Shop2Wheels

anthonyrobbins asked:

Wheelchair lifts, as the name suggests, are devices to lift people in wheelchair up a flight of steps or even a single step. In the latter case the wheelchair ramp is the less expensive and more feasible solution. Also called platform lifts, wheelchair lifts are also used in wheelchair accessible vans and other vehicles. Here again the wheelchair ramp would suffice. The benefits of wheelchair lifts enable them to be adapted for varied purposes for the disabled, including climbing truck cabs to operate heavy equipment.

The benefits of wheelchair lifts are clear in that they eliminate the need to lift the wheelchair and place it into a vehicle or onto a higher or lower plane. The cumbersome procedure can be eliminated with the wheelchair lift with the individual just having to pull up his wheelchair to the platform of the lift and be lifted up or down. Then he just needs to pull away! Individuals with disability can’t possibly think of anything more convenient. It’s a big shot of confidence for them, provided the places they wish to go and the vehicles they travel in are equipped with the wheelchair lift.      

Here’s another of the benefits of wheelchair lifts. There is just about a wheelchair lift for every purpose. Platform wheelchair lifts are of the solid and folding platform kind and also come in automatic and semi-automatic versions. In an automatic lift a switch takes care of the lift’s folding, unfolding, lowering and raising, while in a semi-automatic wheelchair platform lift one needs to manually fold and unfold the platform. Electric wheelchair lifts are easier to maintain than hydraulic ones. The former can be custom-fitted with telephone jacks and automatic door openers. The benefits of wheelchair lifts can be best felt with the electric ones that include home stair lifts, automobile lifts and van ramps.   

The advantage of home stair lifts is that they can be installed inside or outside the house, and aren’t cumbersome at all. They don’t take much space and are quite and comfortable. They can generally rise 23 feet and carry up to 350 pounds though they can be designed to carry more weight. The benefits of wheelchair lifts are that they come as automobile lifts as well, as said before. These can be fitted to vans and cars. Van ramps aren’t actually lifts but are spring-loaded and can be folded and stored.

As more and more disabled Americans are getting increasingly mobile thanks to the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, the benefits of wheelchair lifts will be felt more and more.

Caffeinated Content

Peter Finch asked:

Have you ever realized that even in a wheelchair there are a lot of things you can do to energize up your life? You can make a lot of things work your own way and you can do whatever it is that you want to do, to have a good time. An example of such activity is wheelchair dating.

If you are a single who has been confined to a wheelchair then one of the choices open to you is to look for other wheelchair users through wheel chair dating. These days there are so many choices for singles. You can select some one who plays chess or even someone in the artistic line. Here you will come across like-minded people who would increase your confidence in yourself.

The internet is another path open to you. There are numerous dating sites on the internet where you can find people looking for friends and companions. Ask other friends of yours who have used these sites and get suggestions on them. There is bound to be a website that would interest you and you will find people who are fond of the same things you do when you go online.

It is not easy to be a person who has to depend on a wheelchair. As a result, it is not easy to get most out of life. If you are some one who is not in to sports or art then perhaps you can try your hands on the internet. Here, you would find plenty of online dating websites and you will also find wheel chair dating on these websites.

There is an entire world out on the World Wide Web and you can get all this by just sitting at home. It is simple to chat with someone and who knows, you just might find that special someone who will take you out of the singles' world. Once you find a dating site, sign up for membership and fill in your personal profile. This is what other singles will read and it would tell them about the kind of person you are.

Be frank and honest in your self description and you will find that your honesty would be returned. Make sure that you learn how to be alert of fraudulent websites that are out to swindle people. Sites that asks for money should be examined properly before you make the payment.

When all the official procedure is completed, you are prepared to open up a new start for yourself. Begin chatting right away and make new friends. Chatting is a fine way to know someone. You can hold back whatever information you want to till you are sure about the person you are talking to on wheel chair dating sites.

If you are making arrangement to meet any of your net pals from wheelchair dating sites then make sure that you are meeting them in broad daylight and in a public place. You should be able to trust that individual and it is always recommended to take a friend along with you on the first date.

Kansieo.com

Bill Parsons asked:

Basketball does not just have to be strictly rule regulated play on an indoor wooden court. There are actually many different variations on the game that bring basketball to a whole new level.

Variety is one of the things that makes basketball such a popular sport. With all the ways to play the game it is no wonder that people all over the world are playing the game. That's true no matter who they are, how old they are or what limitations they may physically have.

