traveling with a disability

Jamie, you might want to check out the section on the Graffitt Wall called accessible travel. You should find some good information there. I just checked the info there for Scotland, the country I know best, and it was quite accurate.

My sister and I just accompanied our mom (who has MS) to Spain for 10 days. She uses a travel wheelchair or cane. I don't know your comfort level for walking but she can slowly do 100-200 yards before she needs a rest. We rented a car and spent most of our time in smaller cities to minimize public transport with its crowds and boarding complications.

Barajas airport in Madrid is easy with the wheelchair - there are elevators and we were usually pulled to a separate line for assistance checking in, etc. We actually used the metro in Madrid very often, with one of us carrying the wheelchair on stairs and the other helping Mom. The Prado was fairly easy - there are a couple of steps between rooms though.

Our biggest problem was the Alhambra. Even though they have handicapped signs at the entrance, the ramps were not built in but were sitting on the stair risers with big gaps so you could not easily wheel over it, and I'm really not sure how we could have done it at all if Mom couldn't get up and walk over all the thresholds inside that had no ramps. Also, we had to climb a multi-level staircase to get back to the taxis. We saw one man wheeled in the marked "accessible" entrance and then he almost immediately had to turn and leave because he couldn't get past the first room's stairs. But it's beautiful if you can manage it!

On a positive note, people all over the country offered to help carry the chair for us and she was immediately given a seat on all crowded public transportation. Inside most places, including cathedrals, we wheeled her easily. Cobbled streets were more of a challenge, but she simply walked behind her chair for stability in the rough areas.

I would not let your disability stop you from taking the trip. We had a wonderful time sitting at sidewalk cafes soaking in the atmosphere, and relaxing at the beach. We only did one major site per day so that she could have minimal walking but we had an unforgettable time.

You don't say what your level of disability is, so I will go ahead and post this website. It is geared to those in wheelchairs, but still has lots of useful information on it.
http://www.wheeladventure.com/

I am handicapped and wear a brace (caliper) and use crutches. On my last trip, I took a battery powered scooter to use instead of walking so much. It worked fine in Dublin and Paris. I cannot ride the metro- to much caring/walking up and down steps - but buses worked fine for me.

In airports, where walking can be long, ask for a wheelchair. One will be provided either by the airlines if you ask or by the airport, if you ask them. They are free, but I usually tip the pusher.

I would make an effort to reserve rooms with tubs rather than showers. Most european hotel rooms are cramped and showers are even more so. Also if you have a prosthetic you may want to get some extra parts if there is ANY possibality that you could loose or break something. I had a friend visit us who is a double amputee. He lost the valve from one leg and it took a few days and a lot of help to get a replacement. So he was stuck in his wheelchair for more days and outings than he would have liked. This same friend also found that it was a lot easier to just take a taxi rather than public transportation.I think you will have a blast.

Question to Michelle: Why reserve a room with a tub? Even a small shower avoids climbing...And regarding Spain..My exêrience is limited to Barcelona, but i was impressed that almost all sidewalks "mini ramps" at the corners , so no having to step off the curb. Although i didn't need the "service" i was glad to see it.

You need to try to stand on one leg, on a wet floor, with soap in your eyes from washing you hair, while taking a shower, and you will appreciate the comment about a tub.

Thanks to all of you for you comments and suggestions. I have gathered come things that will be useful and am much encouraged by all your info. You have helped take some anxiety out of my trip.

Jamie