It’s a common sight at any international airport – backpackers roaming around with bags taller than them. You can physically see the pressure of the weight on their legs, which is understandable given that they are carrying around their home for the next few months on their backs. So no wonder fitness levels improve while you’re travelling with all the extra physical activity. But what about travel for the injured or less mobile? What about travel for those less-able to carry such a huge weight on their backs?
We wanted to know what kind of challenges would be faced while travelling with a mobility obstruction. From older travellers who’d rather avoid the stairs, to those who are injured or require lift assistance (such as those with pushchairs, wheelchairs or maybe even just a huge big fat suitcase).
So we’ve asked Emma, who has recently travelled with a broken foot, just what kind of access restrictions she faced. Emma is used to the kind of travelling which involves lots of walking, no issues with stairs and a lack of the constant worry of whether or not there will be a lift. But after breaking her foot, Emma continued her journeys to Salamanca and Wales with crutches and wheelchair in hand, facing all the access issues along the way. We’ve been asking about the differences between her travels one-footed and three-footed (crutches included)…
1. On a scale of 1-10, how easy did you find travelling with a broken foot?
4 – not at all
that challenging, fairly easy!
2. How access-friendly did you find the transport you used while travelling?
Buses and taxis were the easiest, although taxis were difficult to get in and out of. Trains such as the Underground in London were not a consideration based on how long it took me to walk with crutches and too much risk of being knocked by someone.
3. What were the biggest challenges you faced while away?
Definitely using crutches to get around as I had to move very slowly. Walking up or down hills with crutches was also pretty challenging.
4. How did you find your destinations in terms of getting around?
I could only
get around on longer trips with the help of my partner and friends. I had to
rely on being pushed in a wheelchair a lot.
5. At times when you would use the wheelchair, how easy was it to get about?
The wheelchair was not all that easy for me to use myself, but fine when another person was pushing me. Even on difficult terrain, it was manageable.
6. What were the biggest differences you noticed between travelling before your injury and after?
After my injury,
people were generally accommodating apart from in very busy places e.g. the
airport when everyone was in a rush to get somewhere. Airport assistance was
incredible, efficient and all the staff were very kind and happy to help. Generally,
I noticed how much people look at someone who is less able bodied – they either
stare or are intrigued. I also noticed how many places were not all that
accessible or step free – restaurants and coffee shops proved more difficult to
get around, especially in between their tiny tables. A lot of them also didn’t
have ground floor or disabled toilets.
7. Do you think you would let an injury that affected your mobility stop you from travelling to other places?
Not at all. It made me more determined to prove to myself and others that I could travel despite being less mobile than others.
8. Did you find you could still do all the things you would have done had your foot not been broken?
I couldn’t
do everything but I could do most things. The main things were that I couldn’t
use the same modes of transport all the time. Although I could still drive so
long as it was an automatic. Stairs weren’t easy at all but I could still
manage them. Generally, it simply took a lot longer to get anywhere so I had to
really plan my journey time.
9. What would your advice be to people who might be worried about travelling with mobility concerns?
Plan in advance as much as possible – leave much earlier than needed to get anywhere. Be patient and look up at others whilst walking/in a wheelchair as much as possible for people to acknowledge and assist where needed. Always keep a mobile phone on you.
10. As this is just a temporary affliction, has it changed your outlook or the way you think about access for all abilities?
I am a lot
more aware of anyone with any mobility or disability issues. I am more likely
to speak up or be the first to help someone with mobility issues where needed.
I am more than aware of the fact that a disability may not always be as
obvious.