It is challenging to travel with a severely disabled person. When planning our trip to Wyoming I had to keep in mind Michael's special needs.
The ADA requirements here in the United States are a great help, most sidewalks have ramps at corners and most hotels offer one or more accessible rooms. The degree to which these rooms are accessible varies, though. We were very pleased that the room at Springhill Suites had wide spaces between furniture making making it easy to negotiate with a wheelchair. The tub had a fold-down bench and hand held shower making transfer and bathing easy.
Many hotels offer microwaves and small refrigerators, important items in accommodating those with special diets but the manager offered the use of a food processor when he learned that Michael required his food to be pureed. We didn't take him up on it, though, as we had brought our own.
Accommodations in National Parks are a bigger problem.While accessible rooms are offered and some now have small refrigerators I have yet to see any with a microwave.
I was pleased to find Signal Mountain Lodge, a privately owned property on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton. We didn't choose one of their accessible rooms, that room did not have a refrigerator or microwave. After discussing our needs with a staff member we chose a room with easy access, a kitchenette and a lake view. Michael enjoyed sitting on the deck and watching the boats bob on the water.
Actually, we all enjoyed sitting on the deck enjoying the view!
When traveling with someone with special needs, know what is needed and ask questions. I find most people want to help but they need to know what is required.
1 comment:
That makes good sense Martha in that and many other circumstances -- plan carefully and never be afraid to ask questions and let people know what you need . I'm so glad Michael was able to enjoy the vacation too -- you did such a great job of planning. And that view does look lovely for everyone!
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