In just two weeks, we’ll all be able to officially welcome the season of summer! For most Canadians, this is a very exciting time of year. The idea that chilly temperatures last far too long in our country is shared by many. When the summertime arrives, it usually means that more outdoor plans are made. Spending more time outside is definitely on the upcoming agenda for most of us throughout Canada.
Many view the summertime as vacation time. With the kids out of school, the summer months mark the perfect time of year to get away. However, for families that include individuals with mobility issues, travelling can be troublesome. This is especially true for those who utilize wheelchairs as their mobility solutions.
Most wheelchair users still love to travel!
However, there are a number of things that need to be taken into consideration before booking any flights. As the Government of Canada points out on their website, “when you are booking your flight, make sure the airline is aware of your needs so that it will have time to provide the requested assistance to help ensure your safety and comfort.”
The last thing you want to do is run into a situation where the people responsible for your safe travel are unprepared. The site advises travellers to make advance arrangements with airlines to ensure that the wheelchairs used by their family members can be transported safely. It also notes that tou also want to be sure that the place where you plan to stay is wheelchair accessible.
Look for an accessible hotel.
“It’s a good idea to look for an accessible hotel as soon as possible,” advises Emma Muldoon on RickHansen.com, “Most hotels, even the big hotel chains, only have a few accessible rooms and chances are these might be booked up fast. Booking in advance can also work out cheaper. Check if the hotel has an accessibility statement on their website and check if any fellow disabled travellers have left a review on the hotels Tripadvisor.”
You’ll also want to make sure that each of the tourist attractions you plan on visiting are just as wheelchair-friendly as the hotel you’re staying at. As Muldoon advises, it’s important to do your research so that you’re aware of the locations of the accessible entrances to each of the tourist sites you wish to visit. She also recommends that you consider how you plan on getting around while you’re on vacation.
Look into your transportation options.
“Check public transport accessibility, subway stations and even restaurants,” insists Muldoon, “We’ve made the mistake of going out our way to go to a nice restaurant to discover we couldn’t get in because it had steps at the entrance. If you can’t find any information you’re looking for online just send them a quick email. It also doesn’t hurt to double check.”
Naturally, it also helps if the very wheelchair you’re bringing along with you on your trip is of high-quality and is perfectly suited for its user. At LifeCare Mobility Solutions, we work closely with our clients to ensure we are meeting their specific needs and requirements. We proudly offer both the manual and electric variety of wheelchairs, making sure they are customized for optimum safety and usability.
If you have any questions about the wheelchairs offered by LifeCare Mobility Solutions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 647-350-4488 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
