WHEELING THROUGH AMERICA: 10 BARRIER-FREE TREASURES FROM BIG CITIES TO NATIONAL PARKS TO EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN part 12

WHEELING THROUGH AMERICA: 10 BARRIER-FREE TREASURES FROM
BIG CITIES TO NATIONAL PARKS TO EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

Whether a trip is urban or rural, the key to finding wheelchair access is planning ahead.

The internet is a great start, but always call the air line, hotel, rental car agency, transit authority, park, attraction, etc. to get detailed specifics on accessibility.

Jetways and bulkhead seating -- easier to get to and has more legroom – is great for disabled flyers.

Cities with modern trains, trolleys and buses equipped for wheelchair users will save on transit expenses.

Calling ahead -- to confirm that taxis can accommodate wheelchair users, shuttle buses are barrier free and rental agencies that offer vehicles with accessibility modifications – can avoid a lot of headaches.

Getting explicit details on hotel access – does “disabled room” mean wide doors; lowered peepholes, climate controls and closet rods; and roll-in showers?, or does it mean the property is clueless about the needs of wheelers? – can lead to worry-free lodging.

Wright is an award-winning writer-photographer-policy adviser. Johnson-Wright is an Americans with Disabilities Act expert who has used a wheelchair for three decades. Contact the Little Havana couple at stevewright64@yahoo.com