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Several weeks ago, a friend reached out asking for assistance in locating an accessible short-term rental for her daughter Jamie, who lives with Cerebral Palsy. At first, I felt confident about tackling this request—how complicated could it be? That confidence quickly shifted once I realized I needed more information about Jamie’s specific requirements to begin my search.
I started by gathering essential information about Jamie’s needs and preferences. She’s passionate about travel and discovering new destinations. Her favorite vacation activities include dining out, shopping, and—my personal favorite—enjoying ice cream every single day! Jamie uses arm crutches and a manual wheelchair to maintain both her mobility and independence. Beyond her physical accommodation needs, she also experiences sensitivities to certain lighting conditions and strong odors.
Determined to ensure Jamie would have an enjoyable, comfortable, and unforgettable vacation, I created a comprehensive checklist of the ten most critical accessibility features needed for her ideal accommodation:
- Hard Surface Driveway: Gravel, dirt, or grass can make it difficult to use a wheelchair or arm crutches. A hard surface driveway (asphalt, concrete) makes it easier
- Door Width: Jamie needs a minimum of 32” to maneuver her wheelchair through a doorway -both interior or exterior doors. Knowing the measurements of her wheelchair provided us with the space needed to make sure she can access areas in the property.
- Entry: Since Jamie uses both a wheelchair and crutches, eliminating properties with steps makes it an accessible property for her.
- Steps/Elevator: Just as with the entrance, Jamie needs a step free property or a property with an elevator so she can access all areas of the house without barriers.
- Toilet height: Toilets that are 19” tall are slightly taller than standard toilets and make it much easier and safer to transfer from wheelchairs.
- Shower: Since Jamie prefers to stand while showering, a step-in or roll-in shower would be the easiest for her. However, she would also need grab bars for stability.
- Bed: Jamie is 5’4” tall, so for her a lower bed height (under 24” from the floor) helps her transfer easier- especially in the evening when she’s tired.
- TV: Reducing tripping hazards is important, so checking for wall-mounted TV’s where cord are away from the floor is a big plus!
- Cleaning Products: Many people have sensitivities to odors and smells and Jamie is one of them. Properties that use chemical free cleaners make stays easier and headache free!
- Lighting: Jamie is sensitive to light. Dimmer switches and blackout curtains are easy things to include that make a big difference to the comfort of her stay.
The search process becomes significantly easier when properties provide detailed descriptions and offer comprehensive filtering options. When we prioritize the specific details that matter most to Jamie, we’re not just helping her travel—we’re creating an environment where she feels genuinely welcomed, secure, and empowered to fully embrace every aspect of their travel experience.