Game Variation 1: Wheelchair Basketball

Wheelchair basketball, as the name suggests, is played in wheelchairs. The chairs are specially designed so they move quickly and easily down the court. They also are made so players can be agile, much like players in traditional basketball.

Wheelchair basketball is a serious sport that is regulated by the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF).

Game Variation 2: Water Basketball

Water basketball, again as the name suggests, is played in water. It can be recreational or as a team regulated sport. In water basketball the rules are a little different. The rules for water basketball combine rules for traditional court basketball and water polo. There is, obviously, no dribbling involved in water basketball.

Game Variation 3: Beach Basketball

Beach basketball is played on the beach and is quite different than other types of basketball. It is not as strict and much more of a physical game than basketball.

Beach basketball is played on a circular court with no backboard on the hoop. There is no dribbling because it is too difficult on the sand. The ball is moved down the court instead by passing or 2 ½ steps. There is also no out of bounds in beach basketball.

Game Variation 4: Informal Basketball

Informal basketball really is not an actual name for a type of basketball, but it is used here to simply describe the type of basketball that most people play - basketball where you are just playing for the fun of the sport. The best kind!

Informal play can have any rules you like, as long as everyone playing agrees to them. There may not even be any organized play, but rather people simply making baskets and having fun.

Basketball is a very flexible sport. It can be played almost anywhere and in anyway you can imagine. In fact, it probably has been played almost everyway imaginable because it is such a popular sport. The thing about basketball that remains the same is making the basket. Every variation of the sport involves a ball and basket with the ultimate goal being to get the ball through the basket to score.

So, no matter how you play basketball it is the right way as long as you have the ball and hoop. You can play whatever way feels best for you with whatever rules you want. You can play with as many players as you want on whatever type of court you want. The bottom line is that you just have fun while you are doing it.

Caffeinated Content

James Asudi asked:

By James Asudi(CEO - Victoria Safaris)

Tourism is a dynamic profession and an ever changing field. I ever in tourism” despite several cancellations of already booked and confirmed trips in the African continent. With the diminishing numbers of wildlife due to global warming and human / wildlife conflict for the limited natural resources, Victoria safaris is putting its effort in creating New Africa Mountain hiking packages, Beach Holidays and Bush Safaris, Community and Cultural tourism packages and Adventure Travel in the Eastern Horn of the African continent which includes; Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. These packages have limited visits to the Wildlife sanctuaries and are more oriented to the Communities living and co existing in the African wilderness.

Wildlife and Human Conflicts over Limited Natural Resources

World over, there is a shortage of land and water. This has resulted in human beings encroaching into the wildlife territory for land and water. God created man, Fauna and Flora and expected all to co exist on Earth. To day, man has over populated the earth and is destroying with impunity the Flora. The effect is that there is limited rain fall and as such in Africa, the destruction of tropical forests by man has led to serious famine and lack of water for the African populace and wildlife.

Imagine if the wildlife would be talking, in which court would we be sued on earth. Imagine if the wildlife had the ability to make ammunition to fight man, what world war would be on earth between the wildlife and humans? Let us respect our Fauna and Flora. The Laureate Prof. Wangare Mathai said; “If you destroy Nature, Nature will destroy you”

In view of the above, Victoria Safaris is encouraging Eco tourism in Africa and emphasizing in creation of new tourism packages leading to Africa Adventure Tours, Community and Cultural tourism plus beach holidays with limited visits into wildlife sanctuaries. Among the new packages that Victoria safaris have come with for the year 2009 and beyond include the following packages.

The activities that we offer for this year and beyond are also wide ranging and apart from the traditional wildlife viewing tours our clientèle are able to go on the following adventures: -

Eco Tourism in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Family Community tours in Africa - Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania

Museums and Archaeological tours in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania

Home Stays in Urban and Rural set up in East Africa- Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania

White Water Rafting on River Nile and River Tana

Bungee Jumping on River Nile

Gorilla Eco Tracking in Uganda and Rwanda

Boating and Fishing on Lake Victoria

Cultural tours and Safaris around the Great Lakes

Community Development tours in Western Kenya

Wildlife Eco Lodges and Camping Safaris in East Africa

Wildlife Eco Safaris and Beach Holidays in East Africa Coastline

Bird watching Eco tours in East Africa

Birding Eco tours inside and around lake Victoria

Maasai Mara Wildebeest Annual Migration Eco Safari

Aquaculture tours in Africa - Kenya.

