[QUAD-L] Vacations

[Joan Anglin]

I guess this could be worse than a week in Arizona worrying about care.  LOL
have a great day


 
  
Billy Bob and Luther were talking one afternoon when Billy Bob tells Luther,
 "Ya know, I reckon I'm 'bout ready for a 
vacation. Only this year I'm gonna do it a little different. The last few
years, I took your advice about where to go. Three years ago you said to go
to Hawaii . I went to Hawaii and Earline got pregnant.
 Then two years ago, you told me to go to
the 
Bahamas , and Earline got pregnant again.Last year you suggested Tahiti and
darned if Earline didn't get pregnant again."
Luther asks Billy Bob, "So, what you gonna do this year that's different?"



Billy Bob says, "This year I'm taking Earline with me."
  

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations-and trips

[wheelchair]

You might find a rental that is accessible, but not wheelchair  accessible. 
 When designing a wheelchair RV, which size chair do you design  it for?  
How about the additional weigh factors for manual vs a person who  uses a 600 
lbs electric chair.  No, I don't think you will find that  rental, for you. 
 But yes for your parents.
Have a very safe journey and enjoy your family reunion.
Best Wishes
 
 
In a message dated 3/17/2010 9:24:42 P.M. Central Daylight Time,  
quad...@gmail.com writes:

I am seriously considering going with my family up to Iowa this summer for  
a family reunion.  I could use my van, but it's a minivan and I'm not  sure 
if we could fit everything we need in it.  I would like to take my  mother 
and father and they're just not capable of riding long periods of time  in a 
normal vehicle.  Since my parents are getting older I think it's  
imperative we take them now instead of waiting until there too old to  travel.  
I 
mean they have sacrificed a lot for me and my brothers, so we  can sacrifice a 
little bit. 
Anyway,I would like to rent a recreational vehicle that has a  wheelchair 
lift.  Has anyone ever done this?  I would love to hear  about your 
experiences.
I've also thought about printing a small  recreational vehicle so my 
brother can drive my parents and the remainder of  the family of while I follow 
along in my minivan.  Something to think  about.
Quadius

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[bob quinn]

It's really easy to fold up the Hoyer Advance for transport:  
- Put the lift arm all the way down, parallel to the upright.
- Lift the up right from the base to enable the hinge at the bottom of the 
upright.
- Fold the upright down onto the base.

At that point you can lift one end and drag it around on two wheels.  I also use
a bungee to keep the upright secure to the base as its moved, lifted, etc.  For
travel, it usually sits across the backseat of my minivan.

At 10:15 PM 3/17/2010, Quadius wrote:
>This is the one I have.  How easy is it to fold it?
>
>On Sat, Mar 13, 2010 at 2:36 PM, bob quinn 
><r...@sockets.com> wrote:
>This Hoyer folds: 
>
>>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
>>  

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations-and trips

[Quadius]

I am seriously considering going with my family up to Iowa this summer for a
family reunion.  I could use my van, but it's a minivan and I'm not sure if
we could fit everything we need in it.  I would like to take my mother and
father and they're just not capable of riding long periods of time in a
normal vehicle.  Since my parents are getting older I think it's imperative
we take them now instead of waiting until there too old to travel.  I mean
they have sacrificed a lot for me and my brothers, so we can sacrifice a
little bit.

Anyway,
I would like to rent a recreational vehicle that has a wheelchair lift.  Has
anyone ever done this?  I would love to hear about your experiences.
I've also thought about printing a small recreational vehicle so my brother
can drive my parents and the remainder of the family of while I follow along
in my minivan.  Something to think about.
Quadius

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[Quadius]

This is the one I have.  How easy is it to fold it?

On Sat, Mar 13, 2010 at 2:36 PM, bob quinn  wrote:

> This Hoyer folds:
>
>
>   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
>
>  At 12:02 PM 3/13/2010, Dan wrote:
>
> Hoyer used to make a travel model. It weighed just 40 lbs. and was lower
> and narrower so it could fit through 28" doorways. I rented one years age
> for a trip and it was great. I don't know if they still make them.
>
> Dan
>
>
> At 09:15 AM 3/13/2010, wheelch...@aol.com said something that elicited my
> response:
>
>
> Hoyers don't fold. The pole is secured to the base with a lock fastener.
> You can also remove the sling so that you have 3 pieces.
>
> Best Wishes
>
> In a message dated 3/12/2010 8:22:21 P.M. Central Standard Time,
> quad...@gmail.com writes: I have the same Hoyer, but I'm not sure how well
> it folds up. I have some limited space underneath one of my bench seats, but
> I guess I need to try it out. I am thinking about going to a family
> reunion this summer, but if I go and take my mother along I'm going to have
> to look at renting a recreational vehicle big enough for the whole family
> that also has a lift. That will be difficult to find. Then again, I do
> remember someone at the VA having a recreational vehicle, maybe they would
> be willing to rent it to me for a week or two. As for showering, it's
> probably difficult to believe, but I don't shower during the winter at all.
> It's just too cold for me and I never end up warming up if I do so. I just
> have my PCA give me a really good bed baths and I wash my hair in a basin on
> my bed. If people would think I'm dirty, they would be completely wrong.
> Whenever I have been admitted to the hospital, I usually get a shower three
> times a week, but when I come back home it takes at least two or three bed
> baths to get back to my normal cleanliness. Sorry for writing so much, but
> I would also like to know about the bricks under the bed in hotel rooms. I
> have only traveled one time and in that particular case the disabled room
> was wonderful. That was, however, on a military base. I was able to use a
> spare bed that had the bottom completely opened up so my Hoyer could fit
> under it properly.Thanks for all this information.
> Q On Tue, Mar 9, 2010 at 2:34 PM, bob quinn  wrote: 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, shellbell5...@aim.com 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
> anywher

