How to Travel the World in a Wheelchair or on Crutches
Traveling requires special planning and preparation if you’re in a wheelchair or on crutches. The complexity of your trip will grow depending on your level of disability. By understanding the variables that could slow your journey, you can plan accordingly to overcome them.
If you’ve recently had surgery, speak to your doctor regarding travel restrictions. Typically, after surgery, you’re at higher risk for blood clots for up to six months, and plane travel increases the risk even more. When scheduling your flights, extend layovers between connecting flights to decrease the risk of blood clots. Keep in mind that the longer the trip, the higher the risk.
If your mobility is limited or you’ve recently had surgery, make sure you are moving your body every 1-2 hours for a few minutes to reduce the risk of blood clots. If you’re able to stand supported, do toe raises. If you can’t stand, then move your limbs while seated and complete isometric exercises. For example, press your hands together in a prayer position as hard as you can for ten seconds. You'll feel the tension in your chest and arms, yet your arms didn't move at all. For your legs, push your feet into the ground as hard as you can for ten seconds, so you’ll feel the tension in your feet and legs. These are isometric exercises, where you have the static contraction of a muscle without any visible movement in the angle of the joint allowing your muscles to pump and circulate blood through the limb, which significantly reduces the risk of blood clots. Keep in mind to maintain your weight-bearing precautions if you have any. For example, if you’re not supposed to put weight on your leg, don’t stand on it; instead, use isometric exercises.
Before you start your trip, learn the rules so your trip will go smoother. The Americans with Disabilities Act covers people in the USA while on the ground, and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) covers access on all flights to and from the US. Familiarizing yourself with the laws will help you understand what accommodations, facilities, and services should be available to you. It’s a good idea to carry a copy with you in case you have issues with staff who may not be familiar with the accommodations they are required to provide you according to the law. If you have access-related questions, you can call the disability hotline operated by the US Department of Transportation at (800) 778-4838. If you have any pre-trip questions regarding the security screening process, contact the TSA at least 72 hours before your flight at (855) 787-2227.
Once you arrive at the airport, if you can’t walk through the metal detector unassisted, let the airport security or Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent know. They will take you aside, hand-wand you, and give you a manual pat-down. Let the agents know if you have any sore or tender body parts before the screening. You also have the option for a private screening, if you prefer, with a companion of your choice present.
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