There is a misconception in today’s society that disabled people usually sit in the house and don’t like going out. This is not true. An increasing number of travel companies are now offering escort and mobility support services for people who love exploring, but have a disability/medical condition. If you are looking for holiday accommodation you will most likely find buildings that has wheelchair-friendly entrances, but being disabled, more specifically a wheelchair user, doesn’t’ only mean not being able to access the stairs.
Find out below how to arrange a disabled friendly holiday and enjoy every moment of it.
Disabled Bathroom
While wheelchair accessible entrances and rooms are offered by many hotels, less attention is paid to the rest the accommodation details. Do you have a walk-in shower? If not are there handrails, hoists and seats available? Is there an alarm in the bathroom, and is the sink too high? Can you get in bed without pain, and is there a doctor on site?
Before you start booking your accommodation, you should check with the hotel which services they offer. You might need a special bed, or a shower chair, and the earlier you let the holiday company know the sooner you will get an answer.
Special Equipment Requirements
If you would like to go on a tour, ask the company, whether or not it is suitable for you, and if they have special equipment to accommodate you.
Find disabled-friendly tour operators who can accommodate your needs. They might have accessible tour buses, and alternative routes that allow you to reach your destination in a wheelchair.
Do You Need Medical Transport?
When visiting remote places, the safest option would be to arrange specialist services. Check with san diego medical transport companies if they offer this service at your destination. You can join the rest of the team on the top of the mountain. Just because you are unable to hike up there, it doesn’t’ mean you should not see it. There are great services all over the world providing transport and other services for those who are not fit enough to climb mountains or walk long distances.
Choose Your Destination Carefully
You need to check whether there are reasonable accommodation/accessible services and attractions in your selected destination. You can do a simple Google search and find out more about the tours and local sites. Look for vacation destinations designed with disabled people in mind, such as Hanauma Beach in Honolulu, and the Avalon and Stone Harbor in New Jersey. If you are visiting the USA Check the website of state parks to see if they have disabled facilities and catering.
Traveling with any disability can be challenging, it doesn’t mean that travelling is a no go. It is all about how you approach it, having a positive mindset and Organisation is key.
There are many hotels, theme parks, and attractions in the world that have already made adjustments to accommodate people who are not able to climb the stairs or hike up mountains. You might feel awkward going on a holiday with only able bodied people, but you have the same right to enjoy yourself as anyone else. Don’t let your disability stop you from doing what you enjoy; keep an open mind and open heart, and who knows where your travel adventures will take you?
If you have been recently diagnosed and feel that you could not possibly travel or do the things you once used to enjoy just look at Paralympic champions for inspiration. If that feels a little out of your reach, there are plenty online groups and forums you can seek help, advice and friendship… Purple Elephant Facebook Group is a great place to start 
Have you travelled abroad with a disability? What are your experiences? What do you think could be vastly improved?
Leave me a comment below, all the good and the bad… I would love to hear your thoughts!
This blog post was originally published on thinkingoutloud-sassystyle.com and has been republished with the permission of the author, Sassy Wyatt.
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Sassy is charismatic, outspoken and sometimes funny. You will probably find her drinking tea and singing badly to her Guide Dog Ida. Her passion is to raise awareness of disabilities and make the world a more inclusive place. You can follow her ramblings on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Or join her Facebook group. A place for people to share their stories of disability and make new friends.
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