Disability Needs for the 'Chaired'

The travel needs of the disabled are vitally necessary... for them.

     I have put together this list of "needs for the traveling disabled in a wheelchair" for hotels, restaurants, and other establishments to consider when they are planning their 'barrier-free to all people' construction.  
     Due to the fact that I am a hip disarticulation amputee, I can really only speak from my own research and experiences.  Again, this list is from my own point of view and as well as personal experiences as a "chaired" traveler.  It does not cover the needs of other groups included in the category of 'handicapped'.  All notations in the list section have come from the report, "2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design" and, for most, I have noted the location of the reference.

 "As far as the built-up environment is concerned, it is important that it should be barrier-free and adapted to fulfill the needs of all people equally."     (http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/designm/intro.htm)

      The word 'accessible' has come to include a myriad of subjects.  Therefore, to me... accessible means...  accessible.

ac·ces·si·ble

əkˈsesəb(ə)l

adjective

-easy to approach, reach, enter, speak with, or use.
(http://www.dictionary.com/browse/accessible)

     In this case, we can also add "within the limits of a chaired individual".

"...to provide a barrier-free environment for the independence, convenience and safety of all people with disabilities."

(http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/designm/intro.htm) 

 A. Hotels

• ramped, flat entrance (Not steeper than 1:12; 6 in rise; 405.2)
• automatic sliding doors
• enough room in the lobby for a wheelchair to move about freely (furniture placement)
• a portion of the front desk that is lowered so can see/be seen by clerk (it is really frustrating to be sitting in front of the counter waiting while the clerk continues on because they don't see me)
• reachable credit card machine (they want their money, don't they?)
• available staff to assist with baggage to room (I've dragged it all the way here, now you can drag it the rest of the way!)
• Elevator 
• large enough for a wheelchair and luggage (Door width: 42 in [1065 mm]; Inside car: side to side 80 in [2030 mm]; back wall to door: 54 in [1370 mm]; 407.4.1)
• Guest Room
• door to room neither too heavy nor too difficult to get through.  (5 lbs; 404.2.9.1, Those of you with an available leg can do what I do, which is push the door with my leg outstretched, kind of like a battering ram)
• wheelchair height peephole
• reachable phone next to bed
• enough room on either side of the bed to move around (36" [915 mm] for one bed or 36" [915 mm] between two beds; 9.2.2(1))
• accessible height of bed (no crawling up the bed!)
• window accessories (ie. rods, pulls) long enough for wheelchair individual to utilize (54" [1370 mm] to 48" [1220 mm] above floor) 
• coffee maker and coffee supplies within reach (I must have my coffee!)
• wheelchair height rods in closets (54" [1370 mm], 48" [1220 mm] from floor; 225.2)
• Bed/bedside:
• easily accessible clock, phone, etc.
• switch for lights by the bed that are reachable whilst still in bed
• emergency pull/push button next to bed that is reachable
• Bathroom 
• reachable light switch
• roll-up, accessible sink/faucet/soap (34" [865 mm] high; 606.3)
• easy to reach towels/washcloths
• sufficiently low mirror (mirrors 40" [1015 mm] max. above the floor or ground; 603.3)
• shelf by the sink for toiletries
• Toilet
• toilet seat  (Caution!  Before you sit, make sure the toilet seat is secure.  You don't want to sit and have it shift on you! Trust me.)
• toilet at wheelchair height (17" [430 mm] min., 19" [435 mm] max.; 604.4)
• Enough clearance to move around stall (60" [1520 mm] wide min. by 59" [1500 mm] deep min.; 604.8.1.1)
• sturdy bars around the toilet for transfer and stability. (33" [840 mm] min., 36" [915 mm] max. height from floor; 609.4)
• accessible flush lever, toilet paper and dispensers.  (Toilet paper dispensers: 7 inches [180 mm] min. and 9" [230 mm] max.)
• emergency call button or cord (cord must reach down to the floor in the case someone falls and remains on the floor)
• trash bin next to the toilet
• Shower
• accessible shower, (roll-in, 30" [760 mm] wide min. by 60" [1525 mm] deep min.,  transfer (36" [915 mm] by 36" [915 mm]; 608.2.2)
• sturdy shower doors/entrance (I had an awful experience with shower doors once.  They both were glass and they both moved, with nothing to hold on to!)
• detachable shower head (59" [1500 mm] hose min.; 607.6)
• sturdy seat or chair, free-standing or otherwise (this can be a lifesaver, especially when you only have one foot to stand on!)
• stability grab bars in multiple places, (30" [840 mm] min. to 36" [915 mm] max. above the floor)
• easy access to soap, shampoo, conditioner, if available
• Dining Room
• accessible food buffet, drinks, etc.
• staff to assist with food, if necessary

B.  Restaurants/other establishments:

• aisles wide enough to fit a wheelchair/motor-scooter (36" [915 mm] width of walking surfaces; 403.5.1)
• accessible counter
• reachable credit card machine
• Bathrooms:
• automatic door opener/accessible door
• oversize stall that will comfortably fit a wheelchair and purchases
• **small grab bar on inside of stall door to facilitate closing (about 10" [254 mm])**
• accessible toilet height  (17" [430 mm] min., 19" [435 mm] max.; 604.4)
• easy to reach toilet tissue
• at least two grab bars around toilet (30" [840 mm] min. to 36" [915 mm] max. above the floor)
• accessible sink (34" [865 mm] high; 606.3)
• reachable soap dispenser, paper towels, trashcan

     I know this list is long, but it is not nearly as detailed as the report is, but it does go to show just how many items can/should be considered for accessibility.  

I am sure there are quite a few I am missing,  feel free to leave a comment and I will include it!