Getaway Thoughts For Simpler Wheelchair Travel
Increased emphasis on public accessibility for disabled people has opened up a whole new world for wheelchair travel. Local governments are implementing new laws regarding accessibility of walkways and buildings for the disabled, making the world at large more accessible for the disabled.
With more ramps, curb cuts, elevators, wider doorways and automatic door openers in public buildings, disabled people are encountering fewer obstacles. Airplanes, buses, trains and taxis are now better able to accommodate wheelchairs. This is due in part to the awareness of the needs of the disabled because of strong advocacy groups.
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.
Particularly if the holiday destination is in a third world country or remote area such as in parts of Africa, the destination should be scouted out. Check out the hotel and the airlines. What other facilities are in the area that you may need. Where are the hospitals and can you easily fill any prescriptions you might require.
Rather than book your hotel through the Internet, 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.
Check with your airline to see what type of service for disabled people they provide. Getting on the plane with a wheelchair is not generally a problem, but make sure the space provided for wheelchair passengers is available. 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 your personal wheelchair is stowed as luggage, what will happen if the luggage crew accidentally damages your chair, or what is the protocol if your chair ends up being lost or accidentally shipped elsewhere?
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.
Make sure you have proper travel insurance. This can’t be emphasized enough. People in wheelchairs can often be more vulnerable to viruses or have delicate digestion. Should you have an accident and fall from your chair, what coverage do you have and for how long. A little advance preparation will make all the difference between a nice holiday and a great holiday!
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