#Wheelchair Accessible Travel

[thedisablednaturalist]

people who've used both a scooter and a powerchair, which do you prefer? Do you like one for certain activities or is one better overall?

[magically-maddie]

I was writing for kicks and giggles and ended up rambling in my notes, so I'm throwing it (the very edited version) into the void. Bone app the teeth.

Today's subject: my hatred of hotel rooms. Even "accessible" hotel rooms. ESPECIALLY "accessible" hotel rooms. Bitch what do you mean the bed is a foot above my seat cushion and it's fixed to the wall? What the fuck do you expect me to do??? A fish flop face first?? It's absolute madness to travel as a wheelchair user with paralysis and encounter the complete worst accessibility. What do you mean, you only have hearing accessible rooms? What do you mean, only your hearing accessible rooms have two separate beds? What do you mean, your accessible bathroom stall has grab bars but can't fit a wheelchair inside? What do you MEAN???

I'll break it down under the cut for the curious and/or nondisabled people.

Hearing accessible: A hotel room set up for deaf and hard of hearing people. Usually has a combination audio/light doorbell and flashers on the emergency alarms.

Hearing accessible rooms and beds: For some odd reason, throughout ALL of the hotel chains I've stayed with, the only two bed "accessible" rooms they have are hearing accessible. It's like they never considered that disabled people are more likely to travel with a companion or caregiver and may not want to sleep in the same bed as that person. Or may not want to relegate that person to the pull-out couch.

"Accessible" bathroom stall: Don't ask me why, but I've encountered so many bathroom stalls that have grab bars and are slightly larger than average but can't fit even a very compact wheelchair. (More often in sports venues, schools, and airports, for some reason.) Grab bars do not constitute accessibility. Basic accessibility is a stall sizeable enough to fit a large wheelchair and an additional person. Great accessibility includes hoists/lifts and much, much more space. Grab bars do not equal accessible stall.

Disclaimer, I'm a person with a high lumbar incomplete SCI. I am fairly independent in activities of daily living and these are only my experiences. But damn if these don't make me think about how someone with higher support needs, a carer, a power wheelchair, or anything but a manual wheelchair and some ability to transfer would have to do. The world is so fucking insane when it comes to accessibility.

[mobilityshop]

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Link to Mobility Shop's Best selling wheelchairs collection page

Are you a transit wheelchair user? Share your favorite tips and tricks for making the most of your mobility!

[paddysnuffles]

Went to Radium Hot Springs today, 10/10 recommend.

But eat first, since food isn't allowed at the swimming area.

P.S It's wheelchair accessible and they have wheelchairs to go in the water!!!

[disabled-traveler]

The Disabled Traveler’s Guide to Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area stretches for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, encompassing scenic vistas, geologic wonders, and a vast panorama of human history.  And Horseshoe Bend is one of the most recognized and visited places in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The stunning natural formation of Horseshoe Bend in Glen Canyon is…

[youngchronicpain]

For Christmas my partner got us tickets to NYC to see Phantom of the Opera (my favorite musical) on broadway before it is gone. I am soooo excited. But I'm a little nervous, this will be my first time going to NYC as a wheelchair user. If you have any experience traversing the city (in general, but especially if you are a wheelchair user), please give me any tips you have!

The hotel he got is really close to the theater so that I will feel as good as possible when we see the show. I love him so much. I feel really lucky. It is one of the most thoughtful gifts anyone has ever given me.

We are still deciding what else we are going to do while we are there, so if anyone has recommendations for wheelchair accessible locations please add that too! Especially restaurants, bookstores, museums, and game shops.

[jennifier-kraft]

Discover the best of Chicago's wheelchair accessible attractions with this comprehensive guide. From world-renowned museums to iconic parks and entertainment venues, our city offers a diverse range of inclusive experiences. Explore the most wheelchair-accessible attractions in Chicago, where accessibility meets breathtaking sights and unforgettable moments. Whether you're a local or visiting, this guide ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the city's rich culture and vibrant offerings without compromising on accessibility. Get ready to experience Chicago's most wheelchair-accessible attractions like never before.

