Hi Shell Bell, Travel has its challenges, but is do-able. Can be frustrating, but its worth it for the stories:
Book: "Able To Travel - True Stories by and for People with disabilities" edited by Alison Walsh - definately inspiring to hear what others were able to accomplish, with many lessons and a lot of generally useful info. http://www.amazon.com/Able-Travel-Rough-Guide-Guides/dp/1858281105/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268160872&sr=1-1 My Essential equipment: - Fold-up Shower Stool - Raised Toilet Seat (arm-less) - Sliding Board I always travel with someone to help me transfer and use my own van (haven't gone by plane yet and haven't rented a van ...though I know they are available for rent). Ideally I use my portable Hoyer lift though, since most hotels have blocks under the bed (so there is no "under"), and the shower chair requires a slideboard anyway. Here are some pointers: Fold-up shower chair: http://www.allegromedical.com//hospital-discharge-favorites-c5000/shower-chair-folding-shower-chair-w-back-p188763.html Raised Toilet Seat with Arms (but arms aren't conducive to slideboards): http://www.allegromedical.com/bathroom-assists-c517/locking-raised-toilet-seat-with-padded-armrests-p560734.html Raised Toilet Seat without Arms (varied heights) http://www.allegromedical.com/bathroom-assists-c517/2-4-6-contoured-tall-ette-elevated-toilet-seat-standard-and-elongated-styles-p192759.html Hoyer "Advance" portable Hoyer Lift (folds-up for transport): http://www.spinlife.com/Hoyer-Advance-H-Patient-Lift-Manual-Patient-Lift/spec.cfm?productID=81056 Freedom Wand: http://www.allegromedical.com/bathroom-assists-c517/the-freedom-wand-p559409.html hope that helps make for some more adventurous future spring breaks for you, bob At 11:17 PM 3/8/2010, [email protected] wrote: >Hi guys~ >It's spring break and I am still on campus... Long story short: I am a >incomplete quad. but am independent. I wanted to go to the beach but didn't >because: > >1. I don't have transportation (there is a bus system) >2. and mainly because in order to take a shower I need my shower chair. For >those of you >who use one you know that's is not something an individual can pack up & take >with you. > >When you travel or vacation how do you do it? I want/need to go to the beach. >Do hotels have shower chairs available? Is it possible to rent vans? ( I >have my licence to drive a van with hand controls) > >It will be 4 years since my accident and I have not been anywhere except >Mom's, the Sleep Inn over Christmas break (that was a nightmare), and in a >dorm room. >Please tell me how you guys go on vacation, where, how do you do it? If I am >ever going to go it will be by myself. Have any of you pulled this off? > >I really need and would appreciate your input, I am tired of "feeling" alone >and want to change. > >Thanks
