Ever since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, travel for persons with disabilities has become easier and more common than ever before. Travel trailers can be modified for many users with disabilities, and there are more adaptations for special needs. If you have a disability, you have the right to expect to be accommodated.
Plan ahead for a place to stay
Although you can expect accommodations for your disability, you need to plan in order to make sure that what you need is available. Campgrounds typically have one or two spots designated as handicap accessible. When you've found a campground, call ahead to ask specific questions:
• Do the designated spots have a concrete slab to facilitate wheelchairs?
• Are there wheelchair ramps?
• Are the hookups easily accessible for someone with a disability?
• Are the offices, bathrooms, and store accessible?
• Do the showers have a roll-in entrance?
• Are the recreational facilities handicap friendly?
• Do they have activities that include persons with disabilities?
Plan ahead for emergencies
• Organize all of your medical information before you leave.
• Make sure you have your information clearly written out in the event that you need to visit a health care facility.
• Keep your doctor's fax number handy for emergency prescription refills if you should misplace your medications.
• Maintain a list of all of your prescriptions and supplements with their proper names. "I think it's a little red and black capsule" isn't enough for a pharmacist to go on.
• Keep a copy of your prescription for your glasses handy.
While you are making copies, add your driver's license, Medicare card, traveler's checks, and your credit cards. Keep all of the copied information locked up in a safe place. It's much easier to stop a thief if you have the specifics close at hand. No one wants to think about identity theft, but it's best to be prepared.
Plan ahead for a travel buddy
There's a certain joy in traveling independently. However, if you have special needs, it may be more comfortable to travel with a friend. If you do not have a family member, or a friend who can travel with you, consider hiring a travel companion. There are reputable travel services who can help you find a dependable person to travel with you to help you when necessary.
The Handicapped Travel Club, Inc., and the Travelin' Talk Network are two organizations that can help you find more friends along the way. They have large networks of people with disabilities who love to travel.
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