Accessible Travel: Exploring the World When You Have a Physical Disability

Air travel has its set of challenges for people with disabilities (PWD), despite industry efforts to make air travel easy for them. Sure, there’s the American Disabilities Act that requires facilities in the U.S. to be accessible for everyone, but it’s a different story when you’re going to another country. This is why you need to make the necessary preparations to ensure a smooth flight — and vacation.

Here are a few tips for PWDs who want to explore the world.

Following Air Travel Guidelines

Let’s face it, getting a fabulous air travel experience is rare unless you’re in first class. It’s important to call the airline you’re planning to book for your trip. U.S. airlines like United have a disability desk you can call to assist you with any special needs, like a therapy animal or a mobility scooter for seniors. Every airline in the U.S. has a disability policy on its website, as well. Read them, fill out the necessary forms, and notify your airline for any special requests you may have.

Choosing an Accessible Destination

As much as you want to experience all the world has to offer, not every country is completely accessible. Wheelchair user and avid traveler Cory Lee, in his website “Curb Free with Cory Lee,” recommended wheelchair-accessible places to visit. South Korea was number one on his list because of his recent visit there during the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. He reported that its capital, Seoul, and the Olympic host city Pyeongchang are ideal for wheelchair users.

 Accessible travel guide WheelchairTravel.org also stated that the capital has the world’s best public transportation when it comes to accommodating wheelchair users and other PWDs. Planning a Euro-trip? Make Vienna your first stop. Most of its tourist destinations are accessible to wheelchair users. Its Albertina museum provides full access for those using wheelchairs. It even offers guided tours for people who are deaf, blind or have slight to moderate dementia. If you’re looking for a regal experience, the city’s Forchtenstein Castle has wheelchair-accessible restrooms and restaurants. They offer a 50% discount on the admission price.

Hitting the Road Instead

If airline travel is just too much of a hassle for you, you can always have a nice road trip with family and friends. Lee suggested going to the sunny city of Orlando, Florida. He credited the place for having “flawlessly flat” roads and great entertainment destinations like Walt Disney World, Seaworld, and Universal Studios. What’s great is that all these theme parks are accessible!

The U.S.’ capital, Washington, D.C., is also a prime choice for wheelchair users, according to WheelChairTravel.org. It’s filled with historical monuments. It has magnificent architecture and public transportation. The city’s Natural Gallery of Art offers beautiful paintings from renowned authors like Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt. If you’re looking to learn a thing or two about science and history, the Smithsonian Museums (Air & Space, American History, and Natural History) provide full access for those using wheelchairs and other persons with disability.

Traveling with a physical disability might be difficult, but the rewards are worth it. All it takes is preparation and resourcefulness. With the increasing number of countries and American cities making their public transportation systems and buildings accessible, you’ll be checking off all your travel goals in no time.

Get the Right Mobility Scooter for Your Travels

When it comes to traveling, you want your mobility scooter to be light and durable. Here at 1800wheelchair.com, we offer sturdy but portable power scooters like the award-winning eFoldi, which has a battery designed for air travel. We also provide walkers, patient lifts, and wheelchairs for all ages. Explore the world with us.
 

Contact us today to know more about our mobility products.

Accessible Architecture: What Makes a Disability-Friendly Home?

According to an annual survey conducted by the US Census Bureau, people with disabilities make up 12.8% of the US population. This percentage is likely to grow as the US population ages, since the older people get, the higher the rate of disability increases. Still, even with physical limitations affecting such a large part of the population, most existing and new housing structures lack the basic accessibility features differently abled people require. That is, of course, unless the current occupant has a disability.

An accessible home is one that enables all its occupants to do what they need to do as independently as possible. Accessibility is achieved not only through architectural design but also through integrating specific features, particularly in bathrooms and along stairways. There are many ways that you can make your home more accessible. Here are just some of them.

Yard

To enter a house, one may have to go through the yard. You can make your yard more accessible by installing paths with a firm and level surface so that wheelchair users can go on them without any problem. Installing a ramp is a good way to make your entrance accessible to those in wheelchairs. Don’t forget to add handrails and curbs to prevent people from slipping or falling from the ramp. If you cannot install a ramp, you should have a folding aluminum wheelchair ramp at the ready.

Interiors

Having an accessible interior means having clear paths of travel throughout your home. It is vital that you have doors that are at least 32 inches wide and that your threshold is rounded and is no more than one-half inch higher than the floor. Having a high threshold is difficult not only for people who use wheelchairs but also for those who use canes and walkers. In addition, your hallways should be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchair users.

One potential limitation to think about is your flooring. Plush carpeting may not be such a good idea for wheelchair users. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design, the carpet pile shouldn’t be more than one-half-inch thick so that they don’t get stuck in the wheelchair’s wheels. Throw rugs, which can shift position, are not recommended, as these can get caught in the wheels and also present trip and fall hazards.

Bathrooms

One way to make your bathroom accessible is by replacing your bathtub with a shower since showers can be used by those in wheelchairs and those with limited mobility, alike. You can even install a shower seat and a hand-held shower head for extra versatility. For added stability, it is a good idea to install grab bars in proximity to the shower and toilet.

A taller toilet is more accessible to those with limited mobility. Don’t forget to leave enough room around the toilet and sink for the wheelchair.

If you’re looking to make your home more accessible and friendlier to differently-abled people, then turn to none other than 1800wheelchair.com. We have wheelchairs, and walkers, among others, that will help you or your loved ones address your mobility needs. Also check out our fantastic resource on wheelchair accessibility in you home here as well.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for more information. We would love to hear from you.