The Locked-In Traveler

(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)

The great language barrier

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Locked-In syndrome is also referred to as the Living corpse. No wonder for in the worst-case scenarios the patients cannot even move their eyes. I was completely paralyzed after the stroke. The only things I could move were my eyelids and my eyes. The only way I could communicate was by blinking my eyes. Once for; “yes” twice for; “no.” The letter board (air alphabet) was a blessing, with that system I could communicate again.

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The Locked-In Traveler

(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)

Taxi

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Nowadays, most developed countries have handicap taxi. Nevertheless, only in some (highly) touristic cities, you find them around the corner. In some cities like London, most cabs are wheelchair accessible. In others, you would have to order such a vehicle, and it might take a while before they arrive. There are places where you even must order an invalid taxi in advance.

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The Locked-In Traveler

(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)

Onboard restrooms

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Every little thing makes a big difference when you cannot move at all. The few movements I regained during rehab might seem minute. Nevertheless, they made an impact on my life.

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The Locked-In Traveler

(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)

Long Flights

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Sitting all day long is not as easy as one might think. Especially for someone that can only sit in only one position. My inability to move makes me such a person. No matter where I sit being it; the wheelchair, on the bed, a standard chair, or airplane seat, I am always in the same position.

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The Locked-In Traveler

(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)

From wheels to wings

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The most stressful part of a trip (without a doubt) is the flying. Whether it is excitement or anxiety, it can make some neurotic.

People traveling with a wheelchair can check in online but still must go to the counter. The type of assistance you need must be confirmed, and the wheelchair must get its baggage label. Btw, you do not have to pay extra luggage for your wheelchair.

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The Locked-In Traveler

(Wheelchair Traveling Journals)

The search for accommodations

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There are a few aspects to consider when looking for places to stay during a trip. Accessibility is number one on our list, of course. Some hotels promote themselves for being wheelchair friendly, but they are far from it. The elevators are too small, hallways and doorways are too narrow, or there are steps. All features that do not work for someone who cannot move at all.

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The Locked-In Traveler

(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)

Planning a trip

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Back in 1997, people still went to a travel agent to book their trips. There already was internet, but it was not like nowadays that you could find or do anything by yourself on the web. They had brochures with the necessary information and lovely pictures of this and that. If after you looked at the folder and you still were not sure about something, you would have to make that long-distance call to find out.

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The Locked-In Traveler

(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)

Wheelchair Traveling

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To travel in a wheelchair is not impossible or even that difficult (as some may think.) Well, that is not entirely true. For us that live in the modern industrial part of the world, it is. For people living in less developed countries, it is difficult. Not just financially. The infrastructure is not designed with accessibility in mind.

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The Locked-In Traveler

(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)

Travel companion

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“The value of family and real friends” that is one of the first lessons you learn after a tragedy. After the stroke, I got to see what my parents are made of; “my father a steady captain, my mother a sturdy lioness.” They never gave up on me. Despite all advice from the doctors, they took me in and took care of me a twenty-year-old baby who could not do anything for herself. 

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The Locked-In Traveler

(Kati’s Wheelchair Traveling Journals)

Where to now?

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My first trip in a wheelchair was two years after the stroke. The Doctors and therapists at the rehab recommended us to take a trip outside of the country. They thought that it would be a good idea because it would be getting my mind off the situation and help with the depression.

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