I recently went on a brief break to the country to take in the air, perks and delights. After arriving at the motel I found that the room wasn’t accessible. When booking, the motel manager assured me that it was accessible, however I could not stay there. I thought I’d have to turn around and go home. On a whim, I decided to go to the visitor’s centre thinking, hoping that they might know of somewhere accessible for me to stay. They helpfully suggested a motel that was a refurbished aged care facility. It suited my needs perfectly, and the bathroom was accessible.
Ask for photos
This recent incident reminded me that I really need to ask anywhere I plan to stay to send me photos of the room as ‘accessible’ is a word that has a different definition for each person.
It’s important to remember that just because certain accommodation may be suitable for me, it may not be suitable for someone else. For example, I don’t need to use a hoist, so I don’t have to worry about having enough room for a hoist. But I do need to grab rails near the toilet and shower.
Consider additional costs
Often people with physical disabilities have to stay in more expensive accommodation because it is more likely to be accessible. This can be a problem, especially if you have to pay for an extra room for your support worker.
Also think about where you’re going to eat. You may want to suss out if there are restaurants or cafes nearby, or if you can cook in your motel room, and where the closest supermarket is, especially if you do not have access to a vehicle.
Choose your support workers wisely
If you are deciding which of your regular support workers to take as your holiday buddy, you might also consider connecting with support workers in the area you’re travelling to, to give your regular supports a break as well as gain some insider local knowledge.
The more we travel, the greater awareness there will be about the need for accessible accommodation.
Do you have tips for finding accessible accommodation? Share them with our community.
- Are you planning a holiday? Read how Michelle and support worker Annette took their holiday shift to new heights.
- Also, if you're planning a trip during the holiday season, check out our tips to ensure you've got your shifts covered.