Caravanning for the disabled

Wednesday, 09, Dec 2009 08:12

Caravanning can offer the freedom and flexibility that conventional package holidays just aren't able to compete with. The ability to adapt your own accommodation and not be limited to a single destination per trip is an appealing prospect.

Standard caravans can throw up a range of issues for disabled caravanners. Access to doors, small internal spaces and narrow doorways are tricky obstacles for anyone reliant on wheelchairs or with limited mobility. People with special needs, sight or hearing impaired may also find standard fittings and fixtures in caravans obstructive. Hooking up the trailer to the

car or moving around on uneven ground can present significant drawbacks.

It is true that information can be scant when it comes to facilities, and whilst basic provisions may have been taken care of such as toilet access and ramps, other design aspects such as the check-in desk height, or heavy doors may not have been accounted for. But there are resources out there to get a more detailed overview.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR

Before you set out, here are a few things to consider before booking into a caravan park.

Mobility impaired?

Look out for the gradient of the caravan site, the approach and any outside areas. Check for wheelchair access to toilets and shower blocks, if ramps are provided and also the width of paths. What is the level of traffic around the site, are there any dropped curbs, and are roads tarmac or gravel?

Visually impaired

Although many caravan sites welcome registered assistant dogs, it is always worth checking if they are allowed. Are documents available in Braille and how well lit is the site?

Hearing impaired

Is there a hearing loop system installed and does the venue play background music in communal areas?

Accommodation guide

Watch out for the position of fixtures and fittings, have the hob and sink been lowered? Is there an electric ceiling track hoist. How about the bathroom facilities - is there a wheel in shower/ railed bathroom and is there room for assistant bathing?

BUILD YOUR OWN

If you are looking into adapting your caravan, or building a bespoke model from scratch there are several operations dedicated to just that.

Caravan modification company CoachBuild GB are a factory based operation who offer a complete service from design and testing to installation. They specialise in alterations, conversions and general improvements of existing rigs for people with disabilities.

Fry's Caravans is a family run business that has developed wheelchair Acxess caravans. Two models are available; the Frystar Axcess - single axle 3 berth, and the twin axle 4Berth. Prices start from £17,500

Hulse Ross build bespoke static caravans and holiday homes for those with disabilities, and will also take you through the design process and build to your specification.

However, building your own caravan is a huge investment and not a luxury everyone can afford, so Caravan Times looks at the alternatives for caravan lovers where you can try before you buy.

WHERE CAN I STAY?

The Scout Holiday Homes Trust have two caravans in Hampshire with wheel-in showers and chair height kitchen units available to families and groups.

Brean Leisure Park in Somerset have caravans adapted for wheelchair access and guests with special needs, accommodating up to six guests.

Primrose Valley site in North Yorkshire, has a static caravan which sleeps 4-6 with wheelchair access. It has an electric bed and tracked ceiling hoist in a twin room. The owner Allan is quadraplegic so the accommodation has been adapted with insider knowledge. Tel: 01274 588142

An extensive list of UK caravan sites with disabled access can be found on the Caravanable website or Disabled Holiday Info.

FIND OUT MORE

In conjunction with the Caravan Club, disability network RADAR have published 'Get Caravanning' a free guide that explores caravanning from a disabled person's point of view.

For park owners seeking guidance on how to make their sites more accessible, the National Accessible Scheme can offer advice on how to adapt services and accurately promote facilities to disabled visitors.

DisabledGO have outstanding Access Guides with in-depth coverage of caravan sites that cater for disabled visitors. Caravan parks are listed under region, then by local council and finally by individual caravan park.