[angelcatsiel]

First wheelchair travelling experience

I recently travelled from northern Ireland to England for a weekend away at a convention, travelling in my wheelchair for the first time, so I figured I would share the experience! I know one thing that helped ease my anxiety about it was reading or hearing about other people's experiences, and being autistic I love to hear as much detail as possible. The more I can mentally prepare myself, the easier things are. So if making this post reassures even one person then it's worth sharing! Plus it would just be nice to have a record of the whole experience for myself while it's still fresh in my brain.

I've also done some stuff in bullet points and bolded certain words in paragraphs for all you ADHD folks out there because reading is hard.

So. Flying!

Flying Out

I flew from Belfast International with my partner and the accessibility there is excellent. We had prebooked assistance online which was very easy to do when booking the flights, and when we arrived at the airport, we immediately spotted the assistance desk. They asked me a few questions about me and my wheelchair (did it fold up, could I make it up the steps to the aircraft alone, etc) and I was told what my gate number would be, and then sent to a check in desk to get a luggage tag for the wheelchair. They put it on the handle, which I realised later was a mistake since I was worried about it falling off, so I'd recommend getting it on the arm rest or somewhere a bit safer.

We were directed to the assistance lane for security, and that all went smoothly. The staff were helpful, my partner sorted the bags out while I went through with my wheelchair and got searched on the other side and had my chair swabbed.

Once through security, we waited around a bit and then headed down to the gate about 15 minutes before it was due to be called. Turned out they'd given us the wrong gate number at the assistance desk, which was a little annoying, but thankfully the correct gate was right next to it. A man took us down via lift before everyone else and I was able to wheel right up to the steps of the aircraft, and he helped with our bags going up the stairs.

After landing, we waited until everyone else had left before getting up. We asked the stewards when I got the wheelchair back or what happened next and they weren't entirely sure, but they went to check and there was a man waiting with the wheelchair lift and my wheelchair in it (let me tell you, I was so relieved to see it again!). We were taken down with another family in the lift and then taken back to the airport, I tried to wheel myself but the ground was quite rough so I asked the guy taking us back to the airport if I could get a push and he was happy to do that.

Convention Accessibility

The convention was pretty good for accessibility overall with a few minor issues. I had emailed them and filled out a google form a couple of weeks before, explaining that I would be in a wheelchair, I would require my partner with me as my carer, and I would require an aisle seat reserved for him in the main hall with a wheelchair space next to it. We got registered on the Friday and collected my access pass, which said +1 on it to indicate a carer, that was all fine.

Saturday morning, we arrived in the main hall. No wheelchair space or aisle seat was allocated to us. We spoke to the woman in charge of that, who explained that I should have got an email telling me to see her Friday evening and get a space arranged for me. I double checked my emails, there was no mention of it. She told me she couldn't do anything that day, and I would have to find her that evening, sort out a slot for the next day, and then come and find her again early the next morning to fine tune a place for me to sit.

This all seemed unnecessarily complicated to me. It would have been very difficult to get there Friday evening to arrange things, since I was staying in a hotel a few miles up the road and I needed some time to rest and recover after travelling. It was also very difficult for me to get there so early Sunday morning, since I have a hard time in the mornings due to one of my disabilities, and breakfast at the hotel I was staying in didn't start until 8am, so I had to do that first. I got it sorted in the end, but they definitely could have made things clearer and simplified the process, in my opinion.

Other than that, the con was great. There were dedicated seating areas for disabled people waiting for their photo ops, we sat there until a member of staff took us over to the front of the queue to get our photos. The con hotel was very accessible (I won't talk about the hotel I stayed in since that wasn't accessible and since I can walk, we just left my wheelchair in the car overnight). I was able to participte in everything as usual and get around easily.

Other Stuff/General Experiences

I did a lot of dancing in my wheelchair. It was amazing. The Cha Cha slide rules because I get to do little wheelies to the hops.

People at the parties were lovely. Everyone seemed happy to see me dancing, and there were no strange looks or anything when I got up for one song that was kind of impossible to do in a wheelchair.

I did get pushed without my permission by a stranger for the first time, which was very scary. Ironically, it was also the first time I was in my wheelchair with the backrest lowered to make it easier for me to dance, and the handles were down. A guy I was talking to gave me a massive shove and I collided with someone. I'm forgiving of him because he was drunk and was lovely before that, but it was not ok and not nice. I went from 'everything is great!' to 'fuck you don't touch my fucking wheelchair' in a split second.

