Everyday Expat

With more municipal emphasis on accessibility, more people of limited ability are rolling their way around the world enjoying the freedom of wheelchair travel.

New laws are requiring that buildings and sidewalks be more accessible. There are now automatic door openers, ramps into buildings, curb cuts on street corners and doorways are generally wider. Even buses have flat entry points and empty spaces for wheelchair riders. The loud and gently insistent voices of advocates for the disabled travel enthusiast have made all of this possible for wheelchair travel.

Thanks to them, 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. There are still many things to consider when making travel arrangements.

If the destination is a remote region or a third world country, proper research must be undertaken.

It’s a great idea to speak directly to a person at your hotel rather than making your reservation online. Inquire about accessibility and door widths in the room. As with anyone who travels, get a confirmation number for your 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. Ask about their policy regarding wheelchairs and whether you can board the plane with your own chair or whether you must use one of theirs. 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?

Does your airline require a doctor’s note listing the prescription drugs that you’re taking? This would be a smart thing to do regardless of the airline’s policy. This is also important when crossing international borders. If certain medications are found in your possession, especially powerful prescription drugs, having a letter from your doctor may save you from embarrassing interrogation.

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.

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.

The public is now more aware of the needs and challenges of the disabled traveler. Handicapped people in wheelchairs are now rolling around the world with fewer obstacles and greater ease. However, 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.

The accessibility of your destination, particularly if it’s a third world country or remote area, needs to be researched, as does your hotel, airline and accessibility to medication and medical facilities. The accessibility of your airline and hotel has to be researched as does access to medical facilities, including pharmacies if you require prescription medication

It’s a great idea to speak directly to a person at your hotel rather than making your reservation online. They can answer questions about the widths of the hotel room doors and confirm that there are ramps to the front doorways and elevators with sufficient space for a wheelchair. As with anyone who travels, get a confirmation number for your reservation. You may need proof that you did indeed make a reservation at that hotel, especially during the busy season.

Services for disabled passengers vary from airline to airline. Make phone calls to check on provisions made by the airline for wheelchairs. Ensure that you can access the plane in your own wheelchair, or if not, what type of service do they provide. Will they stow your wheelchair in the luggage compartment and what assurances can they give you that your chair will not be damaged? Find out what the airline’s policy is for lost or stolen luggage, which may include your wheelchair.

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!