RE: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[Lissette Whitehead]

The way I do it is after having the suppository put in while I'm in bed, my mom 
puts me on the hoyer, we make sure the sling is placed properly so that I'm 
comfortable, and then I just hang there, right over the bed with a plastic 
container (with a bag) underneath me. It's easier for my mom to do the dig-stim 
and the cleaning that way. I guess it's a good tip for vacationing, that gives 
you 1 less thing to carry.  


Lissette Whitehead
www.lissettesgoaltowalk.synthasite.com
www.lwgripgloves.com




To: lissw...@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:44:42 -0400
From: ntpgrn...@aol.com


 ?? I must be thick as a brick how does that work?



 



Peace be with you



Nancy 



 



-Original Message-

From: Lissette Whitehead 

To: wheelch...@aol.com; quad...@gmail.com; r...@sockets.com

Cc: shellbell5...@aim.com; quad-list@eskimo.com

Sent: Sat, Mar 13, 2010 11:46 pm

Subject: RE: [QUAD-L] Vacations















JUST A SMALL TIP WHICH MAYBE SOME OF YOU ALREADY KNOW OR FIGURED OUT, THE HOYER 
CAN SERVE AS A TOILET, THAT'S WHAT I USE, IT'S MORE COMFORTABLE FOR ME THAN THE 
COMODE, IT ALSO MAKES IT EASIER FOR MY MOM TO DO THE DIG STIM AND ALL.





Lissette Whitehead

www.lissettesgoaltowalk.synthasite.com

www.lwgripgloves.com









From: wheelch...@aol.com

Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:15:44 -0500

Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

To: quad...@gmail.com; r...@sockets.com

CC: shellbell5...@aim.com; quad-list@eskimo.com











Hoyers don't fold. The pole is secured to the base with a lock 
fastener.  You can also remove the sling so that you have 3 pieces.


 


Best Wishes


 




In a message dated 3/12/2010 8:22:21 P.M. Central Standard Time, 
quad...@gmail.com writes:


  I have the same Hoyer, but I'm not sure how well it folds up. 
  I have some limited space underneath one of my bench seats, but I guess I 
need 
  to try it out.


  I am thinking about going to a family reunion this summer, but 
  if I go and take my mother along I'm going to have to look at renting a 
  recreational vehicle big enough for the whole family that also has a lift. 
  That will be difficult to find. Then again, I do remember someone at the VA 
  having a recreational vehicle, maybe they would be willing to rent it to me 
  for a week or two.


  As for showering, it's probably difficult to believe, but I 
  don't shower during the winter at all. It's just too cold for me and I never 
  end up warming up if I do so. I just have my PCA give me a really good bed 
  baths and I wash my hair in a basin on my bed.


  If people would think I'm dirty, they would be completely 
  wrong. Whenever I have been admitted to the hospital, I usually get a shower 
  three times a week, but when I come back home it takes at least two or three 
  bed baths to get back to my normal cleanliness.


  Sorry for writing so much, but I would also like to 
  know about the bricks under the bed in hotel rooms. I have only traveled one 
  time and in that particular case the disabled room was wonderful. That was, 
  however, on a military base. I was 
  able to use a spare bed that had the bottom completely opened up so my Hoyer 
  could fit under it properly.Thanks for all this 
  information.



Q


  
On Tue, Mar 9, 2010 at 2:34 PM, bob quinn  wrote:


  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 
&quo

RE: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[Lissette Whitehead]

JUST A SMALL TIP WHICH MAYBE SOME OF YOU ALREADY KNOW OR FIGURED OUT, THE HOYER 
CAN SERVE AS A TOILET, THAT'S WHAT I USE, IT'S MORE COMFORTABLE FOR ME THAN THE 
COMODE, IT ALSO MAKES IT EASIER FOR MY MOM TO DO THE DIG STIM AND ALL.


Lissette Whitehead
www.lissettesgoaltowalk.synthasite.com
www.lwgripgloves.com




From: wheelch...@aol.com
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:15:44 -0500
Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations
To: quad...@gmail.com; r...@sockets.com
CC: shellbell5...@aim.com; quad-list@eskimo.com








Hoyers don't fold. The pole is secured to the base with a lock 
fastener.  You can also remove the sling so that you have 3 pieces.
 
Best Wishes
 

In a message dated 3/12/2010 8:22:21 P.M. Central Standard Time, 
quad...@gmail.com writes:

  I have the same Hoyer, but I'm not sure how well it folds up. 
  I have some limited space underneath one of my bench seats, but I guess I 
need 
  to try it out.

  I am thinking about going to a family reunion this summer, but 
  if I go and take my mother along I'm going to have to look at renting a 
  recreational vehicle big enough for the whole family that also has a lift. 
  That will be difficult to find. Then again, I do remember someone at the VA 
  having a recreational vehicle, maybe they would be willing to rent it to me 
  for a week or two.

