Wedderburn Coach House Museum.
The Wedderburn Coach House Museum is located in the main street. Entry is through either of two doors. There is a double door entry if required. Both entrances are level off the street. Within the main museum and adjacent café, there is ample manoeuvring room and all exhibits are visible. Access to the Coach House can only be made through the gates of the main street., as there are stairs at the rear of the museum. To reach the coach house there is a gently sloping traverse across the lawn. The surface under the grass is hard and smooth. Both the area behind the museum and with the coach house are wheelchair and walker accessible. There are currently works underway to allow full access into the coach house. Currently, it requires the negotiation of a 75mm brick step. All exhibits, however, are currently visible from the threshold which is inside the coach house.
An accessible outdoor picnic table is located on the front lawn of the coach house.
Wedderburn Goldseeker Motel
The Wedderburn Motel is located in the main street of Wedderburn.
It has one accessible room.
Parking is right out the front of the room with an extra wide parking bay. The room has a full roll in shower equipped with a detachable shower head, portable shower chair.
The room and bathroom are spacious. There is both a queen size bed and single making the room suitable for families or a person with a disability and a carer.
The coffee making facilities are within easy reach.
Additional Services
The Motel also operates the Hotel, which is 100 metres up the road. The hotel has one small step off the curb and another step into the bistro. The hotel has portable ramps to deploy which can be pre-arranged from the Motel Reception. The motel also operates an accessible minibus to transfer guests to and from the motel. As an added convenience meals purchased at the hotel can be charged back to a motel room account. Breakfast can be taken either at the hotel or the motel room.
Wheelchair Dimensions per Aircraft Type
| Aircraft | Height | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wide bodied | |||
| Airbus A330, A380, Boeing 747, 787 | 160cm | 150cm | 150cm |
| Boeing 777 | 84cm | 100cm | 125cm |
| Narrow Bodied | |||
| Airbus A320/321 | 100cm | 140cm | 140cm |
| Boeing 737 (all series) | 84cm | 100cm | 125cm |
| Boeing 717 | 69cm | 129cm | 100cm |
| Dash 8 | 130cm | 85cm | 115cm |
| Fokker F100 | 63cm | 125cm | 125cm |
The above table lists the maximum dimensions of wheelchairs that can be carried on various aircraft types. This table should be used as a guide only as different airlines have different configurations and different methods of containerizing baggage. In particular with the A320 series of aircraft only the rear cargo compartment has the higher door. Some airlines reserve this section for cargo only not checked baggage including wheelchairs. Please check with your airline or travel agent before making a booking.
Also be aware of the route you are intending to fly and the number of flights a day operated by a certain aircraft type. Aircraft substitutions occur on a regular basis which can affect the wheelchair dimensions that can be carried.
The most common aircraft type used throughout the world is the 737. If you plan to tavel frequently a chair with a maximum height of less than 84 cm is strongly recommended.
Flying Tips For Wheelchair Users
Written by Jackie Kay – a wheelchair user and experienced and frequent international traveller.
AIRPORT CHECK-IN
MANUAL WHEELCHAIR
At Check-In negotiate with staff that you remain in your own manual wheelchair until reaching the Departure Gate for boarding. This will enable you to be as independent as possible negotiating through the airport, going to the toilet etc. Once at the Gate, then transfer into an airport aisle chair.
POWER WHEELCHAIR
The rules on power wheelchairs vary widely depending on country, airline and even aircraft type within the same airline or country.
In some cases and in countries such as the United States, Australia and much of Europe you will be permitted to stay in your chair to the aircraft gate, in other instances your power chair will need to be left at Check-In to be loaded onto the plane (see below WARNINGS). You will transfer to an airport manual chair. Even where you permitted to retain your chair to the gate, if your chair is highly valuable and delicate you may choose to check it and have it professionally wrapped for protection. Size of wheelchair is also important and restrictions apply depending on aircraft type.
You will be taken to your seat on the plane in a special narrow aisle chair. There, you can sit on your cushion in the airline seat, or a thin silicon or foam pad may help, or just sit in the plane seat, but beware plane seats are hard.
If necessary take an overnight bag that your attendant/carer can connect to your leg bag to transfer contents to toilet if you fill your leg bag. If you take a brief case you may find it useful to prop your feet on it as a posture change. Try to get a “bulkhead seat” as there is more leg room.
