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I have travelled to many places around the world since I broke my neck and became paralyzed from the chest down . Since my accident , I use a wheelchair to get around , and if there is one thing I can tell you for sure , the word “ accessibility ” has different meanings just about everywhere you go . Hotel managers have literally told me , “ Yes , we ’ re accessible for wheelchair users . We have rooms on the first floor and we have an elevator .” Well , I don ’ t know about you , but that doesn ’ t tell me a thing about whether or not I can even actually get into the room . So , in addition to avoiding issues with accessibility , here are some tips that I hope are helpful when planning your next trip as a person with a disability . Just remember , every person has unique circumstances even if they may have similar disabilities .
This is not “ one size fits all ” advice . ~ Fred ~
1 . Do your homework and make sure you call ahead . If there is one thing I am faithful about is calling ahead , sometimes months ahead if it ’ s a long trip or out of the country so I have enough time leftover to go to Plan B , if necessary . If you ’ re working with a travel agency , most are required by law to accommodate travelers who have some type of special need . Just keep in mind that they will likely need additional to work on
your circumstances . If you ’ re calling a hotel , I would suggest calling at least a week or two ahead and be very specific about what you need – bed height , bath tub or roll-in shower , king or queen bed versus a smaller twin bed , etc . You may even ask for pictures of the “ accessible ” room . If the hotel wants your business , they will gladly send you pictures and some may even take measurements of doorways and bed height for you .