Youth tours and Volunteerism tours in Africa - Kenya.

Sports Tourism in Africa - Kenya

Golf tours in Africa - East Africa countries

Scuba Diving and Dhow sailing along the Kenyan coast.

Snorkeling and surfing on Lake Victoria and the Kenyan Coastal Beaches

Marine Parks tours along the Kenyan Coast in Malindi, Watamu and Mombasa

Educational, Research and Study tours in Africa - Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Conference tourism in Africa – Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania

Helicopter tours in Africa - Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Disability and wheelchair Access Tours in Africa

Mountain Climbing on Wheelchair tours on Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Health Tourism in Africa Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Herbal Medicine (Alternative Medicine) Research and treatment in Kenya.

Health & HIV/Aids Community tours in Africa.

Photographic and Filming Eco Tourism Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Bicycle (cycling) tours in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzanian.

Corporate Team Building tours in Africa - Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Rock Climbing tours in Africa -Kenya

Walking(Trekking) tours in Africa - Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Solo Women tours in Africa.

Agro and Agricultural Tourism Africa - Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Pro poor tourism Africa - Kenya

Slums Charity tours in Kenya

Kibera Slums tours in Kenya

Corporate and individual Incentive and Team building tours and Safaris

Western Kenya tourism circuit tours and Kogelo village tours.

Kogelo Village Community Tours.

Transit(Layover) Tourism in Africa

Environment Tours in Africa -Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Beach Holidays in East Africa coastal Beaches

Balloon Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania wildlife Sanctuaries

Cultural Wedding and Honeymoon adventures in Africa.

Kogelo Village and Kisumu city Excursions

Kogelo Charter Flight (Flying) tours

Kogelo chopper(Helicopter) tours

Kisumu city Car Rental and Car Hire Services

Nairobi City Car Rental and Car Hire Services

Mombasa City Car rental and Car Hire Services

Kisumu City Excursions, Tours and Safaris

Nairobi City Excursions, Tours and Safaris

Mombasa City and Malindi Excursions, Tours and Safaris

With the above packages, Victoria Safaris is Eco friendly and encourages Adventure Travel, Eco tourism, Cultural and Community tourism in Africa for the benefit of both the Fauna and Flora.

Victoria safaris

www.victoriasafaris.com

Caffeinated Content

anthonyrobbins asked:

Wheelchair lifts are designed to ensure practical access solutions for individuals with physical disabilities that pose challenges to them when it comes to climbing stairs. These are truly more cost-effective alternatives than elevators, and nowadays many find them useful as these facilitate the movement of people making it easy, fast, and convenient.

Whether for residential or commercial applications, wheelchair lifts find many practical uses. This line of lifts usually comes in two operating modes; hydraulic and electric. While the hydraulic model uses hydraulics for increased lift performance, the electric wheel chair lifts come with battery back-up. If necessary, you can install automatic door openers or telephone jacks in electronic lifts. When compared to hydraulic wheelchair stair lifts, the electric models are cheaper.

All the branded wheelchair stair lifts combine an outstanding blend of quality, comfort, and durability. To meet the customers’ needs, wheel chair stair lifts come with a greater selection of options in style, color, size, function, and feature. Among the different models of wheelchair lifts, the most popular are inclined platform lifts; vertical platform lifts; and portable wheel chair lifts.

Each wheelchair stair lift has its own set of unique features and specifications. Available in permanent and portable models, the vertical wheel chair lifts are safest, quietest, and most durable. Inclined platform lifts are mainly designed to travel up the stairways. These can be used on straight stairways and curved stairways. The added advantage of this model is that it can be wall mounted or tower-mounted to the staircase.

Portable vertical lifts are the most affordable solution, and can be used on various stairways. Portable lifts are simple to set up and operate, and provide the mobility and access that you need. Many wheel chair stair lift models have multiple control stations, user-friendly controls and come with many safety features such as under-platform sensors, handrail, emergency stop switch, anti-slip flooring, and more.

Today, a number of options are available to search for wheel chair stair lifts. You can approach online stores or retail stores to shop for any model of vertical lifts. A number of manufacturers offer a wide selection of wheel chair lifts for every purpose – and these products meet high standards of quality and reliability. Depending on the varying structures, features and manufacturer, the price of the wheelchair lifts will vary accordingly. Based on your individual needs and budgetary requirements, you need to make a choice wisely.

