Category: Miscellaneous

The global market for elderly and disabled assistive devices was pegged at $12.37 billion in 2012. Mobility scooters are just one of the many assistive devices that are part of this market and which are changing the lives of the mobility impaired for the better. These devices have been credited with giving a new lease of life to people with disabilities and who were living lives wherein their disability dictated their life's choices. For some, this meant restricting their social life to the four corners of their homes and for others it meant depending on caregivers to move from one place to another.

But the use of powered assistive devices like power chairs and mobility scooters has allowed the disabled and elderly to come out of their shells and lead far more fulfilling lives. Manufacturers are coming out with a range of options that cater to the different requirements of people suffering from mobility issues. Say somebody wants to buy a mobility scooter, in this case they have a range of options to choose from such a Pride Go Go scooter and others.

One particular area where scooters have helped the mobility challenged immeasurably is vacations. Yes, you wouldn't believe it, but the truth is there are plenty of people who've actually decided to ignore their inability to walk properly and go on a vacation because of their trust in mobility scooters.

They're fast becoming the ideal assistive devices that will help you enjoy your vacation to the hilt, if you're suffering from a disability or mobility issues because of advanced age. Let's take a closer look at how they are impacting the vacations of the mobility challenged.

An Independent Vacation

Vacations are meant to be enjoyed, and that too enjoyed without worrying about your disability or whether can catch all the sights and sounds of the destination you'll be visiting. This is where a mobility scooter enters the picture. With such scooters, you don't really have to worry about arranging for an assistive device to help you move around. All you need to do, is disassemble your scooter, store it, and make sure it's transported with you to the place you're visiting. When you reach, dismantle it and start riding it. It's as simple as that.

A far more enjoyable vacation

Have you ever been on a vacation where you're worrying about different things every single minute of the day.? You're worried about the quality of the food? You're worried about the quality of the bed in your hotel and a myriad of different things that you feel are putting a damper on your vacation. If you're not a worry wart, you must have met people who for some reason or other aren't able to enjoy their vacations. Now think about a disabled person, the challenges he will face, which will typically center on his inability to move with ease. In this scenario, enters a mobility scooter that is a solution for this challenge. Imagine the difficulties that this scooter can solve. As can be imagined, the use of these scooters will help the user enjoy their vacation. If they're taking a beach holiday, they could ride their scooters along the beach to soak in the fresh air and sound of the sea. If they’ve heard, there is a nice little market near their hotel, they could visit it without really wondering how they wi
ll be able to visit it. There is very little doubt that mobility scooters will help you make the most of your vacation.

Leave you feeling fresh and energetic

A number of disabled people, especially those who are suffering from mobility issues because of their advanced age, have less stamina and muscle strength. What this means is they get tired easily and might have to put a lid on the number of attractions they are able to visit. This might also play a major role in whether they are actually able to enjoy their vacations or not. In such cases, it is a powered wheelchair, that comes to the rescue. There is very little effort required in riding these assistive devices and what's more this means you're not letting all the sightseeing take a toll on your body. This also means you feel more energetic and are able to enjoy your vacation all the more.

An Essential Part of your Vacation

Think of mobility scooters as a necessary part of your vacation, if you're suffering from mobility issues. If you don't own a mobility scooter or if you own one and don't want to take it along with you on a vacation, you can always rent one. But the key here is you must make sure, you're visiting a location that has these scooters available for rent. So, when you're planning your vacation, make sure that mobility scooters are available at the destination/s that are a part of your itinerary. If such scooters or similar assistive devices are unavailable, you could change your destination to suit your specific needs and requirements.

To Conclude

Mobility scooters have given a new lease of life to people whose first thought is to avoid a vacation because of their mobility issues. It's made the decision to take a vacation a whole lot simpler for these people because they no longer have to worry about their mobility issues. Ease of use, maneuverability, stability and reliability are the hallmarks of these scooters and is what makes them such a great choice for a vacation.

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Many individuals with physical disabilities find travel and the outdoors challenging. Their needs traditionally range from special seating arrangements in vehicles to special modifications in hotel rooms and constant accompaniment when traveling outdoors from one location to the other. Disability also applies to senior citizens and mature travelers who find it difficult to walk or prefer to walk at a slower pace. Being aware of all the resources and solutions available to make mobility easier will help reduce the anxiety people have about traveling with disability.

