Automotive Travel
I love to take driving trips! I do not yet drive but... I don't stay home. Someone else does the driving and I get to enjoy the trip.
Tips for Being a Passenger:
- Be prepared to accommodate all your needs.
- Carry an emergency kit.
- Wear clothes in layers to accommodate any temperature.
- Remember your dark glasses.
- Anticipate your bladder.
- Suggest a piece of cardboard in the trunk to make loading the chair easier.
- Bring along your handicap parking placard.
Getting a License to Drive:
Many physically challenged people drive - many much more disabled than I am. Agencies that deal in special adaptive equipment, requirements, and training can be found in any major city. Ask them to answer any questions you might have.
In California, a spinal injury of any type means automatic revocation of the injured person's license to drive. (An emergency-room nurse commented that my driver's license was yanked almost before I was out of the ambulance.) To regain driving privileges one must be evaluated by a registered occupational therapist in the Adaptive Driving Evaluation Program before applying with DMV, and must have a copy of that evaluation with him or her when applying. Check state laws; it’s a good idea to carry a copy, just in case.
Buying or Equipping a Motor Vehicle:
Manufacturers are making great strides in providing automobiles for disabled drivers. New vehicles, even leased, can be specially equipped at the time of delivery and many adaptations are eligible for reimbursement or installation at no cost to you. Simply tell the salesperson your needs and he/she can guide you through the process. They can also provide licensing requirements.
Publications for Handicapped Drivers:
- The Disabled Driver's Mobility Guide
American Automobile Association
1000 AAA Drive
Heathrow FL 32746-5063
407-444-7962
AAA develops and sponsors driver improvement courses for new, elderly and disabled drivers. Consider the AAA Club in your area for information about materials and programs.
- National Park System Map and Guide
National Parks Services
Accessibility Management Program
U.S. Department of the Interior
PO Box 37127
Washington D.C. 20013-7127
The Park Service is changing their facilities to make them more available to handicapped individuals. The effort - and its results - are impressive.
- The Wheelchair Traveler
Douglas R. Annand
Ball Hill Road
Melford NH 03055If you travel as part of your job, you will find this book invaluable. Author Doug Annand has compiled a list (by state, then city) of hotels and motels for the entire country, plus Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and parts of Canada and Mexico. The book also lists barrier-free rest areas and airports. Since he uses the book himself, he attempts to keep the information 100% correct. Updates are frequent. A page in the back of the book invites other handicapped travelers to help by sending him a rating form for establishments they use.
- President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
1331 F Street NW
Washington DC 20004
202-376-6200, fax 202-376-6219, e-mail: ddorich@pccpd.gov
PCEPD also publishes a list of guidebooks for handicapped travelers.
The automobile gives handicapped individuals a more-level playing field, opening the road to us and giving us, beyond the capability of a wheelchair, undreamed of extended mobility. As Doug Annand says in his book, "If you can handle your wheelchair sufficiently to cover your daily needs, you can and should travel. Let us be on our way."