Going up hills is hard work, but if you zigzag, it's a little easier. Going downhill rules. Rough ground or ground with a slight tilt to it is evil.

While practicing my wheelies on gravel (it's easier to move across gravel on back wheels only) I tipped backwards and fell. It was mildly embarrassing, but mostly funny, and I didn't get hurt. I'm glad it happened, because I was very anxious about it happening, but when it did, it really wasn't that bad. Provided some great entertainment for people, and the gravel was surprisingly soft.

In the airport on the way home, I bought a baguette and a chocolate mousse from Pret. I struggled to reach the counter to place my items on there, but I managed. The woman serving put my items in a bag and came around the counter to hand the bag directly to me, which was nice. As she handed it to me, she said, 'that's on the house for you, darling'. I was so surprised, but I'm certainly not going to complain! I guess being disabled has its perks.

Flying Home

There were a few more access issues flying home than there were flying out, which surprised me at such a large airport. One lift wasn't working, with no out of order sign or anything, but at least there was another lift nearby. The disabled toilet on that side of security was a little small, but when I entered, an automated voice told me to wave my hand in front of the sensor to my left if I was visually impaired and wanted to hear a description of the room, which I thought was cool. I haven't seen that before.

We encountered a trolley parked in such an awkward spot directly in front of a wheelchair gate that if I hadn't been with my partner, my access would have been completely cut off. He had to go around and move it for me. Only a minor thing, but still annoying. I hope it wasn't a staff member who parked it there.

I found the assistance desk easily, everything was the same as before, although when I asked about a luggage tag for my wheelchair, they told me I would be given one at the gate. Cool.

Security went smoothly, same as before. On the other side of security, I tried to go to the bathroom. There were two accessible stalls. One was out of order, the other was locked with a key code required, and no signs or instructions or anything about it. I had to go into the regular bathroom and park my wheelchair outside a stall and then go in. It was scary leaving my chair unattended even briefly, and if I was completely unable to walk, then again, my access would have been cut off. Fuck disabled bathrooms with key codes. Let it be unlocked with a RADAR key (which I have) at the very least.

We got to the gate early again, and a man met us there and introduced himself, he was there to assist me getting on the plane and he was lovely, we had a nice chat. At the gate, the woman checking our boarding passes asked why I didn't have a luggage tag for the wheelchair. I explained that I had been told I would get one at the gate. Apparently that was incorrect, and I should have collected one at check in. Luckily she got it sorted and gave me one, but that was annoying.

Mildly amusing moment: A woman was there at the gate with her daughter and hadn't booked any assistance in advance, but was asking if they could go with us and be first on the flight as her daughter got overwhelmed in crowds. They told her she should have booked first, but were still willing to take her. She asked if we were going down the stairs. The guy explained to her that no, we would not be taking me in my wheelchair down the stairs, we would be going in the lift. She immediately pulled a face and said 'oh never mind then, I'm not doing that, I don't like lifts.' Like... you were genuinely surprised that I, a wheelchair user, was taking the lift and not the stairs???

Anyway, we got to wheel right up to the steps again, we were helped with our bags onto the plane, and this time when we landed, I had to walk down the stairs where my chair was waiting at the bottom, but I had indicated that I could do the stairs on my form when I booked, so that was fine by me. I got straight back in my chair, and we were taken back to the airport. And that was it!

Tips/Advice

There are probably much more experienced wheelchair users and travellers to ask, but here are a few tips I've picked up!

Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. In my experience, most people are kind and happy to help. I had to ask strangers to help me reach things on shelves a few times, or help me with doors. It's a little scary, but you get used to it!

Remember that you can use your environment to help you get around. I quickly discovered that one ramp in the con hotel was easier to get up if I grabbed the railings either side and pulled myself up, rather than pushing with the push rims. Doors are easier to go through if you grab the edge of the door and pull yourself through. It's a lot of constant learning and figuring out as you go.

Youtube is an excellent resource for learning. Wheelsnoheels is one I've used a lot and was very helpful, her videos are great!