  As for showering, it's probably difficult to believe, but I 
  don't shower during the winter at all. It's just too cold for me and I never 
  end up warming up if I do so. I just have my PCA give me a really good bed 
  baths and I wash my hair in a basin on my bed.

  If people would think I'm dirty, they would be completely 
  wrong. Whenever I have been admitted to the hospital, I usually get a shower 
  three times a week, but when I come back home it takes at least two or three 
  bed baths to get back to my normal cleanliness.

  Sorry for writing so much, but I would also like to 
  know about the bricks under the bed in hotel rooms. I have only traveled one 
  time and in that particular case the disabled room was wonderful. That was, 
  however, on a military base. I was 
  able to use a spare bed that had the bottom completely opened up so my Hoyer 
  could fit under it properly.Thanks for all this 
  information.

Q

  On Tue, Mar 9, 2010 at 2:34 PM, bob quinn  wrote:

  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, shellbell5...@aim.com 
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 ren

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[bob quinn]

This Hoyer folds:

>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
> 
At 12:02 PM 3/13/2010, Dan wrote:
>Hoyer used to make a travel model. It weighed just 40 lbs. and was lower and 
>narrower so it could fit through 28" doorways. I rented one years age for a 
>trip and it was great. I don't know if they still make them.
>
>Dan
>
>
>At 09:15 AM 3/13/2010, wheelch...@aol.com said something that elicited my 
>response:
> 
>>Hoyers don't fold. The pole is secured to the base with a lock fastener.  You 
>>can also remove the sling so that you have 3 pieces.
>> 
>>Best Wishes
>> 
>>In a message dated 3/12/2010 8:22:21 P.M. Central Standard Time, 
>>quad...@gmail.com writes:  
>>I have the same Hoyer, but I'm not sure how well it folds up. I have some 
>>limited space underneath one of my bench seats, but I guess I need to try it 
>>out. 
>>I am thinking about going to a family reunion this summer, but if I go and 
>>take my mother along I'm going to have to look at renting a recreational 
>>vehicle big enough for the whole family that also has a lift. That will be 
>>difficult to find. Then again, I do remember someone at the VA having a 
>>recreational vehicle, maybe they would be willing to rent it to me for a week 
>>or two. 
>>As for showering, it's probably difficult to believe, but I don't shower 
>>during the winter at all. It's just too cold for me and I never end up 
>>warming up if I do so. I just have my PCA give me a really good bed baths and 
>>I wash my hair in a basin on my bed. 
>>If people would think I'm dirty, they would be completely wrong. Whenever I 
>>have been admitted to the hospital, I usually get a shower three times a 
>>week, but when I come back home it takes at least two or three bed baths to 
>>get back to my normal cleanliness. 
>>Sorry for writing so much, but I would also like to know about the bricks 
>>under the bed in hotel rooms. I have only traveled one time and in that 
>>particular case the disabled room was wonderful. That was, however, on a 
>>military base. I was able to use a spare bed that had the bottom completely 
>>opened up so my Hoyer could fit under it properly.Thanks for all this 
>>information.
>>Q 
>>On Tue, Mar 9, 2010 at 2:34 PM, bob quinn 
>><r...@sockets.com> wrote:  
>>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

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[Dan]

Hoyer used to make a travel model. It weighed just 40 lbs. and was 
lower and narrower so it could fit through 28" doorways. I rented one 
years age for a trip and it was great. I don't know if they still make them.


Dan


At 09:15 AM 3/13/2010, wheelch...@aol.com said something that 
elicited my response:


Hoyers don't fold. The pole is secured to the base with a lock 
fastener.  You can also remove the sling so that you have 3 pieces.


Best Wishes

In a message dated 3/12/2010 8:22:21 P.M. Central Standard Time, 
quad...@gmail.com writes:


I have the same Hoyer, but I'm not sure how well it folds up. I have 
some limited space underneath one of my bench seats, but I guess I 
need to try it out.


I am thinking about going to a family reunion this summer, but if I 
go and take my mother along I'm going to have to look at renting a 
recreational vehicle big enough for the whole family that also has a 
lift. That will be difficult to find. Then again, I do remember 
someone at the VA having a recreational vehicle, maybe they would be 
willing to rent it to me for a week or two.


As for showering, it's probably difficult to believe, but I don't 
shower during the winter at all. It's just too cold for me and I 
never end up warming up if I do so. I just have my PCA give me a 
really good bed baths and I wash my hair in a basin on my bed.


If people would think I'm dirty, they would be completely wrong. 
Whenever I have been admitted to the hospital, I usually get a 
shower three times a week, but when I come back home it takes at 
least two or three bed baths to get back to my normal cleanliness.


Sorry for writing so much, but I would also like to know about the 
bricks under the bed in hotel rooms. I have only traveled one time 
and in that particular case the disabled room was wonderful. That 
was, however, on a military base. I was able to use a spare bed that 
had the bottom completely opened up so my Hoyer could fit under it 
properly.Thanks for all this information.


Q
On Tue, Mar 9, 2010 at 2:34 PM, bob quinn 
<r...@sockets.com> wrote:

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, 
shellbell5...@aim.com 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 tha

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[wheelchair]

Hoyers don't fold. The pole is secured to the base with a lock  fastener.  
You can also remove the sling so that you have 3 pieces.
 