Don’t plan to need to have a bowel movement. Don’t eat gassy foods before or drink fizzy drinks on the plane. Water is best and beware of dehydration, so drink lots. Avoid alcohol as it can dehydrate you more – and you’ll not be treated well if drunk.
You’ll get standard treatment by flight attendants of food and drink. Use pillows under your arms to assist sleeping while sitting up. If you are in Business or First class you can sleep really easily and lay right back. In Economy you can’t recline much and the seats are narrow.
Remember that just because you are disabled, you don’t have special seating privileges. If you are considerate and polite to staff at check-in and boarding, you’ll be treated better. Upgrades are only ever a bonus NOT an expectation – equality goes both ways. If you need to travel in business with better reclining seats, you’ll have to pay the fare. Otherwise expect to sit in economy class with everyone else.
BOARDING
Your attendant/carer will need to help you change positions, prop pillows under necks etc, cut up your food. But airline staff should be the ones getting you on and off the plane with an aisle chair – DON’T ALLOW THEM TO CARRY YOU MORE THAN TWO ROWS. You could easily be hurt. International carriers have a code of conduct regarding disabled passengers that excludes carrying them more than transfer distance unless it is passenger request and only then if the passenger is extremely light (child). This is an important OH&S safety measure for both you and airline staff. Most international planes will have on-board aisle chairs and all airports should have suitable chairs as well. Request the chair at booking time, not just as you are about to board – be considerate of staff.
There should be disabled toilets in Departure area, so make sure you empty your bag before you go on board. Start the flight on empty. It also makes transfers easier.
Organise to hire a commode chair at your destination if you can. Airlines carry wheelchairs and assistive aids free (within reason) so you could bring an electric and a manual chair for free, as well as medical equipment like a commode chair. The problem is transport at both ends becomes complex with the more you carry.
Pack as few clothes and non-essentials as possible, avoid aerosols and ANY metal sharp things in hand luggage – they will be confiscated. Buy heavy things like shampoo/conditioner when you get where you’re going, just take bottles to get you through the first few days. Every bit of weight and bulk saved makes travel easier. Remember, your carer or airline staff should not be considered pack-mules for all the carry on stuff like cushions, slide boards, luggage – be considerate. A backpack slung on the back of your chair helps you carry some of your carry on luggage.
WARNINGS
Get to the airport extra early so everything can be arranged and better seat allocations made. Allow an extra hour for an electric chair and YOU disconnect the electrics – don’t leave it up to airline staff they can badly damage the chair. Some people even carry the chair joystick as carry on or in their luggage as that is the most easily damaged part. Batteries should be sealed otherwise they must be taken out of the chair and transported separately in special containers.
Note: In most cases batteries must be on the airlines approved list of certified batteries. On multi-leg flights with a change of carrier, that is the operator of the aircraft not the airline that ticketed the flight, batteries must be approved by ALL airlines in the flight sequence.
Carry all essentials with you like tablets, overnight drainage equipment, etc in your carry-on luggage in case your bags get lost. These are very difficult items to replace in a foreign land. Keep tablets in their original bottles with script. Carry photocopies of your passport in your case and one in your handbag in case of loss. If you have a severe disability, get a certificate from your doctor stating you are safe to fly. It may be a nuisance, but it is better than being denied boarding.
Beware of flat wheelchair tyres when you land – the plane’s cargo area can explode over inflated tyres and most tyres lose a little air due to the low pressure in the hold.
DVD (deep vein thrombosis)
If, you buy a pair of support stockings from a chemist, get the short ones that only go up to under your knees and with the toes cut out. The people in the shop will measure your ankles and calves to get the right size.
Unless recommended by your dr., there is no need for the full length ones with the toes in. These ones are quite uncomfortable as they squish your toes and can leave pressure marks on top of your toes.
As much as possible, change posture and stretch your legs by having your legs raised one at a time and shifting onto a bit on each side to take weight off your sacrum. Stretch your back by leaning forward on your knees and if you break wind apologize!
Try to elevate your legs as much as possible but don’t take off your shoes as they increase foot stability and you may not be able to get them back on after the flight – feet swell at the lower pressure in a plane a lot.
Don’t fly too many long hops without a break for your bum and your brain. Be realistic regarding your fitness and ability to stay awake too long. The stop may cost, but not as much as arriving and getting sick because you pushed yourself too much.
ONCE YOU HAVE LANDED
As a safety back-up, pack a couple of portable grab rails and a rubber mat with suction backing. Sometimes these items will enable you to safely utilise a non-accessible bathroom.
