Hotel Room Accessibility Considerations for Wheelchair Travelers

Please Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you chose to purchase something through one of the links, I may get a small commission, without any cost to you. Read the full disclosure here. There is a lot more to consider when booking accommodations as a wheelchair user. Everyone has unique needs when it comes to accessibility requirements. Keep in mind these may not be applicable to each individual. It can be useful to make a checklist suited to your specific needs or comfort levels. Here are some accessibility requirements to consider when booking a hotel room or accommodations when traveling: Public transportation is usually a great accessible option Location/Transportation How far from the…

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What NOT To Do Around Wheelchair Users

Ignorance and avoidance only perpetuates negativity towards people with disabilities. Unfortunately, there seems to be a pervasive social etiquette deficit when strangers interact with wheelchair users in public. Wondering how to treat a person in a wheelchair? Newsflash: like a normal person. It doesn't have to be scary, or awkward, or ~inspiring~... we are people first and more than our wheelchairs. These are all examples of things that I, or others close to me, have experienced as a wheelchair user. These experiences can be dehumanizing and contribute to the public perception of people with disabilities being less than people.. or worse yet, as objects. Don't lean on me like I'm a piece of furniture. This…

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Alleviating Neuropathy: Nerve Pain Remedies After a Spinal Cord Injury

Please Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you chose to purchase something through one of the links, I may get a small commission, without any cost to you. Read the full disclosure here. Most people assume that the worst part of living with a spinal cord injury is using a wheelchair. While a wheelchair may be more physically obvious, nerve pain is a seemingly invisible menace. While everyone has a different experience and there is a varying degree of secondary complications from person to person. The worst part for me is living with constant nerve pain or neuropathy due to nerve damage from my level of injury and below. The pain becomes background…

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Enjoying Edmonton’s River Valley Trails as a Wheelchair User

Edmonton's North Saskatchewan River Valley Parks System Also known as "The Ribbon of Green" the North Saskatchewan River Valley Parks System is one of a kind. Boasting the largest stretch of connected urban parkland in North America! Not bad for a city with a population of just under 1.5 million. The city is built around this strip of green. Edmonton's river valley is its pride and joy. Offering a chance to get away to nature in a matter of minutes from virtually anywhere in the city. The network of green space an parks was first proposed in 1907 by landscape architect Frederick Todd. Up until the 1930's the only developments in the river valley were…

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Outdoor Wheelchair Accessible Day Trips From Edmonton

The Living Waters Boardwalk at Elk Island National Park Enjoying nature has well documented benefits for the body and the mind. Unfortunately, nature doesn't come with accessible building codes. This can make it more challenging to get out and enjoy natural surroundings. However, these are some great accessible options to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to escape into nature for the day. All are located within a short to moderate drive from Edmonton, and several areas also offer accessible camping sites if you are looking to go on an extended adventure. There is no public transportation available, so to get to these destinations you will require a vehicle. All are within a…

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WheelBlades XL (Wheelchair Caster Wheel Ski Attachments)

Please Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you chose to purchase something through one of the links, I may get a small commission, without any cost to you. Read the full disclosure here. Snow and ice are an inevitable part of the winter months in Canada. Navigating snowy and icy terrain poses an extra challenge for wheelchair users. Bumps and uneven surfaces can cause wheels to spin out, or get stuck. Which makes it difficult to get traction. When coupled with extremely cold temperatures, this can turn into a potentially serious problem if you are unable to get indoors or if you get stranded in a parking lot. There are several different products…

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Wheelchair Ice Fishing in Alberta, Canada

I will preface this by saying that I am a bad Canadian, as this was my first time ever ice fishing. But better late than never as they say. With coronavirus travel restrictions in full swing, adventure options are limited to more local escapades. So it was fitting that I finally gave ice fishing a go. I'm not going to lie.. the last 3 times I went (regular) fishing in my adult life, I never caught anything... and I am kind of happy about that. I have traumatic memories fishing at the lake as a kid, and the realization after finally reeling one in that I would actually have to deal with the fish. Luckily…

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