Accessible Accommodations - Tips and Information

In the past, people in wheelchairs generally stayed at home, because accessible accommodations were unheard of, and simply travel to the doctor or church is a logistics nightmare. The disabled have simply stayed at home, under the supervision of a caregiver. Not anymore! Today, with businesses becoming handicapped accessible, and specially equipped vehicles allow wheelchair users to ride, or even drive, with ease, not only can the disabled go shopping, he/she is able to work outside the home and take the occasional vocation. However, before packing the van and setting out on a long journey, make certain wheelchair accessible accommodations will be available along the way.

Traveling great distances can be difficult and exhausting for a diehard vacationer. Coupled with a disability, wheelchair users have additional challenges. For example, stopping to get gas, buy a candy bar, and using the facilities is not something to be taken for granted. The pumps and the building must be wheelchair accessible. Otherwise, the trip could get ugly very quickly.

However, the biggest problem is finding handicapped accessible accommodations. Sadly, many supposedly handicapped accessible motels and hotels comply with only the minimal requirements by law. For example, before traveling to a neighboring state, motels and hotels are called to determine if accessible accommodations are available for three. Assured suitable accommodations are waiting, a reservation is made. Upon arrival, the room only has one bed for 3 people. Only after arriving, the desk clerk confesses the handicapped accessible accommodations are not equipped for families. What! Disabled people have families. Another example is a handicapped accessible room, with a handicapped bathroom. Sounds good? No. Although the bathroom is accessible, the doorway is not wide enough to accommodate the wheelchair wheels. Thus, what is advertised as accessible is actually an exercise in discouragement and frustration.

To avoid an unpleasant trip fraught with frustration and unscrupulous businesspersons, make sure the motel/hotel is truly accessible by asking a few key questions: when making the reservation, do not simply ask for accessible accommodations. Instead, ask specifically if the chair will fit through the bathroom doorway. Also, is the commode high enough? Is the shower equipped with a shower chair or a roll-in design? Is the room big enough to navigate the chair and accommodate family members, if necessary?

Finally, are the accessible accommodations on the ground floor, and is handicapped parking close to the entrance? In the event of a fire, or similarly devastating circumstances, elevators are not recommended. Also, parking farther away from the main entrance can be frustrating in the event of disagreeable weather.

In summary, enjoy every opportunity to travel. However, taking the time to specifically ask for motel/hotel accessible accommodations will ultimately save potential heartaches. Do not assume accessibility includes wheelchairs and family accommodations. Be proactive in requesting personal needs. Do not let unexpected surprises ruin a wonderful vacation. Bon voyage!

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