FINALLY
Remember to relax and enjoy yourself and plan for a good sleep before you leave and when you arrive. Fatigue can really stuff up a holiday so have sensible timelines for partying. Don’t expect to sleep a lot on the plane as they are noisy and uncomfortable for a long trip.
Don’t be put off by all these warnings of doom as you’ll be fine if you know your limitations and don’t consider yourself able to do anything. Arriving fit only allows you to enjoy the trip and the destination and we want you to be able to do that.
Planning is the key to a hassle free trip
As with any part of travelling the planning is the key. Making sure there is enough time between connecting flights, wheelchairs are available for transit stops, international transfer assistance has been arranged and airport transfers are both suitable and on time are all critical parts of the process.
We are experienced in all aspects of planning travel for travellers with a disability including the intricacies of multi-leg international flights.
Next time you are planning a holiday or if you have putting off a trip because it involves flying let us take the hassle away.
A Maze N Things
A Maze’N Things is an exciting world of optical illusions, mazes, puzzles and magic. Inside the uniquely designed building, there are Illusions Rooms, a Mirror Maze, the Rotating Room, and a host of other things to enjoy, including the famous LookOut! Slide. Outside there is a mini golf course, high ropes adventure trail and the famous wooden maze.
There is an accessible parking bay immediately to the right of the main entry path. The path to the main door has a slight incline. Entry to the ticket office and cafe is through a wide self opening door.
From an accessibility point of view, Puzzle Island and the Magic Manor are the two most accessible attractions in the theme park. The maze is not wheelchair accessible due to the narrow passage ways and the tight turning circles required to negotiate the maze. The mini golf course has steps and obstacles throughout the course.
With Puzzle Island most of the areas are accessible. The Gravity Room has a steep floor and narrow walkways. The Shrinking Room also has a step floor to create the illusion required.
The rotating room and the mirror maze can be negotiated by wheelchair users.
In the games room most of the activities can be undertaken by people of all abilities. The sudden drop Lookout slide is only accessible by a high set of steps.
Magic Manor is entered through a waterfall. The path is wide, flat and easy to navigate. Along the path to the manor there are several activities. These activities are suitable to people of all abilities. Once inside the manor the area is large and again all activities are accessible to people of all abilities. The time machine is large enough to cater for all types of mobility device. The arcade is wide with all shop fronts and activities suitable to people of all abilities.
The Magic Manor can be exited via the new Carousel. The Carousel has a ramped entry and a designated wheelchair position next to the operator. The ride does involve strobe lighting and rotation. The exit takes you outside and back to the cafe building.
The cafe contains a gift shop with a puzzle and magic theme. The shop is well laid out with good circulation space and shop items on easy to reach shelving. The cafe is on two levels with the lower level and serving area all accessible to wheelchair users. The cafe also contains an accessible toilet facility.
Anchor Belle Holiday Park
Anchor Belle Holiday Park is a family owned holiday park located in Church Street Cowes. It is 500 metres from the Cowes boat ramp and has its own direct access to the beach via a 100 metre pathway.
The park has a fully accessible two bedroom holiday cabin. Parking is available immediately adjacent to the entry ramp. The bay is over 6 metres in length making it suitable for both side and rear loading vans.
Inside the wide sliding entry door is a lounge area which adjoins the kitchen. The kitchen is spacious with both the oven and microwave under the beach. All appliances are stored in under bench cupboards.
The bathroom is a full wet room with a fold down shower seat, handrails and adjustable height and removable shower rose. The toilet has side and rear handrails as well as a full padded backrest. The vanity basin has knee clearance under it and lever operated mixer tap.
The master bedroom has a queen size bed. There is ample maneuvering room at the side of the bed and in front of the wardrobe. There is 75mm of clearance under the bed to provide for a portable hoist.
The second bedroom has two bunk beds. The upper bunk on both beds can be folded up if not required. There is a wide corridor between the two bunks to cater for children using mobility devices or wheelchairs.
In addition to the accessible cabin, the park also supports travellers with a disability bringing their own RV or caravan. There is an accessible shower/toilet facility within the main ablutions block. It is a full wet room containing a toilet with side and rear handrails and a shower with rear handrails and detachable shower head. A portable, height adjustable shower chair is supplied.
The games room, multi-purpose ball court, pool, business centre and arcade games room are all accessible.
The camp kitchen is well laid out and spacious. Tables all accommodate wheelchair users.
Indoor pool. Access is via steps with a central handrail.
