Just because you’re in a wheelchair, that doesn’t mean you can’t visit places. It doesn’t mean you have to stay in the house or only go where you don’t need to use a vehicle. The fact is, there are many options open to wheelchair users today, and you will have as much choice as those not in wheelchairs as to where you go. Here are some of the ways you can travel when you’re in a wheelchair.
Your Own Vehicle
It can be surprising to discover that people in wheelchairs can have and drive their own cars, but this shouldn’t be a shock – cars can be designed with all users in mind, and even if you don’t have use of your legs, driving shouldn’t be held back for you.
This is why companies such as Allied Mobility exist. They specialize in mobility vehicles, ensuring that there is a vehicle to fit no matter what your needs might be. Once you have spoken to the experts and tried out the cars available, you’re sure to find one that suits you.
Having your own vehicle gives you the ultimate freedom to go where you want when you want. Public transport is a great thing, and we should be grateful that it exists, but it is limited, and it can be hard to find the right routes. When you have a car of your own, none of that matters.
Plane
If you want to visit another country, often the only way to get there is by plane. Don’t let this put you off; if you want to explore the world, being in a wheelchair shouldn’t stop you. You’ll need to think about and plan for some considerations when traveling anywhere by plane, but once these are dealt with, the world will open up to you.
The first thing you need to do is make the airline aware that you will be in a wheelchair. Different airlines have different rules, and it might be that you can stay in the chair for the flight, or perhaps you’ll need to use a plane seat and then put the chair somewhere safe, ensuring that the flight staff get it for you when you land. Also, it’s best to arrive early for your flight, as you’ll usually be able to board first. As long as you read the rules and make people aware of the situation beforehand, you’ll be able to go wherever you want to.
Cab
If you’re not traveling too far and you don’t want to drive yourself, or you don’t have a license, then getting a cab is a great idea. You won’t have to negotiate tricky train platforms or bus stops, and the cab will collect you from your door and take you directly where you want to go. Book another to go home again, and you have the ideal way to travel.
Of course, when you book the cab, you must ensure you tell them it has to be a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. If you don’t, a regular car may show up, and you’ll have to start all over again and potentially pay for the cab you couldn’t take as well. Give everyone as much information as possible to ensure things are right and there are no delays of embarrassing situations.
