Taking accessibility beyond the open road
A road trip is a great way to experiencing many of the breathtaking views provided by mother nature. Perhaps you want a bit more than just watching the passing scenery through the windows. Luckily, vehicle accessibility isn’t solely for sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs. Here are some examples of what can be done to answer that seductive call of the wild.
Going for a drive in the wild is for many the ultimate experience. Whether it’s about getting through rough terrain to reach a certain destination or just enjoying a very bumpy ride a 4WD is the vehicle of choice.
Common products in an off-road vehicle would be: hand controls to help you control gas and brake, an automatic parking brake, a seat lift to get you into the relatively high driver’s seat and finally, something to fetch your mobility device, should you use one.
A Jeep Rubicon with a Turny Evo seat lift Photo by GT Mobil ©
A Volkswagen Amarok with a Turny Evo seat lift Photo by Sodermanns ©
A Jeep Wrangler with a Turny Evo seat lift Photo by TCI Adaptation ©
Do you dream of becoming a truly free individual, a nomad, that crosses the land while living in your vehicle, using minimal resources and working only when you need to? Or maybe you’d rather spend your free time on the road, bringing as much comfort as you can along for the ride? Regardless of who you are and what you choose, you can make great use of an RV or Recreational Vehicle.
While not a common vehicle type to adapt for accessibility there are a few examples. For example, a set of hand controls will enable you to control gas and brake without using your feet. An automatic parking brake will ensure the vehicle stays still at the touch of a button. A 6-way base can be used to get in and out of the driver’s seat. Although, in some RV’s the two front seats already have similar capabilities.
A Fiat Carthago Chic eLine RV Photo by Autoadapt ©
Hand controls for gas and brake on the steering wheel Photo by Autoadapt ©
They say that if you drive long enough, eventually you will reach the sea. But it doesn’t have to stop there. Get off the land and into the boat, do some recreational fishing, water sports or just enjoy the vast openness of the sea.
It’s quite possible to make a boat more accessible. A larger boat such as the one shown above has been fitted with a wheelchair lift that can help wheelchair users board the boat. A portable ramp, perhaps even a lightweight carbon ramp, can be a good alternative for smaller sea vessels.
A wheelchair lift makes this boat accessible Photo by Unwin ©
Boarding a boat in a mobility scooter made simple with a wheelchair lift Photo by Unwin ©
A portable ramp is a great way to make smaller boats accessible Photo by FEAL ©
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Getting from point A to point B with a physical disability can seem daunting. We're here to help with this guide on the best methods of transportation.
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