Erica Savy-Ward
Hi, my name is Erica and I will be sharing some insights with CanGo into what it’s like to travel in a wheelchair as a quadruple amputee.
Last weekend my husband Rob and I headed to the Caravan Camping & Touring Supershow at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne. We used to love travelling before I got sick, so we’re getting ready for our first big road-trip to see our children and grandchildren.
My first impression was pretty positive: wheelchair bound folks like me were well catered for, with a designated parking lot (albeit gravelly) and lots of disabled toilets. Unfortunately none of the vans at the show were wheelchair-friendly – I was unable to get inside because the steps were too high. Even if I managed to get up, the narrow doorframes would make it impossible for me to move around. Those with showers were too small and the toilet was just big enough to sit with your shoulders touching the walls.
I learned that most dealers do not do modifications. A couple can, but we’d have to upgrade our vehicle. There was one company that might be able to help us and they’ve already called us twice since Friday. That’s always nice.
We’re going to check them out so I’ll let you know how that goes.
Bye for now.
Erica x
Erica became a quadruple amputee after losing all four limbs from the effects of pneumococcal meningitis and septicaemia in June 2010. Thanks to the love and support of her husband Rob, Erica is learning to walk again with prosthetics – and travel like they used to.
