sure that wheelchair space hasn’t been given to another traveler. Check with the airline about their damage policy in regards to your wheelchair. Depending on your reasons for requiring a wheelchair, some airlines may request that you use one of their chairs and will offer to stow your chair under the plane with the luggage. If this is the case, what happens if your chair becomes lost, sent on the wrong plane to a wrong destination? What is their policy if your chair is damaged by a careless luggage attendant?
Some airlines ask for a fit-to-travel certificate or a note from your doctor about your health. Your doctor should give you a note just to be on the safe side. It should also include a list of approved medications. This will assist in getting through customs or security with a minimum of disruption if you are found to be carrying prescription drugs.
Don’t leave home without adequate travel insurance. It’s good practice for any traveler, but for someone in a wheelchair, insurance is even more important. You need to be covered if you should become injured as a result of a fall. Food-borne illnesses and vulnerability to new viruses can also be a concern. All it takes to have a safe, healthy holiday is some advance planning.