Basic Travel Tips

Further complicating the problem of disabled travel is the fact that disabilities and personal needs vary, thus making travel in standardized airline seats, hotel rooms and cars difficult. Disabled travelers and their companions can use the following tips to help ease their travel problems.

• In most countries, it is mandatory by law that service providers make necessary arrangements for travelers with special needs. However, adequate time is required to make preparations, so it is very important to inform them in advance of all the required accommodations. Special needs should be mentioned to them early, preferably at the time of reservation, and the service provider should be contacted 48 hours before the travel date to confirm that all arrangements have been made.

When describing a disability to service providers, it is important to be clear and specific. Not all providers are aware of medical terms and accessible-travel ‘lingo’. No detail should be spared when describing the disability and the severity of the condition should never be downplayed. Only then will they be able to make the best arrangements, taking into consideration all the travelers needs.

• It is best to get advice from a doctor when planning a trip. Describe the trip clearly including all the daily activities planned, so that the doctor can prescribe the best measures to help cope with the long flight, the required prescriptions and equipment to take. Travel with a note from the doctor describing the condition in detail, potential complications and the necessary medical action and medications to take in case of emergency.

If possible, book the trip through a travel agent or tour operator who specializes in helping individuals with disabilities. They are not only experienced but will also be able to provide a wide range of services to ensure smooth travel for the disabled individual.

Stay Safe and Healthy

Safety and health are the number one priority for disabled travelers. With unpredictable health conditions, it is always best to be prepared for any emergencies which might occur. It is better to be safe than sorry; all it takes is a little preparation in advance.

It is advisable to carry extra medication just in case. Medical experts strongly recommend carrying two complete packages of spare medication and medical supplies. They must carefully be stored in the carry-on bag for air travel and should never be checked-in.

Thorough research of the intended destination will help disabled travelers be well informed of what to expect in that particular location. It is especially important to keep a list of the addresses and phone numbers of medical facilities, doctors and hospitals that can be contacted in case of an emergency. Make sure to include some 24-hour urgent care locations.

Careful investigation regarding available physicians at your destination can be done with the help of a local embassy, doctor, health care provider or insurance company. It is advisable to carry identification and a summary of the disability, medications required and other pertinent information on your person. This will enable anyone assisting you to find this information easily. It is also important to carry contact details of family members back home just in case they need to be contacted.

Staying Mobile

Disability is no longer synonymous with immobility. Technology has advanced so much that there are now easy-to-control automobiles, scooters and wheelchairs that enable mobility and easy travel from location to location. Disabled or elderly people no longer have to be accompanied everywhere. They can get themselves to desired destinations using these modern vehicles.

• Pride Mobility Pursuit Scooters are perfect for senior citizens or disabled individuals who wish to venture outdoors and go from place to place independently. These scooters have large, 13-inch wheels that provide stability and ensure a smooth ride. They are extremely comfortable and also come with lighting packages for those who wish to travel at night.

• Lightweight wheelchairs with pop-off tires are a good option for frequent use and travelling overseas as they can easily be stored in aircrafts, with no hassle. Many wheelchairs come with armrests that can easily convert to a desk or have swing-away leg rests for added comfort.

• Motorized wheelchairs that are powered by an engine are ideal for individuals who wish to travel distances or on tough terrain that would be exhausting to do in a manual wheelchair. They can also be used by the elderly or by people with cardiovascular or fatigue based medical conditions.

Information and Innovation

Planning ahead and making use of resources available and searching for innovative solutions create smooth travel outcomes for the disabled. It is helpful to learn a few key phrases in the native language of your travel destination, as it can make acquiring services and assistance far easier.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or explore unconventional options when it comes to accessibility. For example, many museums may not have suitable elevators for individuals in wheelchairs, but they may have freight elevators which can accommodate wheeled access. It may not be common for people to use some of these alternative options, but it is certainly possible and worth investigating. In some locations, a building may be accessible because people are willing to carry a disabled or elderly person and the wheelchair up the stairs to assist them. Never be hesitant to ask for help.

With some preparation and planning, as well as increased awareness of the needs for access for individuals with disabilities, the barriers are dropping. Become comfortable accessing the tools, equipment and resources that allow you to enjoy your travel in a completely unencumbered way.