Caffeinated Content

rob anderson asked:

symptoms are generally clear. However if you are already experiencing arthritis pain you are well aware that you need to find a way to relieve the pain.   My Name is Rob Anderson and I have started a blog relating to the symptoms and the methods available to cure or relieve these pains and problems. The link to the blog will be available to you if after reading this you feel that the blog could contribute to your needs.   One of the products on this blog is by Ruth Taylor. Ruth is a State Registered Physiotherapist. "Diagnosed with arthritis and told that I would be in a wheelchair within two years, and now completely pain free and leading a happy and fulfilling life. SO CAN YOU". This statement leads you into her introduction page. She goes on to ask, -are you sick and tired of hearing that there is still no cure for this debilitating disease? Do you feel despair and helplessness, thinking that there is nothing that can be done to help you ease the pain? Are you fed up with constant trips to the doctor only to come away again with the same old medication that does little to ease your pain?   Well you are not alone. There are millions of people out there with the same feelings as you. The good news is that you need not despair. You can download a FREE PREVIEW of Ruths' book, and she guarantees that once you have read that, you will want to download the book.   In her book she will tell you exactly how she cured herself of arthritis and how she has made sure that it hasn't returned.   All of the above information is taken from the details you will be told when you get to Ruth Taylors book called - "free yourself from arthritis forever". The link to her website is available on my new blog titled arthritis. Please look for her details listed on the blog.   The blog itself is brand new and plans to grow in the future to a full blown website, which is already under construction. Already there are a few other products relating to the subject and in time your comments and input will add an ezine and more. Your comments would be added and a base of items would build up. Input from around the world would be appreciated.   I myself am South African and I happen to know that the support for the use of emu oil is fairly big here. I suspect that there are undiscovered remedies that would be good for us all. If any of you have a website with related products then please go to the blog and leave me a comment and we can start to grow a resource base for all sufferers' ands medical people alike.   Already available on the blog are remedied and cures using well known things like magnetism and others where e-books have been written by sufferers that they themselves have implemented and used a cure that has worked very well for them. These details are shared on the e-books or e-courses that are there.   Please feel free to go to the blog and look at what is available.   Thank you.        http://arthritis-treatment-cure.blogspot.com/  

Caffeinated Content

Helen Hecker asked:

Whether you need a manual or electric wheelchair, there are many advantages and disadvantages to consider for each. Or you may need both for different purposes.

A manual wheelchair should work if you have enough good strength in your arms to push whether the surface is flat or on an incline such as a wheelchair ramp. Some manuals come with hand aids called hand rims, with knobs which are easier to hold onto rather than rims alone.

Some people use a manual wheelchair only, while others use both a manual and an electric. This may depend on the distance, the surface, and whether they need to be lifted up any stairs or help loading the chair into a car, etc. You might need an electric chair to get to work, but use a manual chair when you come home. High school or college students may use an electric chair at school on campus, where they might need to travel a short or long distance from building to building. Using a combination may be the best use of energy or limit overuse of the body.

When choosing a manual chair, you'll want to know how easy it is to push it along and how well it coasts so you don't have to expend much energy pushing it.

Maintenance is important. You want to keep the tires inflated and the frame tight. You will want to note that modern adjustable wheelchairs need attention to the axle position, the seat angle, the back height, and many other features that influence the ease of wheeling the chair. The lighter the weight, the less force you have to push, so if you're in between you should consider the weight when choosing.

The main advantages and disadvantages of manual wheelchairs are: They require strength and balance to move; they take more energy going distances and up inclines or wheelchair ramps; they can add to aerobic and muscular health; they are easier to transport; the user can be lifted up any stairs while still in the chair; there are lower maintenance requirements because there are fewer parts; it doesn't need charging batteries or have the possible failure of batteries and they are usually narrower and easier to move around in small spaces.

The main advantages and disadvantages of power or electric wheelchairs are: You can travel distances regardless of your strength; it can contribute to muscular weakening if you're not participating in a regular exercise program; they are a lot heavier and not as easy to transport as a manual; there is more maintenance risk because they are more complex; they cost more and servicing and repairs cost more than manual; the control programming is high tech; there is a wide variety of types including mid, front, and rear-wheel drives both for individual and variety of terrains and if the user is not able to lift their body you can get one with tilt and/or recline systems for relief from pressure.

Create a video blog

Emmanuel Aubrey asked:

To properly study the history of our modern wheelchair, we'll have to go as back as ancient time, times when first men walked the grounds and to evaluate their first practical inventions.