Best Wishes
 
 
In a message dated 3/12/2010 8:22:21 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
quad...@gmail.com writes:

I have the same Hoyer, but I'm not sure how well it folds up.  I have some 
limited space underneath one of my bench seats, but I guess I need  to try 
it out. 
I am thinking about going to a family reunion this summer, but  if I go and 
take my mother along I'm going to have to look at renting a  recreational 
vehicle big enough for the whole family that also has a lift.  That will be 
difficult to find. Then again, I do remember someone at the VA  having a 
recreational vehicle, maybe they would be willing to rent it to me  for a week 
or two. 
As for showering, it's probably difficult to believe, but I  don't shower 
during the winter at all. It's just too cold for me and I never  end up 
warming up if I do so. I just have my PCA give me a really good bed  baths and 
I 
wash my hair in a basin on my bed. 
If people would think I'm dirty, they would be completely  wrong. Whenever 
I have been admitted to the hospital, I usually get a shower  three times a 
week, but when I come back home it takes at least two or three  bed baths to 
get back to my normal cleanliness. 
Sorry for writing so much, but I would also like to  know about the bricks 
under the bed in hotel rooms. I have only traveled one  time and in that 
particular case the disabled room was wonderful. That was,  however, on a 
military base. I was  able to use a spare bed that had the bottom completely 
opened up so my Hoyer  could fit under it properly.Thanks for all this  
information.

Q
On Tue, Mar 9, 2010 at 2:34 PM, bob quinn <_...@sockets.com_ 
(mailto:r...@sockets.com) > wrote:

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_ 
(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-ch
air-folding-shower-chair-w-back-p188763.html_ 
(http://www.allegromedical.com//hospital-discharge-favorites-c5000/shower-chair-folding-shower-chair-w-bac
k-p188763.html) 

Raised  Toilet Seat with Arms (but arms aren't conducive to slideboards):
_http://www.allegromedical.com/bathroom-assists-c517/locking-raised-toilet-s
eat-with-padded-armrests-p560734.html_ 
(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-et
te-elevated-toilet-seat-standard-and-elongated-styles-p192759.html_ 
(http://www.allegromedical.com/bathroom-assists-c517/2-4-6-contoured-tall-ette-eleva
ted-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/sp
ec.cfm?productID=81056_ 
(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-p55940
9.html_ 
(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, _shellbell5...@aim.com_ 
(mailto:shellbell5...@aim.com)   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?   
( 

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[Quadius]

I have the same Hoyer, but I'm not sure how well it folds up. I have some
limited space underneath one of my bench seats, but I guess I need to try it
out.

I am thinking about going to a family reunion this summer, but if I go and
take my mother along I'm going to have to look at renting a recreational
vehicle big enough for the whole family that also has a lift. That will be
difficult to find. Then again, I do remember someone at the VA having a
recreational vehicle, maybe they would be willing to rent it to me for a
week or two.

As for showering, it's probably difficult to believe, but I don't shower
during the winter at all. It's just too cold for me and I never end up
warming up if I do so. I just have my PCA give me a really good bed baths
and I wash my hair in a basin on my bed.

If people would think I'm dirty, they would be completely wrong. Whenever I
have been admitted to the hospital, I usually get a shower three times a
week, but when I come back home it takes at least two or three bed baths to
get back to my normal cleanliness.

Sorry for writing so much, but I would also like to know about the bricks
under the bed in hotel rooms. I have only traveled one time and in that
particular case the disabled room was wonderful. That was, however, on a
military base. I was able to use a spare bed that had the bottom completely
opened up so my Hoyer could fit under it properly.
Thanks for all this information.

Q
On Tue, Mar 9, 2010 at 2:34 PM, bob quinn  wrote:

> 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, shellbell5...@aim.com 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
>
>

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations-and trips

[wheelchair]

What A Story. I won't top that.  I can't top that.  You said  it all.  
I know of those fine hotels across from St. Louis Airport.   Only a 8 lane 
highway separates the two.  You'd like the St Louis train  that travels into 
St Louis, next visit.
Thanks For Your Story
Best Wishes
 
 
In a message dated 3/12/2010 12:28:12 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
poaj...@sbcglobal.net writes:

 
My  most memorable trip was one to St. Louis in February.  My son and I 
flew  from Reno Nevada to Denver, and then to St. Louis.  We were late getting  
on the plane from Reno-they couldn’t find the aisle chair-so my son and  
another person carried me onto the plane!  They did give us first class  seats 
however after that. 
Got  to Denver late, the aisle chair arrives and we are asked to hurry.  
And  the partially deaf airline attendant pushes me through the huge crowds 
yelling  “watch out, watch up” as he literally pushes people away with my 
chair.   He then pushes me into a corner by the loading door, with my back to 
the  crowd, and leaves me.  My son was still trying to catch up as he was  
bringing my controller, seat cushion (we always carried it with us as the  
airline had lost it on another flight) overnight bag just in case they lost  
our luggage J,  and he didn’t want to race through the crowd as my airline 
attendant had  done. 
I  then hear a voice behind me saying “if you’re a good girl we’ll take 
you out  of the corner”, and I’m trying to guess who it could be.  Some 
friends  from Los Angeles were going to the same convention and were waiting 
for 
the  same flight.  We were then told that there would be a 3 hour delay, so 
we  tried hard to get a regular wheelchair for the wait.  No such luck.   So 
I spent the next 3 hours having somebody tilt me back in an aisle  chair. 
Get  to St. Louis-3 ½ hours late-and call the taxi company that had agreed 
to pick  me up at the Airport.  They would not be able to make it for 3 
hours, OK,  plan B.  The hotel is less than ¼ mile from the Airport, I’ll just 
push  there, so we go outside.  No sidewalk, we can see the hotel, but it is  
snowing and blowing and there is almost zero visibility.  Plan C-get  
something to eat and wait for the taxi.  Oh, did I mention, but it is now  
10:00 
PM? 
The  taxi finally arrives, my son goes out with the driver to put our 
luggage in  the van, and comes back and whispers to me that this is going to be 
an  experience.  The taxi has no lift.  Just two narrow ramps, and my  wheels 
are offset so that only the front wheels would fit on.  Oh yes,  the door 
is not raised and I will have to lean back in my chair in order to  drive and 
get into the van.  We do accomplish this, but my son had to  hold the back 
of my wheelchair up in the air while I drove in with my chin  controller.  
The taxi driver lived in his van, dirty clothes, food  wrappers, and he was 
having a shouting match with his girlfriend on the phone  sounding like a 
construction worker.  I was laughing so much at the whole  experience that the 
driver stopped and asked me what I found so funny.   That set me off some 
more.  Not a happy taxi  driver. 
We  arrive at the hotel, the fare is $25.00, and he asks when he should 
pick us up  to go back to the Airport.  We tell him never-I would rather push 
in a  snowstorm. 
We  go inside, it is now 1:30 AM, and our first meeting is at 7:00 AM.  
Even  though we had called and said that we were delayed they had given on room 
 away, which by the way had been paid for earlier in the day by our 
convention  authorities.  We then mentioned that it had cost $25.00 for the 
taxi, 
and  the hotel immediately told us that they had already paid for a taxi  
trip.  Needless to say, we were given a great suite, a basket of fruit  
everyday, and then they comped the room. 
Great  convention, lots of fun, and a decent taxi to take us back to the  
Airport.  No delays this time, return by Dallas/Ft Worth, arrive in Reno  at 
11:30 PM.  No wheelchair-claims offices is closed-husband forgot that  he 
was going to pick us up.  He arrives with our manual wheelchair, son  has to 
sit in back and keep me tilted back so that I don’t fall while driving  home. 
 Never has my own bed looked so good. 
10  days later still no electric wheelchair, the airlines does not have a 
clue  where it could be.  Of course, being a C4 quadriplegic, I Needed a 
chair  with tilt and reclining and a chin controller that worked  They finally  
tell us they’re going to buy me a new chair-with any luck the representative 
 says we will have your chair next week.  That’s not going to happen, it  
took five months before. 
I  happened to phone a friend in Los Angeles about our mare that was down 
there  for breeding and in the course of conversation I mentioned that I had 
no  wheelchair.  She starts laughing, and says that when they were getting  
their luggage a wheelchair was going round and round on the luggage track 
and  that she had thought it was simi

RE: [QUAD-L] Vacations-and trips

[Joan Anglin]

My most memorable trip was one to St. Louis in February.  My son and I flew 
from Reno Nevada to Denver, and then to St. Louis.  We were late getting on the 
plane from Reno-they couldn’t find the aisle chair-so my son and another person 
carried me onto the plane!  They did give us first class seats however after 
that.

Got to Denver late, the aisle chair arrives and we are asked to hurry.  And the 
partially deaf airline attendant pushes me through the huge crowds yelling 
“watch out, watch up” as he literally pushes people away with my chair.  He 
then pushes me into a corner by the loading door, with my back to the crowd, 
and leaves me.  My son was still trying to catch up as he was bringing my 
controller, seat cushion (we always carried it with us as the airline had lost 
it on another flight) overnight bag just in case they lost our luggage J, and 
he didn’t want to race through the crowd as my airline attendant had done.

I then hear a voice behind me saying “if you’re a good girl we’ll take you out 
of the corner”, and I’m trying to guess who it could be.  Some friends from Los 
Angeles were going to the same convention and were waiting for the same flight. 
 We were then told that there would be a 3 hour delay, so we tried hard to get 
a regular wheelchair for the wait.  No such luck.  So I spent the next 3 hours 
having somebody tilt me back in an aisle chair.

Get to St. Louis-3 ½ hours late-and call the taxi company that had agreed to 
pick me up at the Airport.  They would not be able to make it for 3 hours, OK, 
plan B.  The hotel is less than ¼ mile from the Airport, I’ll just push there, 
so we go outside.  No sidewalk, we can see the hotel, but it is snowing and 
blowing and there is almost zero visibility.  Plan C-get something to eat and 
wait for the taxi.  Oh, did I mention, but it is now 10:00 PM?

The taxi finally arrives, my son goes out with the driver to put our luggage in 
the van, and comes back and whispers to me that this is going to be an 
experience.  The taxi has no lift.  Just two narrow ramps, and my wheels are 
offset so that only the front wheels would fit on.  Oh yes, the door is not 
raised and I will have to lean back in my chair in order to drive and get into 
the van.  We do accomplish this, but my son had to hold the back of my 
wheelchair up in the air while I drove in with my chin controller.  The taxi 
driver lived in his van, dirty clothes, food wrappers, and he was having a 
shouting match with his girlfriend on the phone sounding like a construction 
worker.  I was laughing so much at the whole experience that the driver stopped 
and asked me what I found so funny.  That set me off some more.  Not a happy 
taxi driver.

