Posted: October 9th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Transportation, Travel For Disabled | Tags: accessibility, accessible, auto, car, handicap travel, handicapped travel, van | 23 Comments »
Thanks to the lawmakers, the world has seen the introduction of facilities for handicap travel. Although, there is a lot more ground to cover in these areas but major building, vehicles such as buses, ships and planes contain specials ramps and elevators for traveling. It is easy nowadays then it used to be a few years back. Almost all travel services now contain special privileges for handicapped people.
There are a few important points to keep in mind and benefit from if you are such a person but would like to travel on your own either for work or for pleasure. While acquiring yourself a vehicle for traveling, look for specialized ones that include ramps, lifts and plenty of space if you have a wheelchair or crutches.
In case if you are looking for a car or a van, find out what options are available. On the internet, you’ll find several automobile shops offering specialized disability vehicles. Some shops even offer vehicle modifications to suit the needs of people with disability issues. So, this can be a good option if you do not want to or have a budget to buy a completely new vehicle. A few tips below can help you make a checklist of your needs while looking for a vehicle or for going forward to modify your vehicle.
You can look for powerful navigation built in your van. Keep it programmed for all possible destinations. Also, go for vehicles with automatic controls for opening doors, wearing seatbelt, gears etc. Etc. To make driving easier and comfortable. Always buy vehicles with low floors and seats. This will make it easy to get in and out of the van.
Consider vehicles that have lots of space to keep the disability equipment with you such as wheel chairs, crutches etc. And the space should be such that when you have to load and unload the equipment it should be easy.
Build in ramps and lifts that move on their own are best ones for disabled because you wouldn’t want to manually push them in and out when getting in or out of the vehicle. Automatically moving ramps are also good for moving your wheelchair in and out of the vehicles on their own accord.
Consider modifying an already existing vehicle as it would save you a lot of money. Another good point about modifying is that you can adjust and modify the vehicle as you like. As disability varies from individual to individual modifying the existing vehicle will also let you have the freedom of choosing which options you would like to have in the vehicle and which options and equipment you want to leave out. For example some people with less severe disability would like to have less automated car driving options and some depending upon severe disability would like a completely automated van.
Handicap travel should not be a problem nowadays since many handicapped friendly laws have been passed and many countries have laws for vehicles manufacturing companies to install handicapped friendly equipment. Such vehicles have made it easy for handicapped to travel without an escort.
Posted: October 7th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Travel For Disabled | Tags: disability travel, disabled travel, handicap travel, handicapped travel, recommendations, suggestions, tips | 32 Comments »
At one time, it was simply not possible for people with disabilities like handicapped, mobility issues to travel. If they could somehow do that, they had to face serious issues like getting in places with stairs or high-rise buildings etc. Nowadays, it has become very easy for people with disabilities to travel. Several laws have been passed that have forced buildings and vehicles to have equipment that make disability travel easy.
Buildings now have ramps, lifts and even specially fitted rooms for such people. If you are a huge fan of traveling but are handicapped, you should feel happy that with the advancement of science and technology, traveling has been made easy. Now, it is not difficult for handicapped people to travel as it used to be at one time.
Web offers a lot of tips and tricks for people who have issues but want to travel. You can now do booking online for traveling such as finding airlines, ships and buses to travel for sight-seeing. Using online means to learn about traveling advantages and disadvantages for you is very important. This way you’ll know before hand what problems you will face during traveling and you can be prepared for them.
There are also many organizations and agencies that help people who are handicapped or other problems to travel and even provide escorts that stay with them throughout the trip. Some agencies arrange group tours and help you with arranging the tickets, rent vehicles for you and reservation for your stay.
If you would still like to plan your trip on your own, then as said before online and web are the best possible ways to do that. Learn as much as you can online about your destination and if there are any laws for handicapped people. Also, do your booking well in advance and don’t forget to inform the airline, ship or whichever service you are using to go there about your disability.
Also, find out about places that you will want to visit during your trip to check if they have lifts, elevators, ramps and other equipment to handle people with issues. This is very important as this is the main purpose of your trip, that is, sight-seeing. Although most buildings and places contain services for handicapped people but one has to make sure and understand what problems will come while you are there.
Also, if you are going to a place which as a lot of ancient architecture, it might not have ramps, lifts and escalators etc. So, you might eventually have to contact an agency or an agent who would help you explore such places.
Although, it is relatively easy for people with disabilities to travel but it is good to be informed about the procedures and problems that can be encountered during traveling with disabilities. Always let your relatives know at every point while traveling and always keep the numbers and contact addresses of your doctor and your relative at every point during your traveling. It will make it easier for your loved ones to know that you are safe and to reach you and for you to reach them instantly in case of emergencies.