In article 'Disabled and thinking of visiting the UK', we explained some of the difficulties you might experience when visiting Britain from abroad. This time we shall have a look at some of the problems you might experience if you're British and thinking of visiting the USA or Canada.

The first thing one must remember is that not only are you looking at two different countries, USA and Canada, but that every state in the two countries (Yes Canada is also in effect a federation of a number of separate states, never let a citizen of Montréal think that you might be confused between him and a citizen of Ontario for instance), and all 50 states of the USA are very proud of their independence one from the other. The result is that what applies in one may very well not apply in another unless it is a federal agreement, and I can think of times when even that does not seem to apply!

So let's have a look at some of the general rules:

1. All ways:- Whether booking a hotel in the UK or abroad, especially if you are not booking through a specialist company such as Holidays 4 Disabled, always, even if the high street company says they will do it for you, always ring the hotel personally, to make sure that they know what your minimum requirements are. It will not be the young helpful young lady that you booked it through who may otherwise arrive at the hotel 3,000 miles from home to find a flight of steps that you have no means of climbing, it will be you! If you have informed the hotel yourself then you at least may have the rights to sue afterwards should conditions not be as they have said they will be.


2. Your hotel:- In the UK you normally book your hotel for bed and breakfast plus possibly evening meal. In America and Canada you book your room only (that is why hotels seem to be so cheap). Many hotels may not even have a restaurant on the premises. So, one of the first things you do on arrival is find out where the nearest diner is! Now, even if you find that they do have a restaurant, prices are likely to be at least twice that of the diner. The diner meal is just as good, so why not do like the natives and use the diner. For your evening meal, unless it is for a special occasion, you will see that most Americans eat out; the restaurant is for that special meal, and the prices reflect that.


3. Taxis:- In this country today the taxi driver may swear that his ramps are out of order, or that his back is bad, but we all know that this is more than likely an excuse for laziness. His cab is suitable for both you and your wheelchair, and you know it, so you say “OK!” and get the next cab, making sure the driver that does agree to take you gets a good tip as a reward for not lying to you. Under US law 10% of cabs in a fleet are supposed to be accessible!!! Here comes one of those federal laws that nobody seems to uphold; in most states, if they are available at all, then they have to be booked a day in advance. Do not expect to find accessible cabs in either the USA or Canada. Exceptions:- Blue Cabs in Vancouver are both accessible and very efficient, or at least they were on our last two visits to that fair city. In addition, I am told that they are available in Florida and on Prince Edward Island. (Not having been to either I cannot promise this). Having said this, all is not lost, Americans always try to do their best to help, given a bit of politeness from you, plus the possible loss of a bit of dignity, and those yellow cabs are very big. My wife has always managed.


4. Trains:- We have travelled by train virtually all over both countries and have always found it a very nice experience. In fact, for us, you can shove those big silver pencils in the sky where the monkey…..and give us a train any old time. They are always accessible via hoists from the platform (where they exist) or from trackside. There is usually a complete carriage set aside for the elderly and disabled with tie downs for up to four wheelchairs. It is very rare for disabled facilities to be abused in either the USA or Canada. Anyone using this carriage who is not disabled will be told to move as soon as spotted by the car attendant. Even trams in San Francisco have ramped access for wheelchairs! If taking an overnight trip, which is likely, book a cabin. These come with two bunk beds which convert to easy chairs for during the day, often with TV, (Get to enjoy ‘Judge Judy’, she is certain to be on one of the channels!) Picture windows and your own toilet and shower cubical. Wow! Imagine that on Virgin!!! There are also likely to be lounges, cinema, bars and restaurant on the train if you are able to access them. If not the car attendant will bring your meals to your cabin for you. One warning where all this perfection is concerned; once you have taken a train ride over yonder you will never again complain about the lack of punctuality on UK trains. Two hours late for each day of travel is quite normal. If you have to change trains always book an overnight stop, miss the connection and you could have to wait a couple of days or more for the next train.


5. Buses:- I have never used them but I have been reliably informed that the driver will actually leave his seat to assist you on and off, that your wheelchair is fixed down and you are fixed into it. Sounds good to me, I must get off those trains and try a bus some day.


6. Accessible Hire Cars:- Again I have not tried them but I am told that if booked in the UK then the car will be at your arrival airport complete with the requested hand controls. I don’t know about hoists or WAVs (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles). If any reader can enlighten me then I will update this report accordingly. Before trying a hire car remember that they have this strange habit of driving on the wrong side of the road. Imagine trying to drive through London, Birmingham or Manchester under those circumstances, and if you are intending to visit some large city like New York or Chicago, ask yourself whether public transport wouldn’t be a lot safer. Remember that your ‘Blue Badge’ does not apply! However, once they realise that a disabled person is involved most car park attendants we came across can be very helpful. Once more, just be polite and do as they advise.


7. Disabled Toilets:- We have never had a problem finding these, and have only once seen the facility abused, incidentally by a British tourist who was promptly thrown out of the restaurant. Here again we usually do intercity tours so I don’t know about places deep in the country. All the ones my wife used were well maintained, clean and roomy enough.

Well, I think that covers most things. However, please remember that there can be local differences, that most Americans and Canadians are only too happy to assist, once they know that you are not a stuck up ‘Limey’, and that the help will be both friendly and well over the top. On one occasion my wife and I had been walking through Stanley Park in Vancouver, when we came to a spot where the path was being repaired! I started to turn round to retrace my footsteps, the gang boss came running down, apologised, asked us where we had been going, shouted up for four big strong Canadians, and before my wife could object, she and her wheelchair were on the path on the other side of the obstruction. See what I mean? Again, on two occasions, once in Vancouver and once in New Orleans, we were stopped and warned that we were walking into an area which, for a tourist, was not a good place to be, and in the case of Vancouver, escorted out by that good Samaritan.

We love visiting both countries, use the advice as well meant advice, and enjoy your visit as much as we enjoyed ours.

John Killick
Editor - DMF