As I mentioned earlier, wheelies are a useful thing to master, but it's not easy. There are a lot of great videos about that on Youtube too. Not everyone will be able to do a wheelie and of course not every wheelchair is capable of it, and they do take a lot of practice, I'm still not very good at them. Practice somewhere safe with a friend to catch you if you fall, or something soft like a sofa behind you.

Be prepared. Plan in advance. How you'll bring your suitcase with you, any extra items you need for your wheelchair or your disabilities, have your name and a contact number on your chair somewhere (I wrote mine on a piece of paper and put that in the pocket on the back of my chair).

That's about everything I can think of. My inbox is always open for messages about this topic, anything disability related, or anything at all really!

[secondwhisper]

I'm currently attending a training on accommodating pedestrians in road work zones. It's really interesting to see how (ADA-compliant) accessible pedestrian infrastructure implementation is discussed in professional engineering spaces (as opposed to general disability spaces).

We have three groups of disabled road (+sidewalk) users that we must focus on design for: visually impaired & blind pedestrians, mobility impaired pedestrians, and cognitively impaired pedestrians. In this context, mobility impairments also include walking unsteadily, slowly, or with low endurance/stamina.

Generally, we must aim to provide the following accommodations for disabled pedestrians. For the visually impaired: high-contrast signage & markings, ground-level channelization as a "shoreline", a smooth and level walking surface, no protruding objects, smooth and stable hand guides / railings, and auditory and tactile guides at crossings or other complex maneuvers. For the mobility impaired: no protruding objects, no side barriers that could interfere with manual wheelchair or crutch use, a smooth level and grippy walking surface, smooth and stable hand guides / railings, and "refuges" on particularly long routes. For the cognitively impaired: high-contrast signage & markings that are clean and concise, arrows that point in exactly the correct direction, and channelization that reduces opportunities for someone to accidentally end up in a traffic lane.

We see some similarities across access needs: clear signage / guidance, barriers or other channelization to make wayfinding easier, no protruding objects, smooth and stable surfaces.

There's also one very glaring conflict in access needs: channelization. Barriers that reach the ground, and barriers with railings, help blind & visually impaired pedestrians move in the correct direction with confidence. Barriers to channelize the pedestrian detour path help cognitively impaired pedestrians keep within pedestrian zones and move confidently to the end of the detour. Barriers with railings can provide support for unsteady and fatigued pedestrians. But barriers at the edge of the pedestrian route give cane, crutch, and wheelchair users just one more thing to whack their knuckles, elbows, and devices on, and can reduce their ability to turn or recenter themselves, along with removing the ability of able-bodied pedestrians to get out of their way in narrow places.

I don't have some kind of big conclusion here, I just thought it was interesting to see that cognitively disabled pedestrians are included among those whom sidewalk closures can affect uniquely negatively, and to see a frank discussion of how not everyone with vision & mobility disabilities are helped by each other's accommodations. Within the broader context of "work zones are super inaccessible we have to start doing it right."

[blatterpussbunnyfromhell]

I missed two trains in Paris over the weekend because of the train stations' lack of accessibility. My friend and I missed the Eurostar on saturday and had to wait for the next one. And tonight I missed my train home because the underground lifts were not working and I couldn't take the RER to right train station and had to be escorted outside to a bus by 3 SNCF security agents, which was quite a surreal and unexpected experience. Several people asked me if I needed assistance or wanted to "help" me while I was just minding my own business.

My friend and I stayed about only 30 hours in London this weekend, and were only mildly inconvenienced by ableism/lack of accessibility once. Once.

[dizzygradespells]

Accessibility and Airplanes

Traveling sucks. Period. But Traveling Disabled is a whole new ballgame. Despite requesting a wheelchair ahead of time on both flights (to and from our destination), there was only ONE wheelchair readily available for me. There were no wheelchairs available to the planes. We had to request a wheelchair to get off one of the planes and that took about 15-20 minutes to get. The only time I had a wheelchair waiting for me was getting off the second flight. Other issues I encountered were no handicap-accessible lines through security, someone making fun of me for the things I needed to safely get through the flight, and only a single cane available for those who need help getting through the security scanner. On the upside, the flight attendants were accommodating at least. But most of my needs I can handle myself. I know what I experienced is only the tip of the iceberg. Remember, 1.3 BILLION people are disabled. That's 1/6 people. More than that, most people will experience disability (either temporary or permanent) in their lifetime. Accessibility is important!

