Disability Holidays
Want to know more about disability holidays and caravans for the disabled? Then read on ...
As a family we really enjoy caravanning and we think that caravanning should be enjoyed by the disabled as well as the able-bodied.
Although most caravans would be suitable to be used for disability holidays with some modifications, we have only come across one manufacturer which has designed and manufactured two caravans specifically for the disabled.
Avondale have designed and built in conjunction with Frys Caravans Ltd, a caravan dealership in East Yorkshire, two caravans with the disabled specifically in mind. The first caravan is called the Axcess 55 and is a two/three berth. The second caravan is a four berth and is call the Axcess 65.
They have been designed to allow full wheelchair access both in and through the caravan. They have bespoke entrance ramps and there are items such as an electric entrance lift, toilet push bars, wetroom chair, lifting hoist and motor mover which are all optional extras. Although the price is around £19,000, it is definately worth a look.
Frys Caravans in East Yorkshire have them on permanent display, or you can visit their website at www.frys.co.uk.
If your budget doesn't stretch quite that far, most caravans can be adapted to suit your needs. Simple things like handles can be retro-fitted. There are many different types of access steps on the market as well as ramps if needed. Check all these products out at your local caravan dealership.
Disabled Caravan Sites for Disability Holidays
The following is taken from the direct.gov website and gives information regarding what caravan sites, or any service provider, should be doing for the disabled.
Any service provider who provides a service to the public in the UK, whether they charge for it or not, has duties under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
Service Providers' Responsibilities:
Service providers include holiday accommodation, tourist attractions, restaurants and transport providers.
They cannot refuse to serve you as a disabled person or provide a lower standard of service because of your disability unless it can be justified.
Service providers may need to make 'reasonable adjustments' to any barriers that may prevent a disabled person using or accessing their service.
What is a reasonable adjustment?
Under the DDA, service providers only need to make changes that are 'reasonable'. These might include simple changes to layout, improved signage and information and staff training which can improve accessibility to disabled customers.
It's about what is practical to the service provider's individual situation and what resources they may have. They will not be required to make changes that are impractical or beyond their means.
Examples of reasonable changes that can be made include:
using large print for registration and guest information
ensuring that at least one copy of the fixed menu is in Braille
providing phones with large buttons
providing portable vibrating alarms for guests who will not be able to hear an audible fire alarm
where a low reception desk is not available, providing an alternative low desk for wheelchair users
sending staff on a disability-awareness training course to increase awareness of common disability related issues
Good for business:
Making their services more accessible will not only benefit disabled people but could encourage recommendations and return visits.
For example:
the friends, families and any carers accompanying a disabled person
older customers who may not consider themselves disabled but would appreciate easier access and better facilities
If you have any other information about disability holidays and caravans for the disabled which we have not mentioned, please let us know.
If you are disabled and would like to go caravanning, don't be put off - do a search on the internet for disability holidays - this will always bring back loads of websites to help you. Your local caravan dealer will also be able to help you if you are thinking of buying a caravan and need some modifications.
Don't give up - there is lots of help out there.
Happy Caravanning!
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