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Q: Do you find that most areas can handle a wheelchair, or is a stroller better?
A: This depends on both terrain and independence.
While it shouldn’t make any difference in accessible destinations, it’s much easier to find an all terrain stroller than a wheelchair that can handle rough surfaces. If you have an all terrain stroller, it makes things like hiking or beach trips much more manageable.
That said, if your child is an independent wheelchair user, it’s not usually worth the balance of removing independence. As early as two years old, many kids are insistent that they do it themselves. That’s part of growing up! This may be one of those areas as a parent where you choose your battles. A paved trail that your child can navigate on their own may be more fun than a rugged trail you can get them through in a stroller.
A side note, if you plan to use a stroller for daily use, you’ll want to label it as a wheelchair. You may also need documentation from a doctor. Most places that don’t allow strollers will allow a stroller that is being used as a wheelchair. Disney, for example, has their own tags they’ll add to your stroller to identify it as a wheelchair. This allows you to bring it through ride queues and into otherwise limited areas of the park.
Next Issue: Q: How can you save money as a family traveling with a disability?
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