The average number of people with disabilities in Nigeria is placed at about 25 million with about 3.6 million of them having difficulty in functioning. This was according to a report made in 2011 by the World report on disability, we can safely assume that a good percentage of disabled people have to survive on wheelchair. Unfortunately, Nigeria still remains a developing country in various health and social responsibility aspects and doesn’t adequately provide for such people. People in wheelchairs are often relegated in their experiences and ability to move around, simply because of the lack of proper infrastructure.
As a person living with disabilities or family to such persons, travelling or moving around will definitely be a challenge. But with the increase in technology and social consciousness, moving around in wheelchairs is way more achievable. In a relatively urban city like Lagos, there are way more options that will ease movement for people in wheelchairs. Here are a few tips to help you make that trip with less stress.
ALSO READ; SCIENTISTS DISCOVER NEW APPROACH TO PRODUCING POLIO VACCINES
5 Wheelchair Travelling Tips
-
PLAN AHEAD
The most important aspect of any trip is pre-planning. Even a trip to the mall needs some adequate planning. Taking into cognizance the capacity of your wheelchair and the limitations. Carrying out enough checks before you set out will save you a load of awkwardness and accidents. With the help of google mas and stuff, you can get information on basically any location.
-
Map your route in advance
Planning in advance If you have an idea where you are going, if you are spending the night and all, you can successfully plan a route. This allows you choose only wheelchair accessible places on your way. Book your hotel in advance and if you are visiting anywhere try talk to a contact person to make sure they have facilities to accommodate you. Also, read personal reviews and if possible talk to people who have been to the places you are going. It helps to have first-hand information about smoothness of roads, width of doorways and such minute details. You also get to avoid long winding stairs and steep inclines
-
Stay Accessible
Wheelchair access ramps on pedestrian bridges. This is probably the best thing you can do. You get ease of cabs, and you would want to stay on ground floors or units that wont stress you in moving around. If you’d be taking buses how far is the stop from or to your destination? Eateries, parks and other public places are also to be checked out. You’d want to consider bathroom facilities too.
-
Always have a plan B
Modified one way sign on contingency planning Lets face it, even the best laid plans can always buckle up with some unprecedented eventuality. So, despite all your plans, its best to have at least a few other options. If you might have any injuries you might also want to go around with your meds, or spare parts for the chair, and definitely extra cash. If you have and use them, you could take along crutches for those places you can use them.
-
Always go with a trusted partner
Always go with a friend Make sure your travel partner is someone who doesn’t freak out easily and can be very helpful and supportive. And its better if the person has a good knowledge of the places you are going.
Overall, having a disability might be a downer, but its definitely not enough to quit all socialization. Good mental and physiological health requires constant access to nature and even going out with friends. Being in a wheelchair isn’t reason to be housebound, get excited, plan a trip and enjoy life. Have you travelled on a wheelchair before or been with someone who was? Please feel free to share your experience and helpful tips.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
I couldn’t resist commenting. Very well written!
Hi! I could have sworn I’ve visited your blog before but after browsing through many of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly pleased I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back regularly!
Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a great article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and never manage to get anything done.
Spot on with this write-up, I really feel this website needs a lot more
attention. I’ll probably be back again to read through more,
thanks for the info!
Can I just say what a relief to uncover somebody that actually understands what they’re discussing on the net. You actually understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people should look at this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you are not more popular since you most certainly possess the gift.
I’m gone to tell my little brother, that he should also
pay a quick visit this blog on regular basis to obtain updated from newest news update.
I have read so many articles or reviews on the topic of the blogger lovers but this
post is genuinely a good piece of writing, keep it up.
Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google,
and found that it’s truly informative. I am going to watch out for
brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.
Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Small Business Innovation. Regards
Howdy are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog
world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own.
Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
Any help would be really appreciated!
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it,
you might be a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and may come back later on. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great
posts, have a nice morning!
Nice weblog right here! Also your web site quite a bit up fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your associate hyperlink for your host?
I want my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
First of all I would like to say great blog! I had a quick question in which
I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was interested
to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind
prior to writing. I’ve had a difficult time clearing my
mind in getting my ideas out. I do enjoy writing however it
just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually lost
just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints?
Thanks!
You actually make it seem so easy along with your presentation however I in finding this matter to be actually something that I think I would never understand.
It kind of feels too complex and extremely wide for me.
I’m taking a look ahead to your subsequent submit, I will
attempt to get the hold of it!
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites
really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back in the future.
Many thanks
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks
When someone writes an paragraph he/she retains the idea of
a user in his/her mind that how a user can know
it. Therefore that’s why this paragraph is outstdanding. Thanks!