So, scrolling back in human kind history, we come across an important event, around the year 4000 Before Christ, when two useful objects were supposing invented. One of these two is the chair, a place to sit on that was transportable, used to sit and eat, talk, socialize and to improve the early human houses.

The second important one would obviously be the wheel, a revolutionary discovery for mankind that allowed them to freely transport hunted animals or their assets and later even themselves. Archeological discoveries place both in the basin of the old Mediterranean Sea.

Later on, we are informed by history analyzers that an ancient Greek vase dated as back as 535 BC shows an image of a wheeled bed, a bed for children to be exact. Around the same period in china, an even breathtaking invention is revealed by some engravings: a chariot, used to transport important people that was, just as drawings show, a chair on wheels carried by an inferior ranged person.

The Chinese culture and religion seems to facilitate the process of evolution of wheelchairs, as we find out that in the year 200 they were forced to carry their immobilized to a place called Fountain of Youth. In order to do that, Chinese invented the wheelbarrow, a mobile bed carried by relatives or servants.

Further on in the history of wheelchairs we find Greek and roman testimonies about getting sick people out for walks in such devices.

Even Philip the King Of Spain in the time, had such a wheelchair that was being pushed by its servants making him able this way to do his chores and take his daily walks through the impressive palace gardens. Still, we have to wait until the 17th century to see a wheelchair that slightly resembles the modern ones.

It's the first self controllable wheelchair ever built, designed and invited by a young man named Stephen Farfler. This is the point in history that started to divide antique wheelchairs into many categories, by design or functionality.

History of wheelchairs - the models

The bath chair originated in England had three wells, two big in back, one small in front

The seating wheelchair, from the 18th century, came to adjust comfort for the disabled. It looked like a luxury home chair, but with reclinable abilities, two big wheels on its sides and a small support wheel at its back

The lightweight wheelchair, developed in India from reeds

Herbert A. Everest developed in 1933, in Los Angeles, a metallic wheelchair that could be compared to an auto vehicle, powered by own motor, and with 4 wheels

Another important step was taken By Samuel Duke in 1934 that invented the folding wheelchair, used for transportation into other vehicles

From here on, the history of wheelchairs leads us to the modern wheelchair we all know, a sports object actually that has everything from comfort, fold abilities and speed, to great suspensions and looks.

Create a video blog...instantly.

Roger Langenberg asked:

Most businesses acknowledge that there is nothing better than a personal testimonial from a satisfied client to boost their business. At the rate, those businesses specializing in medical tourism are receiving those rave reviews today; it is enough to inspire envy with a capital ‘E' among other industry leaders.

Without health insurance, the average household is one major medical bill away from bankruptcy, a possibility facing nearly 45 million adults in the United States today. Medical tourism representatives say they hear stories every day about the impact their business is making on the quality of people's lives both medically and financially, short and long term.

One company, Med Journeys, shared the letter below from the *son of a client for this article. The patient, rejected by the healthcare system in the U.S. decided that that the option to use medical tourism was his only alternative:

"My dad was one of the millions that lost his insurance last year and was facing a life in a wheelchair because he could not afford double knee replacement surgery. When a friend pointed him in the direction of your company, he was tired, in considerable pain, and more than a bit anxious over the thought of traveling to another country for surgery.

Understandably cautious, Dad went to great lengths to research the procedures as well as your company. He was pleased to find out that each journey is arranged through a respected, knowledgeable and trustworthy agent. He was even more pleased to find that each agent had established relationships with the most respected medical facilities in the world.

In the end, what made the entire trip possible was the amount of care and thought that went into the entire process, as well as the cost. Passport assistance, round trip airfares, all medical expenses including x-rays, anesthesia, surgery, pre & post op treatment, physical therapy, doctors, medications, hospital stay with one companion, and recovery at a beautiful guest house complete with meals was completely covered in one inclusive price!

From the moment my parent's plane touched down, they were taken care of in a manner that allowed them to focus on my Dad's health and well-being. Mom and Dad were met at the airport and taken to the hospital without any fuss or confusion. On the day of my Dad's surgery, my mother was able to relax on a beautiful hospital balcony in New Delhi. One of the world's finest orthopedic surgeons performed the surgery itself. This doctor has performed over 3500 joint replacement surgeries in his long career.

