I did all the right things, asked for wheelchair escort at the airport, called the hotel ahead of time to make sure we had ADA accommodations in our room, requested an SUV instead of the economy rental car so he would be comfortable. I packed appropriate clothing and personal grooming supplies we might need. I didn’t make an agenda, knowing that we both need a lower energy trip with minimal activities. I was ready for a vacation. There were a couple of challenges I hadn’t expected, however.

Challenge number 1- getting from the parking garage to the ticket counter. Wheelchair escorts don’t start until you get into the airport lobby, sometimes even the ticket counter. That can be a long walk. We also learned that the ticket agents at some airlines work limited hours. This was most difficult on our return trip from Reno because we had to wait at the counter for almost an hour until someone finally arrived to call for the wheelchair. I think next time I will find a way to bring our own wheelchair and check it at the gate.

Challenge number 2- no matter how accommodating a hotel room is, it won’t be as good as your home setup. ADA accommodations vary by location and interpretation. There were grab bars by the toilet, they were being used as towel racks. Furniture in the room was definitely not designed for someone with a handicap, the bedside table was wobbly and held a tall lamp with a control at the top, out of reach for anyone lying in bed. They did have heated tile floors in the bathroom, that was a treat. Our room opened out onto a small patio with a great view of the lake, unfortunately there was a large chair at the foot of the bed and, had my husband been in a wheelchair or using his walker, he wouldn’t have been able to negotiate around it. It was obvious that the people who designed and decorated the room don’t really understand what accommodations should look like. 

Even with all the challenges, I am glad we went. I am also happy to be home. It strikes me that I don’t realize just how accommodating our home has become. We have grab bars where we need them, furniture is placed appropriately, my husband has a transfer pole to help him get in and out of bed. The trip was a nice reminder that life in our home works well for us, something I don’t always appreciate. Vacations are good, home may be even better.