Growing up in a rural country-side setting the run to the nearest grocery store was often a 20 minute drive to the next town over. When my brother Jake and I were still quite young we could just be lifted into standard cars and vehicles, but as we began to use wheelchairs more regularly, and once we began using electric wheelchairs, the only option became travel by adapted van. The minimum requirements to travel in a full size van are an electric lift, tie downs, and a raised roof, the sum of these often costing around $15 or $20 thousand. The adaptations on these vehicles were far from affordable for the average family, without some government aid from various programs such as the Katie Beckett program.
When it came to driving, the prospect seemed initially impossible until I learned of an adaptive system that utilizes a joy stick hooked up to a computer, which operates motors under the gas, breaks, and steering wheel. However, this equipment comes with a price tag of $70 thousand, and had to be coordinated with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in order to authorize the funds from the state. In addition, it was recommended to install these in a minivan, which had to have the chassis lowered, a $15 thousand cost, automated doors installed, another several grand, automated bolt lock for the wheelchair, and a variety of other minor modifications.
In the end, the price tag, pricey maintenance, and constant checkups make travelling, even with an adapted vehicle, a daunting prospect. Furthermore, as vehicles tend to wear out, especially in the harsh Wisconsin winters, it becomes difficult to keep ahead of the maintenance, and getting approval for a new adapted vehicle often requires waiting 10 years before the state will consider funding a new vehicle.
Living in a metropolitan area, like Madison, WI, has afforded me some additional opportunities per Paratransit (the city bus door to door service). However, rides with Paratransit have to be phoned in the day prior, and often arrive 20 minutes late, and require 45 minutes to travel across town or even just a few miles. This is due to Paratransit trying to fit as many passengers with needs as possible into their vehicles, per the operational expenses of running the service. Though, a fellow passenger informed me that the service in Madison is great compared to Chicago’s service, where rides may be delayed an hour and may take up to two hours to transport passengers.
Riding the main bus line is quite nice if fair weather, and the buses are all accessible, however, there are only two wheelchair spots per bus, and there have been a number of times where both were occupied, and I had to wait an hour for the next bus. Other times, it can be hard to get the driver’s attention (see my Bus Chasing story).
Due to these restrictions, many of my weekly errands require ordering in, delivery, and/or expensive taxi rides (a taxi ride to the mall costs $30 each way). Since there is only one accessible taxi service in Madison ( minus the even more expensive medical taxi services), it can be difficult to book a ride, as most trips need to be booked the day prior, as the cab service rapidly fills up during the week. In addition, the company only keeps a few accessible cabs on the road at any given time due to the cost.
In the end, getting around town requires an immense amount of planning on my part, and great deal of flexibility on the part of my friends and employer. Yet, in spite of these barriers, I try to make it to the parties, gaming sessions, and other events my friends put on, or to dinner and a movie with my girlfriend. Travelling around town has certainly given me a great appreciation for planning and coordination.
Have some travelling stories or tips for travelling with a disability? Email them to me at jovialjoe@stayingfrosty.net or post a comment.
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