My parents returned home completely satisfied with their experience. Dad has repeatedly stated that because of your company he had complete confidence in, and indeed, experienced care in India far superior to any care he received recently in the states. He was also happy the way my Mom was treated and even encouraged to relax and sightsee while he was receiving therapy.

I am of course as delighted as my parents are. Dad still cannot get over the price of the surgery. His double knee replacement surgeries cost my Dad only 17% of the cost he would have incurred in the United States!

I would like to convey our thanks on behalf of our entire family. You have given us back our Dad." - R. L. (2009 - Reprinted with permission - Med Journeys)

Medical tourism is fast becoming a viable, alternative solution to the rising health care crisis facing the United States. Medical tourism advocates work continually to improve knowledge of the process and remove the myths surrounding the practice of medicine in foreign countries. In 2008 alone, an estimated 1.5 million people underwent surgery in exotic locations such as Thailand, Brazil, India, Costa Rica, Malaysia, and Singapore. Moreover, all the surgery performed is done at world-class hospitals by teams of surgeons and doctors educated at Princeton, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins.

Today's economic climate requires every individual to begin to think outside the box when it comes to getting quality affordable medical care. With the help of medical tourism, even those in desperate straits, may now think outside of the country when it comes to having their medical needs met and solutions to their healthcare problems resolved.

Caffeinated Content - Members-Only Content for WordPress

Mary Hanna asked:

Most of the newer ships offer wheelchair assessable state rooms and can provide dining room seating arrangements to avoid stairs and raised areas. Just be sure your travel agent notifies the cruise line of your wheelchair usage and any other special needs prior to sailing when making your cruise vacation reservations. Cruise travelers with physical challenges should check with the onboard tour office to ensure that all pre-reserve tours can accommodate their needs.

Cruise travel may be the ideal vacation for an individual using a wheelchair, since it provides the opportunity to visit a number of destinations in a relatively short time. A cruise vacation provides effortless travel between locations without the inconvenience of packing and unpacking. You'll appreciate the choice of experiencing the ship's destinations or relaxing and enjoying the comfort of being pampered at a "resort at sea."

Is important that if one of your party uses a wheelchair you want to ask the following questions:

* How many wheelchair accessible cabins on the cruise ship?

* Are the doors to the rooms and elevators wide enough to accommodate a regular wheelchair?

* Can I get my wheelchair out on deck and into the public rooms during my cruise vacation?

* Will I be able to access the dining areas?

In some ports of call, where the ship must anchor, access via wheelchair may not be possible.

Ships generally stock a limited number of wheelchairs but please be aware they must be pre-reserved at the time of your booking.

Due to S.O.L.A.S. (Safety of Live At Sea) Regulations, physically challenged passengers must have partial mobility, and a traveling companion who can assist them, should an emergency arise.

You'll find that the newer, larger cruise ships have been built with the goal of full-accessibility. A new ship will have wider corridors, more spacious cabins, more, and larger, elevators and ramps where needed. In addition, the designated "accessible" cabins on newer ships are outfitted with many of the following features that will make your cruise vacation a more comfortable experience:

Stateroom and cabin doorways wide enough for wheelchairs (at least 30") Stateroom dimensions and floor space for maneuverability and bathroom dimensions adequate for maneuvering No "lips" or sills into bathrooms Sink positioned so wheelchair can roll under it Roll-in shower wit a fold-down stool in shower with detachable showerhead Bathroom walls with handrails Raised toilet seat, at least 17" inches high Pull-down clothing racks Light switches at wheelchair level Adjustable mirror above sink Portable telephone Blinking lights in staterooms for the hearing challenged

In some ports, ships must anchor offshore due to size of the port or because of extreme weather (if the weather is too extreme they won't stop at that port at all). They "tender" guests to shore with small boats that may not be accessible to guests in wheelchairs. You'll want to check with the shore excursions department to determine which shore excursions are most suitable for you. In some destinations, particularly those outside of the United States, you will not always find accessible transportation and facilities.

Some of the Princess cruise line ships have hoists by the pool so a physically challenged passengers can enjoy the pool. Some of Holland American ships have the ability to tender wheelchairs into ports where they do not dock. Ask your travel agent to inquire with those lines to find the ship that is suitable for you.

There is no reason that anyone who is physically challenged should avoid a cruise vacation. Just remember when you are looking into cruise travel that you have your travel agent find the cruise ship that caters to your needs.

Now that you know that a cruise vacation may be perfect for you, call your travel agent and start packing.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

About the Author

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing

wheelchair safety