Disabled individuals will need to perform as tough - if not tougher - than their non-handicapped fellow travellers when it comes to planning vacation. Following the 3 Ps (Plan, Pack and Proceed) will be even much more crucial, but there's a fourth "P": be proactive. Handicapped individuals have to be articulate and voice their requirements at every single stage with the process. Find out whatever you need and ask for it. Plan in advance, get every little thing in writing and maintain paperwork and medications within easy reach.
Just before You Travel
Prepare as far ahead of time as you possibly can. Go for personal health insurance with comprehensive cover. A lot of flight companies is only going to allow 1 wheelchair per aircraft; many hotels have only a minimal quantity of accessible rooms and wherever you're going, you have to let people find out should you need specific help whenever you arrive. Make contact with the airline as soon as you'll be able to prior to flying. Be sure they are able to supply transportation to get around the airport, should you need it, as well as help to get on and off the airplane. Call hotels to ask for wheelchair ramps and find out regarding 24-hour room service - just in case you will need it.
Study your vacation spot. Accessibility can be really minimal in some locations. Check with Web sites and guidebooks for information on ease of access for most locations. Cobbled pavement, plenty of aged, high buildings with out elevators, or perhaps hilly cities can make traveling difficult if you are in a wheelchair. Check on the transportation options obtainable as well specially if travelling on the budget. Are the trains, subways, or boats easy to get into? Will they transport wheelchairs? Taxis really are a failsafe technique of getting around in most places, but can be pricey.
Pack cautiously. Make certain any medication that you'll want is within your carry-on luggage, just in case the checked luggage are damaged or lost. Some prescription medication needs to be stored under specific temperatures so if you're travelling someplace scorching get a cooler bag with you and make sure that the lodge you're staying in features a mini-fridge in the room. Carry spare prescriptions if possible, just in case you drop something, and ask the physician for your generic medicine name as opposed to a brand in case this can be different in your vacation spot.
In the Air
Confirm with the airline 48 hours prior to you travel that they've details of any specific needs that you have made. Check-in as early as you are able to in case you want help with boarding.
Request that your wheelchair is stored on board, instead of put inside the hold. Airplanes will usually only enable 1 wheelchair per flight, so an early check-in can help make sure that this really is your own.
Tag your own wheelchair or scooter clearly, with the gate you're departing from, where you are going, where you're staying along with a house address.
Ask if there's an aisle seat available so you can get towards the toilet much more quickly during the flight. Additionally, inquire if there is a specific attendant who can help you.
On the Trip
Be ready to explain to everyone exactly how they can support you in the event you want assistance. The majority of individuals are prepared to help carry or push the wheelchair, but they are often too shy to offer you.
If anything just isn't what you've been assured, the only thing to do is complain. Refunds might be hard to get once you have returned home. Demand a new room if you want to, or perhaps a brand new hotel.
Author's Resource Box Hallsteinn Gretarsson is really an devoted author on subjects concerning disability, especially related to traveling. Make sure you find out more regarding handkappstöd on our website. Author : Hallsteinn Gretarsson |