Tourism is for young, disabled, elderly – wheelchair accommodation is the place to start.

When persons with disabilities can independently get to, and use, a wheelchair modified bathroom, for instance, they may not require another person to help them.

Seeking Wheelchair Accommodation

One of the daily challenges of traveling for people with mobility disabilities is finding accommodation that will comply with for example wheelchair accommodation.

Many persons with disabilities need assistance and support to achieve a good quality of life and to be able to participate in social and economic life on an equal basis with others.
Don’t Be Incautious. Use choosytravellers.com to search the Internet and answer your questions Before you Go.

Certified Wheelchair Accommodation

Don’t make assumptions about accessibility unless information is clearly stated.

Use choosytravellers.com search to find, and view the pictures in the gallery, the establishment to answer specific questions about the accessibility of the toilets you will be expected to use such as:

• a single wheelchair must rotate freely inside a bathroom
• access to bathroom minimum of 850- 900 mm
• toilet seat 480-500 mm from the floor
• sufficient room (1500 mm) to maneuver wheelchair for safe and dignified transfer
• grab handles strategically placed for more support

Wheelchair Accommodation – Toilet

Wheelchair Accommodation – Shower.
A shower is ideal for people using a wheelchair, walker or for someone who is at risk for falls and can be used by everyone regardless of ability

A seat, preferably securely mounted (450-500 mm from the floor) and with back support,  should be provided for the safety of guests who are unable to stand.

• shower heads should be hand-held and removable from the wall (950-2200 from the floor)
• water controls should be lever operated and located close to the seat.
• low storage and hangers for clothing and towels should be 900-1200 mm from the floor

Wheelchair Accommodation – Shower

Wheelchair Accommodation – Bathroom washbasin and vanity accessibility.

A washbasin should be mounted on the wall with a clearance of 650 – 700 mm and no higher than 820 mm. Consider these;

• taps controlled by a single lever handle or motion sensor
• mirrors visible fro a seated position
•  bins, hair dryers, soap, towels everything should be in easy reach at a height of 900 – 1200 mm – regardless if seated or standing.

Wheelchair Accommodation – Bathroom washbasin and vanity accessibility.

Wheelchair Accommodation – Bedrooms

Sufficient clear floor space is important for ease of movement in a wheelchair. Consider:

• interior doorways are recommended to be no less than 850 – 900 mm wide
• light switches, electrical sockets, should be within reach and located at 900-1200 mm from the floor.
• low storage and hangers for clothing and towels should be 900-1200 mm from the floor
• alarms need visual, vibratory and audible alerts

Wheelchair Accommodation – Bedrooms

Wheelchair Accommodation – Parking

All accessible designated parking must be clearly marked and close to main entrance. Consider:

• plenty of space to transfer to and from the vehicle ( 3500 mm wide)
• remote access or easy-to-reach keypad for safe entry and exit

Wheelchair Parking

 Wheelchair Accommodation – Recreation

Dining Rooms, Restaurants and Living Rooms

• signs easy to read including large text menus
• tables to allow easy access to wheelchair  to comfortably move underneath (700-760 mm)
• self-service counters should be easy-to-reach from seated or standing position (9800 mm) from floor

Dining Rooms, Restaurants and Living Rooms

Swimming Pools should be accessible to all guests. Consider:

• stairs and rails for easy and safe entrance and exit
• consider a slip-resistant ramp
• hoist

Hoist or Stairs with Rails at Swimming Pool

Pathways and Walkways should be at least 1500 mm wide. People can then turn around easily

• ample shade 9(from sun) and rest areas, when tired, are important 

Universal Accessibility, is also an exceptional business opportunity. Most importantly, it is simply the right thing to do.