Tips For Planning A Wheelchair Accessible Travel

With a power wheelchair to count on, going around the world is easier than before. Here are some important tips for a wheelchair accessible travel.

Plan, Plan, and Plan

The first and foremost important thing about wheelchair accessible travel is to plan ahead and brainstorm about your personal requirements. Don’t shy away from asking for assistance because of your disability. Be honest about what you can and cannot do, and make a list of those points.

From renting medical equipment and getting an insurance to booking accommodation in wheelchair accessible hotels, there are so many things you will need to consider. You will also need to plan for easy transportation to and from the hotel/airport after you arrive at your destination.

Get a travel insurance

While having a disability should definitely not stop you from seeing beautiful destinations around the world, you need to get a special travel insurance. Make sure you compare insurance plans offered by different companies and get the one that offers maximum cover.

The policy should cover your medical needs and provide full assistance in case of a medical emergency of medical repatriation. Always look for an insurance service provider that offers 24/7 medical emergency helpline.

Book a room in advance

To avoid any last minute rush, make sure you book your stay in advance in a wheelchair accessible hotel. Look for the wheelchair icon when making online bookings. You may also want to call the help desk and confirm about the special facilities available for disabled people. If you are booking online, read the customer reviews to learn from the experience of others.

Enjoy A stress-free flight

Before booking your air ticket, make sure you talk to the airlines staff to find out about their policy regarding wheelchairs. Different airlines have different policies so it’s better to know in advance than suffer delays and frustration on the day of journey. Most airlines offer wheelchair assistance and extend help to passengers with disabilities.

When a passenger requests for special assistance, the airlines issues a special code known as the SSR or special service request. You may want to find out whether your power wheelchair will fit in the cargo section or the airplane bathroom is wheelchair accessible or not.

Know your rights

People with disabilities have been given certain rights by the law to protect them from unfair treatment. While dealing with a hotel, airlines, restaurant, taxi drivers, or marketplace, you have the right to demand for equal access of services. Knowing your rights will help you stand up against injustice and raise your voice. If you are not treated as equal, you can complain to the Justice department.

Air Ambulance Service

While we would like to wish that you have a safe and happy trip, medical emergencies happen and they don’t discriminate between able and disable people. If you suddenly fall sick and your insurance does not fully cover your medical repatriation needs, there are some private provider for air ambulance services.