Travellers with disabilities
Photo: LudwigSebastianMicheler, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Disabilities do not have to make travel impossible. Most high-income nations have implemented strict requirements for accessibility by law in recent decades, and the US legislation on that topic even served as a model for a UN agreement. That being said, some places – whether through carelessness or lack of resources or historical restrictions – are rather hard to access for people with some disabilities. Common problems include sidewalks marred with potholes and or blocked by poles protruding at odd angles, which make walking a challenge even for the healthy and greatly inhibit mobility in a wheelchair, insufficient or non-existent public transit infrastructure, unthoughtful currency design, undigitized information, and needlessly noisy restaurants.
Blind and visually impairedIn most parts of the world, airports and train stations are generally manageable places for a blind or visually impaired person with reasonable mobility skills, except for the navigation problems caused by fast-moving…
Deaf and hard of hearingTravellers who are deaf or hard of hearing (HOH) may benefit from some specific features, such as lights on fire alarms.
Mobility impaired/physical disabilityInfrastructure for people with mobility impairment/physical disability varies widely. When considering destinations, looking at cities that have hosted the Olympics (and Paralympics) is a good starting point.
AutismSome travellers with autism may get overwhelmed by noise and general "hustle and bustle".
FatigueRegardless of whether your fatigue is caused by a sleep disorder, an autoimmune disease, heart disease, or something else, several strategies can help you have a successful trip.
Respect– Un, one last thing. You do know that I'm black, right? And not Chinese.– I'm blind, Carl, not stupid.
Countries informationWheelmap has information about wheelchair-accessible places in many countries. The information is rather basic, with 3 levels: All rooms accessible, some rooms accessible, and not accessible.
Discounts for holders of a handicap ID' This is available to persons with a severe disability of 50% or more.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Travellers with disabilities" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: LudwigSebastianMicheler, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons