PHYSICAL DISABILITY


All Aboard: Advice for Accessible Holidays


Robin Cattle, Trust Secretary at The Jumbulance Trust, offers those caring for


individuals with disabilities advice about the ideal holiday destinations, that combine functionality with adventure and excitement.


For those living with physical disabilities, and their carers, planning a holiday, or a day trip, may seem like a daunting task. But with more accessible accommodation and travel options appearing every year, it’s never been easier to embark on that much needed break.


At the Jumbulance Trust, we’ve been taking our VIPs, those living with disabilities or other life-limiting conditions, on trips all over the UK and Europe since 2001 using our Jumbulances. These are accessible coaches that are equipped with beds, lifts, defibrillators and many more features.


Here are our tips for planning the perfect accessible holiday.


Plan Ahead


Medical advice Before you book your trip, discuss your ideas with your doctor, who will be able to advise you on managing your physical disability while in a different part of the UK, or abroad and will likely supply you with more than sufficient medication to last you for your entire trip.


Call ahead Contact accommodation and travel providers and give details of your physical disability. This will give them time to make any extra arrangements that could make your stay or journey even more enjoyable.


Destinations Finding the right destination for your holiday is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your break. You need to know that your needs, and those of others travelling with you, will be


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consistently catered for throughout your time away - allowing you to have the best time possible!


over the UK and Europe since 2001 using our Jumbulances.”


Books & Websites Books and websites can be great sources of inspiration, and information, when planning your break. Jumbulance favourites include ‘The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain’, which is available free to blue badge holders and The National Trust website, which is another place to find accessible attractions around the UK to help you decide on a location. You can also use the Visit England website for the same purpose.


If you plan to travel further afield, this article provides information on Europe’s most accessible cities.


Transport


Coach If you’re travelling in the UK or within Europe, a specially equipped coach, such as our Jumbulances would be our recommended form of transport as this coach designed for the travellers it carries, and features an


taking our VIPs, those living with disabilities or other life-limiting conditions, on trips all


“At the Jumbulance Trust, we’ve been


easy access lift for entry; stretcher trolley beds; emergency medical equipment such as a defibrillator and resuscitation unit and other facilities.


Train Travellers can remain on the accessible coach as it is loaded onto the Eurotunnel shuttle train in Folkestone, Kent; makes the 35 minute journey to Calais, France and then drives off towards its European destination.


Boat Both P&O Ferries and Brittany Ferries are equipped with wheelchair friendly features such as lifts between the vehicle and travel decks, disabled toilets and extra onboard wheelchairs.


Pre-Travel Preparation We recommend adding the following things to your suitcase before you embark on your break:


Medical/Doctor’s Information It’s a good idea to carry medical information about yourself, any medications you take and your doctor’s details at all times, just in case. You could also get this information translated into the language that is spoken in your destination.


European Health Insurance Card


(EHIC) and Travel Insurance If you’re travelling in Europe, you’ll need both an EHIC card, which enables you to access state provided healthcare in Europe for free or at a reduced cost, and travel insurance, which you should buy soon after booking your trip to take advantage of cancellation cover in the event of an unforeseen circumstance such as a health related issue.


www.jumbulance.org.uk www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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