tuttle@ais.org (David Claytor) (03/20/91)
Index Number: 14064
Bill, I have a concern which is probably more appropriately
explored here than in misc.travel or similar newsgroups. I am a
wheelchair user and drive my own hand-controlled auto. When I
travel out of town, I have a greatdeal of trouble locating
hotels/motels that are WITHOUT QUESTION wheelchair-accessible and
barrier-free. That is, rarely is it possible to rely on the
evaluation of the innkeeper ("Oh, yeah, sure -- we can get you in
here.") and the lack of uniform standards usually doesn't help us
determine the value of the handicap logo in the
motel/hotel/guidebook directories. I'd like to know in advance
that I can park my car, unload my chair, cherck in, and get to my
room independently, without anyone's assistance. No 45 degree
ramps, no surprise curbs, no narrow doors. Well, I'm sure many of
you know what I'm talking about.Also, it really gripes me when an
establishment is seemingly accessible and everything is fine --
only to discover that there's no shower stool in the bathroom. A
shower stool should be no different than a baby crib or rollaway
bed -these things should be provided for the safety and convenience
of guests with special needs. But in my experience, asking for a
shower stool is like asking for the moon and is generally met with
blank stares. So, my questions are these: does any manufacturer
make a "travel" shower stool, and can anyone recommend "sure thing"
overnite accommodations in the areaof the Mackinac Bridge (the
eastern end of Michigan's Upper Pennisula)? I'll be making a trip
from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Rhinelander, Wisconsin, in early May,
and I'd sure like to have plans made in advance. Thanks for your
help. Dave Claytor (tuttle@ais.org)
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