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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.