Travelling and visiting new places is great fun for everyone, whether it's visiting a new restaurant, going to the cinema or watching your favourite sports team at a stadium. But these simple activities can present some significant difficultes to wheelchair users.

Simply getting out and about, which many take for granted, can present some significant issues. This is why an appropriately adapted disabled vehicle can be invaluable. There are some excellent vehicle conversions in which the driver's seat is replaced by the wheelchair which clamps securely in place. Hand controls are provided for the gears, clutch and brakes making it possible for many wheelchair users to drive themselves wherever they want to go.

An alternative form of vehicle adaptation might involve the introduction of a wheelchair lift or ramp in order to make the vehicle accessible. A fine example is the Nissan NV200 mobility vehicle which, when expertly adapted, can accommodate up to 4 people in addition to the driver and the wheelchair user. Its possible to use your Motability mobility allowance, if you are lucky enough to live in the United Kingdom.

As a wheelchair user it makes sense to make a few checks to ensure that you'll not meet with disappointment when you get to your destination. Here are just a few questions that you may want to ask before you set off.

Ask if their building is wheelchair accessible? Generally this means that they will have provided wheelchair ramps.
Verify that they have wheelchair accessible bathroom facilities? Most public bathrooms aren't made for wheelchairs so it's a good idea to check.
Does the building have an elevator or stairs? Obviously stairs would prevent a wheelchair user from accessing floors above the ground.
Do they provide disabled parking bays close to the building? The ability to park close to the building is essential.

By taking a few preparatory steps (excuse the pun) you can be sure that your wheelchair will not present restrictions on where you want to go.

Travelling and visiting new places is great fun for everyone, whether it's visiting a new restaurant, going to the cinema or watching your favourite sports team at a stadium. But these simple activities can present some significant difficultes to wheelchair users.

Simply getting out and about, which many take for granted, can present some significant issues. This is why an appropriately adapted disabled vehicle can be invaluable. There are some excellent vehicle conversions in which the driver's seat is replaced by the wheelchair which clamps securely in place. Hand controls are provided for the gears, clutch and brakes making it possible for many wheelchair users to drive themselves wherever they want to go.

An alternative form of vehicle adaptation might involve the introduction of a wheelchair lift or ramp in order to make the vehicle accessible. A fine example is the Nissan NV200 mobility vehicle which, when expertly adapted, can accommodate up to 4 people in addition to the driver and the wheelchair user. Its possible to use your Motability mobility allowance, if you are lucky enough to live in the United Kingdom.

As a wheelchair user it makes sense to make a few checks to ensure that you'll not meet with disappointment when you get to your destination. Here are just a few questions that you may want to ask before you set off.

Ask if their building is wheelchair accessible? Generally this means that they will have provided wheelchair ramps.
Verify that they have wheelchair accessible bathroom facilities? Most public bathrooms aren't made for wheelchairs so it's a good idea to check.
Does the building have an elevator or stairs? Obviously stairs would prevent a wheelchair user from accessing floors above the ground.
Do they provide disabled parking bays close to the building? The ability to park close to the building is essential.

By taking a few preparatory steps (excuse the pun) you can be sure that your wheelchair will not present restrictions on where you want to go.