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.
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.
There are still many things to consider when making travel arrangements for disabled. With the increased public awareness, disabled people are discovering a whole new world beyond the confinement of their wheelchairs. They’re able to do more, go more places without running into obstacles. However, some advance planning still needs to be done when making arrangements to travel long distances.
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.
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. 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?
Some airlines may ask for a “fit to travel” certificate from your doctor, in which they must list the medications you’re taking, if any. This is also important when crossing international borders. This will assist in getting through customs or security with a minimum of disruption if you are found to be carrying prescription drugs.
Travel insurance is another area of concern for wheelchair travelers. This is key because often those bound to a wheelchair may have compromised immune systems making them vulnerable to all manner of viruses. There is also the possibility that a fall from the wheelchair could occur. Travel insurance should be extensive. With a bit of planning, traveling the world from the comfort of your wheelchair should be a very satisfying experience.