People are often surprised that although I am not able to use my limbs I have travelled extensively. I am surprised that they are surprised.
Being disabled does not mean being unable to travel. What is required is much careful planning so that things go as smoothly as possible. The more detailed the planning, the easier things will be.
The whole experience of travelling, meeting people, seeing how they live, their country, their cultures, their cuisine - I have found to be very relaxing and therapeutic. It has taken my mind far away from my disability, albeit temporarily.
Notify the carrier of your special needs; for example, that you have your own wheelchair, you need to be assisted on and off the aircraft, and so forth. It's very straightforward. Just phone up the carrier with your reservation number giving as much time as possible. They will ask you the necessary questions so that they can provide the assistance.
At the other end, if you need to have specialist equipment, such as an electric bed or a mobile hoist, access the Internet and search for local companies that will hire out the specialist equipment. And, they will deliver. I have successfully done this in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, France and Spain. I would advise you to take your own slings.
If you do need to hire out equipment, you may even be able to claim back a percentage of the cost if you are a British citizen travelling in a European country. You need to contact the Department of Health and say that what you are doing and would it be possible to claim back using a form E112?
The key is planning in good time beforehand to avoid any nasty surprises!
Being disabled does not mean being unable to travel. What is required is much careful planning so that things go as smoothly as possible. The more detailed the planning, the easier things will be.
The whole experience of travelling, meeting people, seeing how they live, their country, their cultures, their cuisine - I have found to be very relaxing and therapeutic. It has taken my mind far away from my disability, albeit temporarily.
Notify the carrier of your special needs; for example, that you have your own wheelchair, you need to be assisted on and off the aircraft, and so forth. It's very straightforward. Just phone up the carrier with your reservation number giving as much time as possible. They will ask you the necessary questions so that they can provide the assistance.
At the other end, if you need to have specialist equipment, such as an electric bed or a mobile hoist, access the Internet and search for local companies that will hire out the specialist equipment. And, they will deliver. I have successfully done this in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, France and Spain. I would advise you to take your own slings.
If you do need to hire out equipment, you may even be able to claim back a percentage of the cost if you are a British citizen travelling in a European country. You need to contact the Department of Health and say that what you are doing and would it be possible to claim back using a form E112?
The key is planning in good time beforehand to avoid any nasty surprises!
