The Americans with Disabilities Act made it easy for those with disabilities to vacation in lightweight travel trailers. Lightweight travel trailers have become modified so that they are easy to use and travel in. Lightweight travel trailers have been adapted for people with specific and special needs. You have every right to be accommodated with all types of lightweight travel trailers, even if you are disabled.
You should plan ahead when traveling with lightweight travel trailers
There will be accommodating campgrounds for those with disabilities, but you want to make sure you feel comfortable before leaving in lightweight travel trailers. Most RV campgrounds offer one or two handicap accessible spots to park lightweight travel trailers. Try looking online or in the phonebook for accessible recreational vehicle campgrounds. Ask friends, too, for trustworthy campgrounds that you could call and see if they are ADA friendly.
After you feel confident in your research, make sure that you call. Ask the following questions to the RV campground attendant before you haul your RV miles away:
1. Do the camping spots at the campground have concrete so wheelchairs are easy to use?
2. What is the available access as far as ramps when the motor home is parked?
3. Are the hookups for lightweight travel trailers easy to use for those with disabilities? What hook ups are available?
4. Are the nearby bathroom areas ADA friendly and accessible?
5. Are other aspects of the campground facility accessible and ADA approved?
6. You may want to ask about disability friendly activities located on the RV site or nearby.
Think about taking a friend with you
To be safe, you could take a traveling companion with you. This is smart to do if you have disabilities or do not. Family members are good, as are friends that are able to work with you, know your medications or needs, and can travel in an RV. There are also professional services that you can hire to travel with you or assist you when and if necessary.
Two organizations that are believed to be great, trustworthy resources are the Travelin? Talk Network and the Handicapped Travel Club, Inc. They are good contacts for putting you in touch with others who have traveled with disabilities. You could find good friends and travel tips!
Enjoy traveling in your travel trailer or motor home. If you have any special needs, do not let that inhibit you living your dream life RVing on the road.
Julie Jacobs reads and writes about lightweight travel trailers while traveling. Read more of her writing on RVs at www.pedatarvcenter.com.
