[teallach]

Hi all

I'm writing a guidebook call 'Access Africa - Safaris for People with Limited Mobility'. It is nearly finished and will hopefully be on the shelves next summer. However, I'm looking for books to add to my 'further reading' list. Specifically, books or pamphlets giving info about travelling with a disability in general (things like health, flights, mobility tips etc.). I already have a few, but I'm sure you all must have some more ideas?

Other than that, look out for my book next year (published by Bradt Travel Guides).

Thanks!

Gordon.

[wbalenov]

Hi Gordon,

I wrote a book, Travels in a Blue Chair: Alaska to Zambia, Ushuaia to Uluru, about my travels, mostly alone, around the world, in my chair. Been to Africa a few times and quite enjoyed it. Safaris are the way to go!!

Please check my signature for the link to the website. Available on Amazon, if interested.

Cheers and good luck with your guide! It is well needed.

...Walt!

[teallach]

Thanks Walt; we've met already on Scott Rains' Tournet...

Gordon.

[brushyourteeth]

Hi Walt,

I ordered your book on Friday and expect it any day now - can't wait!

I have 2 quick questions..

When traveling alone, how do you carry things? numerous backpacks, rucksacks?

How safe is it travelling alone? Is being robbed part of your daily routine?!

oh and I'm thinking of making my first solo trip New York, any adivce..?

Cheers!

BYT

[teallach]

brushyourteeth, on Dec 9 2008, 01:48 AM, said:

Hi Walt,

I ordered your book on Friday and expect it any day now - can't wait!

I have 2 quick questions..

When traveling alone, how do you carry things? numerous backpacks, rucksacks?

How safe is it travelling alone? Is being robbed part of your daily routine?!

oh and I'm thinking of making my first solo trip New York, any adivce..?

Cheers!

BYT

Hi

I tend to use a small rucksack (slung over the backrest of my chair) for regularly required items, valuables and medication, and a large, soft holdall for the bulk of my luggage. But it really depends on your abilities. Some people prefer hard cases on wheels that can be pulled, and some chair users have fold down luggage struts on their chairs. I'd say limit the number and weight of bags and I recommend carrying medication (and maybe even essentail equipment - a few catheters and urine bags, for example) in hand luggage in case your main bags go missing during the flight. If that happens then you may need to survive a day or two without it.

Regarding security, yes, people with disabilities are more vulnerable, but at the same time we are more noticable. I suspect, therefore, that this means potential thieves may prefer to pickpocket someone less conspicuous. That said, I am always especially careful (and aware of my bags) during car transfers and other activities where it's easy to become distracted. In ten years as a disabled traveller (having visited 5 continents) I've been lucky enough to never have been robbed. Certainly not daily!

NY? Never been, but would love to go, so advice? Enjoy!

Gordon.

[Scribbler]

I read your post with interest as I've recently been to Africa. Read my thread, "Scrib's in Africa".

Your profile doesn't give much information about you, other than you're C5/6; not even your location.

I found the biggest issue regarding books/website/tour operators and the like are the titles, "Limited Mobility", "Mobility Impaired", and such like. These titles cover anything, from someone walking with a stick, to other people who need a wheelchair for long distances, (Transfers across Airports) but can still walk onto an aircraft.

From my limited personal experience, I found these titles misleading, and although I was assured everything was suitable for a SCI, it clearly wasn't.

You are obviously a seasoned traveler and I applaud your adventurous nature, but not everyone can cope as well you can.

My question is; Do you specifically mention suitability for SCI people, and not just the broad spectrum of, "Limited Mobility"?

Mike (Scrib's)

[teallach]

Hi Mike

I've had a good read through your African story. You raise lots of valid points in your report (including access, time planning and air travel) but to answer your direct question to me, I'm aiming my book at anyone for whom moblity is an issue, from fulltime wheelchair users to 'slow walkers'. This will include most people with spinal cord injuries as well as many people with other disabilities (MS etc) and many older travellers without disabilities. Indeed, a spinal cord injury can have so many different outcomes that I feel 'limited mobility' best suits this market too.

Regarding suitability of accommodation, everyone's needs definitely differ, not just according to the reason for their disability (SCI or whatever) but on an individual level. In other words, not every chair user or every slow walker needs the same assistance in an airport and so forth. What I have tried to do in my book is describe the services offered and explain how each level of ability is handld. When describing accommodation, I don't say thimgs like 'The lodge is 'wheelchair accessible'. What I do is describe the access (eg. no steps, bathroom door 78cm, roll-in shower but no handrails etc). The reader can then decide if it will suit their own needs.

I hope this helps?

Gordon.

PS. You're correct, I've not used this forum much so haven't got around to describing myself. I'm from the UK, live in Belgium and I'm c5/6 complete.

[Scribbler]

Hi Gordon,

I'm pleased you replied with such informative answers; its the response I was hoping for. I'm amazed that as a C5/6 you can travel alone; you must be super fit?

Although the report on my Africa trip seemed a bit negative, itwasn't intended to be. I just wanted to point out some issues regarding the advertising on the website.

As the person organising the tour contacted me through this site, and has a C4 husband, I felt her website and advertising should contain more specific details, especially as she was aiming at SCI clients.

On reflextion, both myself and my PA enjoyed the trip, but the exhaustion got to both of us by the end.

Please keep in touch, as I'd like to pick up travel tips from you.

Mike

[teallach]

Scribbler, on Dec 9 2008, 01:37 PM, said:

I'm amazed that as a C5/6 you can travel alone; you must be super fit?

No, unfortunately not super fit! When I do short trips I'll go alone and just ask for help in airports etc., but for anything overnight I use an assistant.

I'm glad the answer helped. I have a website which attempts to advise people about adventure travel (see www.able-travel.com). However, it's very dated and too much based on my experiences. I'm in the middle of a major rebuild at the moment, which should be online by Jan/Feb 09. Do subscribe to my list and I'll keep you updated (very occasionally) with things, including progress of the site & the book.

I can see your trip was good, but understand the frustration when things don't go well. Such a huge part of travel in general (and disability travel in particular) is having enough time to do the essentials without having these encroach on leisure time.

Cheers
Gordon.