[trojanhorsenews]

How great is this?

[dynamicdouble]

Midweek Message: How Innovation Is Enhancing Accessibility

P-R-A-C-T-I-CAL things have to be practical, or whatever that song by Chappell Roan says! #Accessibility #BuildMyAccessibleHome #MidweekMessage #Disability #SesameAccess #ChappellRoan #HotToGo

Accessibility in Action P-R-A-C-T-I-CAL things have to be practical, or whatever that song by Chappell Roan says! I recently saw a video on TikTok where hotel staff were helping @theinclusivetraveller use their lift to exit the building, which I found pretty interesting. What makes concepts and ideas like this great, and what could they mean for accessibility? Let’s dive deeper into how such…

[maxi-and-wheelchair-taxi]

Comparing Different Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Services in Perth 🚕♿

Hey Tumblr fam! 🌟

If you or someone you know relies on wheelchair accessible taxis, finding the right service can be a game-changer. Today, we’re diving into a comparison of different wheelchair accessible taxi services in Perth, and highlighting why Maxi and Wheelchair Cabs might just be your new go-to! Let’s roll! 🚗✨

What to Look For in Wheelchair Accessible Taxis

Accessibility Features: Look for ramps, lifts, and secure restraints.

Service Availability: Is the service available 24/7 and does it cover your area?

Pricing: Compare fares and watch out for hidden charges.

Customer Reviews: Real experiences from other users.

Driver Training: Ensure drivers are well-trained to assist with disabilities.

Why Maxi and Wheelchair Cabs Stands Out

Accessibility Features: Maxi and Wheelchair Cabs' vehicles are equipped with top-notch ramps and lifts, spacious interiors, and secure restraints. Comfort and safety are a priority!

Service Availability: Need a ride at 3 AM? No problem! Maxi Taxi Services operates 24/7, covering Perth and surrounding suburbs.

Pricing: Transparent and competitive pricing. No surprises here!

Customer Reviews: So many happy customers! Punctuality, professionalism, and comfort are frequently praised.

Driver Training: Their drivers are extensively trained to provide the best support and ensure a smooth journey.

Comparing Other Services

Maxi Cab Perth: Basic features, limited hours, higher fares, and mixed reviews.

Maxi Taxi Perth: Good features and availability but watch out for hidden charges.

Maxi Bus Perth: Affordable but quality can vary, with only basic driver training.

Why Choose Maxi and Wheelchair Cabs?

Maxi and Wheelchair Cabs ticks all the boxes: advanced accessibility features, reliable 24/7 service, fair pricing, glowing reviews, and well-trained drivers. Whether it’s a medical appointment, a social outing, or just getting around, Maxi Taxi Services is your best bet in Perth.

Finding the right wheelchair accessible taxi service doesn’t have to be a hassle. With Maxi Taxi Services, you get reliability, comfort, and safety all in one. 🚕❤️

Need a ride? Contact Maxi Taxi Services today and experience the difference for yourself!

Feel free to share your own experiences or ask any questions in the comments below. Stay accessible and keep rolling! 🌍♿✨

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[dinosaurcharcuterie]

I'm approving a patient for in patient physical rehabilitation for a month. Patient has all the diagnoses, both chronic and acute, including a pain condition and mobility issues, so there's zero issue with me approving the entire thing.

The hospital informed us that the patient, despite being aware of what's happening and them and having no memory issues, has problems with orientation and maintaining a psychological equilibrium if not provided with a familiar, stable environment. It is therefore vital their spouse come along. Again, I've got all the magic words I need to toss money at that too.

The suggested hospital is on an island an 8 hours' drive away from the patient's home address (one way, under optimal circumstances, provided no breaks are taken). They do not have a department for rehabilitative care, nor do they have an in patient department for the diagnosis listed as motivation for this entire thing. There's at least 6 major cities with excellent, objectively superior rehabilitative medical care on the way to the ferry over.

Hospital claims nothing about this choice of clinic contradicts the needs of this patient. It's purely incidental that this rehab is planned on one of the swankiest vacation spots in the country, just as tourist season starts. Also, we can't deny a patient rehab if there's a medical need for one. (:

[disabled-traveler]

The Disabled Traveler’s Guide to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park