RVs put physically challenged travelers back on the road

By Chuck Woodbury, editor

Thousands of travel and outdoor enthusiasts with special needs are recapturing their mobility and having more fun on the road in recreation vehicles (RVs). RVs are the ideal way for everyone to experience the open road in convenience, comfort and style, disabled owners say.

Some 15 manufacturers offer special needs RVs and conversion vans, outfitted with features that make it possible for people with mobility and health concerns to travel freely and comfortably.

Besides standard RV conveniences and amenities from power and plumbing systems to the latest in kitchen appliances and entertainment options, typical accessible RV modifications or accessories include:

Wheelchair lifts or ramps
Lower kitchen counter and cabinets
Widened entrance to roll-in showers
Conveniently located controls
Longer faucet handles
Roll-under sinks
Brighter lighting

"The many options for accessorizing and customizing an RV make this form of travel the most suitable and stress free for those with severe or minor disabilities," said Suzanne Mark, an avid RVer and travel consultant. "There are no worries during their travels about such problems as finding an accessible bathroom, lugging suitcases, getting around or through barriers, or keeping their medicines cold if necessary."

Hope Sykes, a seasoned RVer, advocate for disabled travelers and columnist for the magazine RV Companion, draws from personal experiences in conveying the benefits of RV travel for the physically challenged. "I suddenly noticed that I was having difficulty getting up one morning, but having a need for a cane due to arthritis didn't dampen my enthusiasm for RVing. I discovered that it's a great advantage to have an accessible living area on-call 24 hours a day."

She added, "It allows anyone with a special need to focus on the trip rather than always worrying about access. It opens up unlimited opportunities for learning from the road, writing and enjoying time together as a family."

Gayle Martinelli, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist, Handicapped Travel Club member and RVing advocate agrees. "RVing is the equal opportunity travel option where no one is precluded. What other mode of travel allows folks to bring their accessibility with them? Accessibility issues that are often encountered in hotels and restaurants are solved with a comfortable traveling 'home-away-from-home' that can be thoroughly customized or modified."

Coupled with widespread advances in RV products for disabled travelers, RV campgrounds have also adapted to meet their needs. Many have wide, level and paved sites for easy use by wheelchairs, walkers or even electric scooters. Campground operators are increasingly offering recreation programs and food services designed to meet the physical and nutritional requirements of their customers. Some campgrounds even provide specialized classes for the disabled in health and fitness, or have medical support on the property.

A directory with information on RV accessibility for the disabled, as well as RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs, can be obtained by writing RVIA, P.O. Box 2999, Dept. P, Reston, VA 20195. More information on services for the disabled traveler is available through the Handicapped Travel Club, 5929 Our Way, Citrus Heights, CA 95610. The phone is 916-966-7090. One of America's largest RV dealers, Poulsbo RV, sells special Winnebago and Itasca motorhomes that can be modified to accommodate a person's physical limitations.

Changing Lanes A book about dealing with a disability The following is a review of the book from Amazon.com When our bodies change due to aging, illness or disability, we are forced to make adaptations that can often cause deep trauma. This was my personal experience upon becoming disabled in 1992. Like many others, I didn't immediately see that this new disability could be an opportunity for positive change. It was during this sad and difficult transition that involved divorce and moving in with family, that I first read Victoria writer Michael Creurer's articles in a local disabled group's newsletter. Michael's articles were like the comforting words of a friend. His writing conveyed a feeling of great understanding and compassion. Michael's book, "Changing Lanes" is a compilation of the articles I found so helpful as well as some new writings. Written by a man who has himself had to adapt to a lifelong disability, "Changing Lanes" is a metaphor for driving down the highway. At first all is well, we are keeping up to the faster traffic and enjoying life in this fast lane. As we age, become disabled or ill, we must acknowledge our frailties and adapt to them with courage and the grace to move over to the slow lane. What now? One chapter in Michael's book speaks about the grieving process, a series of steps we must take in our journey towards re-accepting our new self. We may find it is difficult being alone with this new self. A chapter entitled "Alone But Not Lonely" offers reassurance that we are never truly alone if we learn to enjoy our own company. The relationship with ourself is truly the most important relationship we will ever have. If we feel ready to meet others, the chapter on relationships addresses this, a subject seldom discussed for people not young or able-bodied. There is life in this slow lane and lots of it. We are here adapting to the hand life has dealt us. Some are here, like Michael, assisting others on this road. Sometimes the road is rough or uneven and we may need a tow or "push" to help us over those ruts. Michael Creurer has been there and has many thoughts to share on coping. Michael says, "Life in the slow lane allows us the opportunity to seek answers to the questions that we never had the time to ponder when we were searching for opportunities and striving to accumulate in the fast lane." Being in the slow lane is a fine place to be. Michael's book, "Changing Lanes" affirms this and is in itself proof of what we are able to accomplish from this slow lane of life.

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