We arrive at the hotel, the fare is $25.00, and he asks when he should pick us 
up to go back to the Airport.  We tell him never-I would rather push in a 
snowstorm.

We go inside, it is now 1:30 AM, and our first meeting is at 7:00 AM.  Even 
though we had called and said that we were delayed they had given on room away, 
which by the way had been paid for earlier in the day by our convention 
authorities.  We then mentioned that it had cost $25.00 for the taxi, and the 
hotel immediately told us that they had already paid for a taxi trip.  Needless 
to say, we were given a great suite, a basket of fruit everyday, and then they 
comped the room.

Great convention, lots of fun, and a decent taxi to take us back to the 
Airport.  No delays this time, return by Dallas/Ft Worth, arrive in Reno at 
11:30 PM.  No wheelchair-claims offices is closed-husband forgot that he was 
going to pick us up.  He arrives with our manual wheelchair, son has to sit in 
back and keep me tilted back so that I don’t fall while driving home.  Never 
has my own bed looked so good.

10 days later still no electric wheelchair, the airlines does not have a clue 
where it could be.  Of course, being a C4 quadriplegic, I Needed a chair with 
tilt and reclining and a chin controller that worked  They finally tell us 
they’re going to buy me a new chair-with any luck the representative says we 
will have your chair next week.  That’s not going to happen, it took five 
months before.

I happened to phone a friend in Los Angeles about our mare that was down there 
for breeding and in the course of conversation I mentioned that I had no 
wheelchair.  She starts laughing, and says that when they were getting their 
luggage a wheelchair was going round and round on the luggage track and that 
she had thought it was similar to mine.  Sure enough, my wheelchair was in Los 
Angeles, arrived the next day, but somehow they have lost the batteries that 
were packaged separately, and had laid the chair on its side getting into the 
smaller airplane and the whole side was damaged.

It finally was fixed two months later-our DME in Reno is not noted for speedy 
repairs-and we were the proud possessors of a bunch of free tickets in first 
class.  LOL

Did we have fun?  O yes, but the re

[QUAD-L] Vacations-and trips

[wheelchair]

Recently, we had to travel to Detroit for the Annual Autorama at the COBO  
Center and made reservations at the downtown Holiday Inn, two weeks before. 
We  arrived late that night and provided a nice room with 2 queen beds.  We 
had  a lot of gear including a shower/toilet chair on wheels.  We were tired 
and  when we hit the room, we didn't realize that it was NOT Accessible, 
until I  checked out the bathroom.  The next morning, after a great breakfast 
we  approached management about the "accessible" room and was advised that 
there  were none available.  I winked and nod, then whispered ADA and 
suddenly  management offered us a suite on the top floor with full kitchen and  
bathroom.  It also had a living room and at the end of our hall was a  swimming 
pool.  This upgrade was offered at no additional costs.   Granted, for the 
next 3 days we spent most of the day and evenings at the  AutoRama, but we 
had the nicest "crashpad" in Detroit that long weekend.
Best Wishes
 
 
In a message dated 3/10/2010 5:27:53 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
g...@eskimo.com writes:

 
My first vacation  went pretty well, but there were some hassles. You just 
have to enjoy the good  parts and not let the hassles get you down. I made 
reservations month in  advance for a 4 bed accessible room, even called the 
day before we left. When  we got there the room was taken. Had been in use by 
a para who was living  there for months going through rehab and a lawsuit. 
So they double booked the  room. They do that often not wanting to turn 
business away. They try to just  fix it later. That’s what happened to us. They 
did have a 2 bed accessible  room. So they gave us 2 rooms (a 3 bed regular 
and a 2 bed accessible) for the  same price as the 4 bed room. That actually 
ended up working out better for  us. More privacy for me.  
The vacation went  well for the most part. A belt on the van engine was 
screwy and we broke down  twice. Once in a neighborhood where we knocked on a 
door and they let us in.  It was over 100 degrees outside. They were just 
moving in and it took us 2  hours to find a taxi that could take me. So I left 
them $20 to buy a pizza.  The next time it broke down was 3 miles away from 
anywhere, before I had a  cell phone, still over 100 outside. I was really 
overheating. Finely a cop  drove by and stopped. He wanted to call an aid 
car, but just before he called  the taxi… the van started back up. 
We loved our vacation  so much, we moved there a month later. Lived in the 
hotel for 3 months until  we found a house we liked and could move in. Now 
that was a hassle, but  fun. 
So just have fun, and  go with the flow. 
Greg 
 
  

 

 

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

RE: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[Greg]

Vacations can be tough, but doable if you go knowing things will happen and
you just have to go with the flow. Some hotels have "accessible" rooms, but
they are often taken. Though if you only need it for showers, there are work
arounds. Try bed baths, etc. Vacations usually are not too long to go
without a proper shower. You can do the BP on your side in bed, etc. You can
rent accessible vans in most major cities. You might need to bring your hand
controls, but they might rent them too. Though renting vans is not cheap. 

 

My first vacation went pretty well, but there were some hassles. You just
have to enjoy the good parts and not let the hassles get you down. I made
reservations month in advance for a 4 bed accessible room, even called the
day before we left. When we got there the room was taken. Had been in use by
a para who was living there for months going through rehab and a lawsuit. So
they double booked the room. They do that often not wanting to turn business
away. They try to just fix it later. That's what happened to us. They did
have a 2 bed accessible room. So they gave us 2 rooms (a 3 bed regular and a
2 bed accessible) for the same price as the 4 bed room. That actually ended
up working out better for us. More privacy for me. 

 

The vacation went well for the most part. A belt on the van engine was
screwy and we broke down twice. Once in a neighborhood where we knocked on a
door and they let us in. It was over 100 degrees outside. They were just
moving in and it took us 2 hours to find a taxi that could take me. So I
left them $20 to buy a pizza. The next time it broke down was 3 miles away
from anywhere, before I had a cell phone, still over 100 outside. I was
really overheating. Finely a cop drove by and stopped. He wanted to call an
aid car, but just before he called the taxi. the van started back up.

 

We loved our vacation so much, we moved there a month later. Lived in the
hotel for 3 months until we found a house we liked and could move in. Now
that was a hassle, but fun.

 

So just have fun, and go with the flow.

 

Greg

 

 

  _  

 


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

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[bob quinn]

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, shellbell5...@aim.com 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

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[DiannaL767]

In a message dated 3/8/2010 11:18:07 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
shellbell5...@aim.com writes:



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. 

You would have to do a lot of research. A 'beach wheelchair' is made but  
probably not able to rent as demand is low. I'm 99% positive you can't rent a 
 van for you to drive for insurance reasons. I could be wrong as it sounds 
like  you only need hand-controls. I wouldn't let a shower chair stop me if 
you have  someone to give you a sponge bath. (It's only for a short time) In 
between  showers we use a bucket to wash my hair. We put the bucket on my 
feet, I bend  over & we use the sprayer. You can use anything...a small 
pitcher. Go for  it! Shave your legs when you get home :-)
Dianna

 

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[hellodaveoc]

I'm a C3 incomplete and used to drive my 60 Cadillac from Detroit to  
Champaign for the weekend for their parties.   It's a wonder how brave  and 
enabling 'love' can be in one's youth.   I slept on a couch and  wasn't gone 
long 
enough to worry about a shower although I'm sure someone would  have helped 
had I asked..   Just get brave and strike out - college  kids are more than 
ready to 'help' a brother (or sister) out.  Actually, as  a sister, you 
wouldn't even have to ask twice!!!  :)
AZDAVE
 
 
“Mere longevity is a good thing for those who watch Life from the  side 
lines. For those who play the game, an hour may be a year, a single day's  work 
an achievement for eternity.”

_Dave  O'Connell_ (http://www.users.qwest.net/~daveoc/) 





In a message dated 3/8/2010 9:18:07 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,  
shellbell5...@aim.com writes:



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

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[wheelchair]

Planning for SpringBreak, starts in December.  At this time you won't  get 
the best spots or the best prices, but that should not prevent you from  
attending.  Yes you can rent a van for $100-125 a day with handcontrols,  and 
bring your shower chair with you.  Where are you heading to?
 
Best Wishes
 
 
In a message dated 3/8/2010 10:18:07 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
shellbell5...@aim.com writes:



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

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[Thomas E. Cusack]

Vacations, trips, overnight stays are like planning theD-Day invasion. Whenever 
my wife and I go on vacation or travel, we call it an 'adventure' because every 
time we go there usually a funny story about some kind of foul up during the 
'adventure'. Hotels don't have shower chairs-hygiene reasons. there are some 
new one on the market that come apart and are packed in a rather small bag. If 
you want to go on Spring Break, start planning now for next year or roll the 
dice and have an 'adventure' like the rest of us encounter. It could some fun 
and a definite learning experience!
Tom

--- On Tue, 3/9/10, wheelch...@aol.com  wrote:


From: wheelch...@aol.com 
Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations
To: shellbell5...@aim.com, quad-list@eskimo.com
Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 6:44 AM



Planning for SpringBreak, starts in December.  At this time you won't get the 
best spots or the best prices, but that should not prevent you from attending.  
Yes you can rent a van for $100-125 a day with handcontrols, and bring your 
shower chair with you.  Where are you heading to?
 
Best Wishes
 

In a message dated 3/8/2010 10:18:07 P.M. Central Standard Time, 
shellbell5...@aim.com writes:



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

[QUAD-L] Vacations

[shellbell5705]

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

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[Dan Tessiatore]

My visit to RIC last week was okay.  I took delivery of my new cushion and did 
a mapping on the pressure.  The cushion worked great for three days but on the 
fourth I acquired an abrasion.  It's a possibility that my cushion might have 
moved when I tilted and activated the USR button.

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:In a message dated 2/5/2007 8:53:20 A.M. 
Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
  Most of my better vacation memories involve short trips from one to three 
days.  Day trips to Chicago are enjoyable and usually involve less hassles than 
if I stay overnight. 
  
  How was your trip to RIC last week
  W

[QUAD-L] Vacations

[wheelchair]

 
In a message dated 2/5/2007 8:53:20 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

Most of  my better vacation memories involve short trips from one to three 
days.   Day trips to Chicago are enjoyable and usually involve less hassles 
than 
if I  stay overnight. 


