| RoadTripping
for the Physical Challenged,
by Alice Zyetz |
Since 1990,
we have all become more familiar
with results of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
the little blue logo for close-in parking spaces, the accessible
toilet stalls, the sloping curbs. As campers, we have seen
certain campsites dedicated to the disabled and some sightseeing
trails marked as accessible. But in my experience, until we
ourselves experience some disabling circumstance, or we take
the time to talk
with someone who is physically challenged, we don't begin
to appreciate the challenges and strengths of the lifestyle,
particularly when traveling.
This month's column addresses
three audiences:
- Those who are physically challenged
and would like to travel more but don't know what
is already available
- Those who are older and currently in
good health but dread the day they might have to hang
up their keys
- Those who are able-bodied and want to
know how to help without offending anyone.
|
My thanks to Merle Young of the Handicapped
Travel Club for providing a wealth of information
and insights on this issue. Merle says that he is always happy
to answer any questions. His e-mail address is kb9pdm@arrl.net.
Fortunately, the groundwork has been laid,
and there is a wealth of information already available.
HOW
TO FIND A MODIFIED RV
For those traveling in RVs,
one of the biggest challenges is to find a rig that will accommodate
a specific disability. Many companies will make conversions,
depending on what modifications people need. Some manufacturers
will build to individual specifications or change a floor
plan to make a unit accessible. The needs differ so much that
it would be impossible to build an accessible RV that would
work for everyone. Some units just need an assist bar at the
door, others need a wheelchair lift, some furniture removed,
or dinettes shortened for a wheelchair to access a rear bath.
Some require a track system in the ceiling to move the individual
from the front to the rear. For more information on companies
that customize recreational vehicles, see rv-info.net,
myprimeyears.com,
and RV
America.
If you are considering the
RV lifestyle on a limited basis or full time, a visit
to a Handicapped Travel Club national rally, or even a mini
rally, will allow you to see many units that have been converted
or specially built to meet your needs. If you live anywhere
near Toppenish, Washington, you have an opportunity from September
8-11, 2004, to attend this
year's national rally at the Yakima Nation Resort RV Park.
There will be 20 to 25 units there to look at. No other place
offers the opportunity to see so many units with such varied
modifications. Many knowledgeable individuals will be on hand
to offer suggestions and assistance. In addition, there are
often several units for sale on the club's Web site that have
various adaptations already completed.
WHERE
TO TRAVEL
Another challenge is finding
places to travel that have accessible sites. Most campgrounds
now provide sites for disabled campers. In my brief experience
in a wheelchair this year, I discovered that despite all good
intentions, some details are always overlooked. For example,
although the spaces are flat and wide enough to accommodate
a unit and a lift, the utilities may be surrounded with railroad
ties or crushed rock, or the office is not accessible for
check-in. On the plus side, people are most gracious about
lending a hand when needed.
Since 1990, there is
a greater awareness of the need for access to the beautiful
sites in our country. This month when my husband and I visited
Olympic National Park, we went to the Visitor's Center as
usual to find out where to go. The ranger recommended a beautiful
waterfall that required a half-mile hike to get to it. "I
can't walk that far," I said, the disappointment showing
on my face. "No problem," she said, and guided us
to another waterfall that was easily accessible from the parking
area. I learned a valuable lesson that day: Even though accessible
places may not be clearly marked in the written material,
speak to the rangers or campground hosts to find out what
may be available.
Fortunately, more books
are being written about accessible places to travel:
MEDICAL
RATES
Sometimes RV parks will
provide special rates if RVers need medical treatment.
When Nancy
Kieffer's husband was temporarily disabled while traveling,
she discovered that the local KOA campground charged them
only $9 a night while her husband was undergoing physical
therapy as a result of his accident. Nancy says, "I would
advise any RVer who needs medical treatment to call all the
RV parks in the area and find out if any offer medical rates.
And if the RVer needs hospital treatment, then I would suggest
the RVer contact Hospital Admissions and find out if the hospital
has any relationships with RV parks where the RVer can stay
at a discounted rate while he or she is undergoing treatment."
ADVICE
FOR THE ABLE-BODIED
Many people are reluctant
to offer assistance for fear of offending the disabled
RVer. Merle Young says, "Most handicapped individuals
will do a chore themselves rather than ask someone for assistance;
however, if someone offers, they gladly accept their help.
I think that when an RVer sees someone who is handicapped,
just greet them and ask if there is anything they can do to
assist. My biggest problem is with the awning. I can do it,
but it is difficult. A little assistance is always appreciated."
HANDICAPPED TRAVEL CLUB
The
Handicapped Travel Club, Inc.(HTC) was formed in 1973
to encourage RV traveling for people with a wide range of
disabilities. The club currently has more than 250 active
members, publishes a newsletter, holds local get-togethers,
and sponsors an annual rally as well as an occasional regional
rally. Check out the group's resource information and links
for a comprehensive view of the lifestyle including lists
of companies that modify rigs, listings of used rigs for sale,
traveling suggestions, and general support so the disabled
traveler is never alone out there. I highly recommend this
excellent club, whose fee is $10 to join and $8 a year thereafter.
It's probably one of the best bargains in the RV world for
the support and friendship they offer.
MORE WEB RESOURCES
Physically
Challenged Road Trippers: RoadTrip America's list
of helpful links
A Story of American Independence:
Inspiring interview with RVer Chuck Bosch
Travelin'Talk
Network: An international network providing assistance
to travelers with disabilities
Access-AbleTravel
Source: Information on accessible attractions and
HTC-identified accessible RV parks.
Enabled
RVer: Travel resources for disabled RVers
Alice
Zyetz
9/5/04
More
RVing Articles>
|
Alice
Zyetz and Jaimie Hall have
been RVing fulltime with their husbands
for more than ten years each. Together
they have published two books on the
RV Lifestyle: 
Walt
Disney World for your Special Needs
Wheelchairs
On The Go: Accessible Fun in Florida
Barrier-Free
Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers & Slow
Walkers
A
Guide for the Wheelchair Traveler