Who needs to earn wings when you’ve already got wheels?

It has been said that one can’t know where they’re going until they understand where they’ve come from. So two summers ago my cousins, my grandfather (my Opa) and I visited some relatives in Holland. However this didn’t mean that I simply hopped on a plane and went. No, this trip required substantial forethought, but it was an amazing experience. As a result of my trip to Holland, I simply can’t stay grounded now. In fact, I’m set to get on a jet and fly out to Newfoundland later this month.

I know I might make it sound easy, but I’d like to share some tips on exactly what goes into getting you and your wheelchair in the air.

Firstly, it’s most important to inform the airline that you use a wheelchair when booking your flight. Upon doing so, certain accommodations may be offered. For example, Air Canada provides cheaper fares for those attending passengers with special needs. Additionally, on Martin Air the front seats of the plane were reserved to make it easier for me to get on and off. 

Before flying, I was also asked to provide some information - a doctor’s note, stating that it would be safe for me to fly internationally, along with certain electronic qualities and dimensions of my wheelchair. I was asked to arrive at the gates early, so that airline employees could take responsibility for loading my power chair. They then provided me with a wheelchair that was designed to fit between the aisles of the plane, so that I could transfer to my seat. 

The plane took off, landed, and my wheelchair was re-assembled without a hitch, but leaving Holland’s Skipple airport was only half the battle. My Opa had reserved an “accessible” van and “accessible” cottage for us to use while we were visiting in Holland.  The trouble was that terminology and technology may vary from place to place. We arrived to find out that “accessible” van actually meant mini-bus, and the “accessible” cottage had a front door-step. 

These were by no means insurmountable obstacles. Indeed, we travelled through Holland on a mini-bus, and the step in front of our cottage simply meant that I got help to tip my chair back when I wanted to go inside. 

These snags taught me that it’s hard to understand dimensions and structural qualities of attractions, transportation and accommodation when it’s listed on the Internet. That’s why wherever possible I recommend speaking to a real person who can clarify whether or not they can assist you properly. In any case, it’s impossible to plan for every obstacle you will face during travel, but there will always be ways to manoeuvre around them.

On that note…keep on rolling in the city, and across the world.