How was your trip to RIC last week
W

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[Dan Tessiatore]

Most of my better vacation memories involve short trips from one to three days. 
 Day trips to Chicago are enjoyable and usually involve less hassles than if I 
stay overnight.  I also have enjoyed 2-4 day trips to door county Wisconsin and 
Michigan along its Lake Michigan shoreline.  Traveling by plane has always been 
a hassle as my chair has been abused as the personnel don't always know what 
they're supposed to when it comes to disabled travelers and their wheelchairs.  
As a quad, all the transferring is a pain especially if you have to change 
planes or deplane because of mechanical problems.
I was actually planning on traveling to Italy this past year with several 
family members who could assist with transferring, luggage, driving etc. but I 
had to cancel because of a pressure sore.  You have to enjoy the good times 
where you are and take advantage of what is close by.  Dan T.

Greg <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:   st1\:* {   BEHAVIOR: url(#default#ieooui) 
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What are some of the better vacations you guys have had as quads?
   
  All my ideal vacations are to areas not real wheelchair accessible (Old 
places like Tuscany, Pyramids, Etc.,) I’m thinking maybe places with beaches, 
but again, not too accessible. If I go only to stay in nice hotels in warm 
weather, I can just go to a local hotel here in AZ. Though I’ve seen beach 
wheelchairs, but not electric ones. I hate long airplane trips, or Hawaii and 
the Virgin Islands would sound wonderful. So I think Mexico might be ok if I go 
that direction. As long as I stay in the resort area, but if I’m in Mexico, I’d 
love to get out into the “real” Mexico.
   
  I think a cruise is kind of a good way to go. By the water, but not have to 
worry about the sand. But I hear getting off at the destination ports is not 
always easy in an electric chair. But then I’d have to fly to get to a starting 
off point.
   
  Greg

[QUAD-L] Vacations-cruises

[wheelchair]

 
I think its important to know when taking a cruise. International Marine  
Law.  Most ocean cruise, do not fly the American fly and the ships are  
registered in other countries.  Once you board a cruiser, you are in  
international 
space and are govern by Marine Law or the ship's captain  rules.  Over the last 
year, I've read some nasty stories of what can happen  aboard those ships at 
sea.  Boat companies often hire employees and don't  do background checks.  
These employees travel from one ship to another,  often, unsupervised.  When an 
incident happens, you are often in  international waters and the ship's captain 
is the only law.  Documentation  is often lax and its not like your own back 
yard.  Often, as a tourist, you  lose many of your natural rights.   ADA, may 
be observed, but not  required, and complaints may fall on deaf ears.  Things 
may be promised to  you by people who will not be on your ship, in order to 
entice you to  travel.
 
Many people enjoy cruises and know their rights on International  ships.  
Know your rights and know the history of the ship you travel  with
Best Wishes
W
 
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 2/4/2007 10:37:20 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

I think a cruise is kind of a good  way to go. By the water, but not have to 
worry about the sand. But I hear  getting off at the destination ports is not 
always easy in an electric chair.  But then I’d have to fly to get to a 
starting off  point. 
Greg


 

[QUAD-L] Vacations

[Greg]

What are some of the better vacations you guys have had as quads?

 

All my ideal vacations are to areas not real wheelchair accessible (Old
places like Tuscany, Pyramids, Etc.,) I'm thinking maybe places with
beaches, but again, not too accessible. If I go only to stay in nice hotels
in warm weather, I can just go to a local hotel here in AZ. Though I've seen
beach wheelchairs, but not electric ones. I hate long airplane trips, or
Hawaii and the Virgin Islands would sound wonderful. So I think Mexico might
be ok if I go that direction. As long as I stay in the resort area, but if
I'm in Mexico, I'd love to get out into the "real" Mexico.

 

I think a cruise is kind of a good way to go. By the water, but not have to
worry about the sand. But I hear getting off at the destination ports is not
always easy in an electric chair. But then I'd have to fly to get to a
starting off point.

 

Greg

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[Eric Olson]

http://disabilitytravel.com/
http://www.access-able.com/
http://www.sath.org/
http://www.a1wwt.com/%5Cspectravel.htm
http://www.discountmobilityusa.com/   van renals I guess 
http://www.wheelchairsonthego.com/
http://www.accessibleworldadventures.com/access/
http://www.handicappedtravelclub.com/
http://www.sunsetpinesresort.com/
http://www.accessiblerv.com/
http://www.travelhome.com/rentals/class-a/wheelchair.htm
http://www.accesiblemexico.com/

Don't know anything about any of these companies but should give you a
place to start.  

Eric 

Greg wrote:

  
  
  
  
  Any good web sites for
vacations for wheelchair users?
  Greg
  

Re: [QUAD-L] Vacations

[Miss Liz]

www.EmergingHorizons.comwww.CandyHarrington.com

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  Greg 
  To: quad-list@eskimo.com 
  Sent: Sunday, July 02, 2006 4:15 PM
  Subject: [QUAD-L] Vacations
  
  
  Any good web sites for vacations 
  for wheelchair users?
  Greg

[QUAD-L] Vacations

[Greg]

Any good web sites for vacations for wheelchair users?

Greg