In December of 2023, my annual trip to Florida with my family transformed into a holiday of independence, thanks to the freedom afforded by a power wheelchair. Traditionally, my time in Florida, particularly in Sarasota, was marked by the limitations of using a manual wheelchair. I normally utilize a powered chair when I am home but typically, when I travel, I fly with a manual wheelchair. There are many reasons for this but the biggest is a fear that my power chair will be damaged by the airlines. However, this year, a surprise awaited me, courtesy of my parents, reshaping my perspective on this winter retreat to sunshine and blue skies.
Sarasota’s Charms: A Paradise for Accessibility
The surprise came in the form of a rented power wheelchair and an accessible van, a thoughtful gesture from my parents to address our mobility concerns. This solution was not only a testament to their love but also a key to unlocking Sarasota’s full potential. Sarasota Florida’s full potential lies in its abundance of amenities that make it a wonderful place to visit. For some of the same reasons it is often regarded as an excellent retirement community, it offers great perks to those who have physical challenges as well. To name a few:
- The Weather: Sarasota boasts a subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers. The abundance of sunshine and mild temperatures make it a great escape from the challenges of moving through snow in a wheelchair.
- A Cultural Kaleidoscope: Despite its modest size, Sarasota boasts a thriving cultural scene, boasting art galleries, theaters, and museums aplenty. From the melodious strains of the Sarasota Orchestra to the graceful performances of the Sarasota Ballet, the city offers a plethora of cultural delights. Additionally, its pristine beaches and verdant parks offer ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
- Proximity to Amenities: Despite its laid-back atmosphere, Sarasota offers easy access to amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Additionally, the city is located within driving distance of other popular destinations in Florida, making it convenient to explore other parts of the state.
However, the potential for both me and my parents to fully enjoy all the great things Sarasota has to offer was stifled by the effort of getting my manual chair in and out of the car and propelling me around town to the many restaurants, festivals, music venues, shopping areas and parks. This stress and strain was virtually eliminated with the introduction of an electric wheelchair, coupled with an accessible van.
Mobility Transformation
Of course, the first thing we needed to do was pick up the accessible van. An accessible van is needed to transport a powered chair, unless it is portable or foldable. I was informed by my parents that all the wheelchair rental facilities in the Sarasota and surrounding area were fully booked due to the holidays. Therefore, we had to pick up an accessible van in Tampa, one hour away. But we were not complaining because we were looking forward to the two weeks of easy rolling.
Next, picking up the power chair was an experience filled with anticipation and excitement. Ensuring the wheelchair was tailored to my needs, from the seat comfort to the left-hand joystick control, was crucial. When ordering the power chair months earlier, my parents provided all the specific details required for my use, such as:
- Chair type and brand
- Joystick placement
- Foot plates
- Seat belt
However, it still took over an hour for the appropriate adjustments to be made once we arrived at the mobility devices rental facility. Once appropriately fitted, I proceeded to test drive the chair through a small track area located within the facility. All done and we were on our way to start my accessible journey. But, unfortunately, it wasn’t long before we encountered our first hurdle.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the initial joy, the first power wheelchair’s speed limitations quickly became apparent. As this was a used wheelchair, typical for rentals, it is not always easy to spot deficiencies in the equipment prior to putting it in actual use. The speed of the chair could not be adjusted and it only moved at its slowest speed, which not only could not keep pace with normal strolling pace but also made it difficult to maneuver around others. This challenge led to the selection of a replacement chair, which better suited my needs for mobility and speed, enjoying the various activities we chose to partake in around Sarasota during the festive period of the holiday season. Now fitted with a properly adjusted and functioning power chair, I was able to attend cultural events, sample many restaurants, hop around to various musical venues, and shop independently and at my own pace. The impact of the right mobility aid on my vacation experience was empowering.
Embracing Mobility Freedom
The experience of navigating Sarasota with a power wheelchair underscored the importance of accessible travel solutions. The significance of independence for disabled travelers cannot be underestimated. Despite the initial setbacks, the ability to move independently considerably enhanced my holiday experience. Although the rental cost for the accessible van was not insignificant (similar to the cost for a two-week rental of a non-accessible van), the power chair rental cost was reasonable, approximately $25/day. But the joy, ease and expanded entertainment options made it worth it to me and my family.
My holiday in Sarasota, marked by the transition from a manual to a power wheelchair, was a journey of independence and discovery. This experience not only highlighted the importance of accessible travel solutions but also reminded me of the joy and freedom that come with the right mobility aids. For those considering a similar journey, remember that the right equipment can transform any trip into an adventure of independence and exploration.
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