Rv Travel for "Physically Challenged Road Trippers"

By Alice Zyetz ©2004
co-author of "RV Traveling Tales"
http://www.rveducation101.com/detailpages/RVTRavelingTales.htm?siteID=0

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 meet and 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 column addresses three audiences: those who are
physically challenged and would like to travel more but don't
know what is already available; those travelers who are older
and currently in good health but dread the day they might have
to hang up their keys, and 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
www.handicappedtravelclub.com, 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, dinettes shortened, wider asiles for a
wheelchair to access a rear bath, etc. 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, see>>
http://www.myprimeyears.com/rv/r_disabledrv.htm and
www.rvamerica.com/data/rvdisable.htm.

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. For
example, at the 2004 rally in Washington there were 20-25 units
to look at. No other place offers the opportunity to see so many
units with such varied modifications. Many knowledgeable
individuals can 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 last 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. Last summer 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.

Wheelchairs On The Go: Accessible Fun in Florida,
by Michelle Stigleman

Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers & Slow
Walkers, by Candy Harrington

Guide for the Wheelchair Traveler, by Patricia Smither

Walks in the Northeast for the Not So Young and the Disabled,
by Marina Harrison

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 only
charged them $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 to 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 some one 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 www.handicappedtravelclub.com

The Handicapped Travel Club, Inc.(HTC) was formed in 1973 to
encourage RV traveling for people with a wide range of
disabilities. They currently have more than 250 active members,
publish a newsletter, have local get-togethers and sponsor an
annual rally as well as an occasional regional rally. Check out
their resource information and links for a comprehensive view of
the lifestyle from 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—probably one of the best bargains in the RV world
for the support and friendship they offer.

Re-Printed with permission for www.rveducation101.com