Friday, May 5, 2017

Family Travels with a Disability.

Before my paralysis I always wanted to travel and see the world. After I gained my wheelchair and the ability to use those nifty close up parking spots, that desire to travel did not go away. What did happen was that I had to start thinking about travel in a different way. Going around the world in a wheelchair was not as simple as doing it as an able bodied person. It requires planning and much research on destinations, and at times the ability to say I cannot go there (yet). You must know what your limits are and if you plan to go beyond them, know what you need to do to prepare to break those limits. There are things you will need when you have a mobility, or other disability, that are not optional. Medication, daily medical supplies (latex gloves, catheters, bandages, tape,etc.) may be an everyday necessity that will need to be packed up and brought with you and this may cause complications depending on where you are traveling. 
Image result for wheelchair travel
In addition to my mobility issues, I have the extra complication of having a family (wife, and son) who like to travel with me (I know, shocking). This can be challenging at times because there are companies that provide air travel, lodging, and other travel services that do not quite get that disabilities do not automatically negate having a family (don't believe me try finding a disable access room that sleeps three). 

It is my goal to help you navigate these challenges of travel, while attempting to leave as small a wheel mark on the overall surroundings. We all know the world is not flat, but that doesn't mean we can not explore it like it was.

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