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Q: What if the wheelchair breaks while traveling?
A: This is what every parent dreads, isn’t it? It’s good to know that airlines have loaner chairs for just such an emergency. They don’t have custom or pediatric options. They’ll give you more of a bare bones option like you would use in hospital halls. These chairs won’t work for every child, especially those who need significant positioning support, but for kids who can sit independently they can provide a temporary backup option.
Roll With A Smile blogger, Tali Maron, recommends having a list of wheelchair rental and repair options in your destination. A little bit of research could go a long way. If you need help finding repair options, check with your own provider. They often have a wide network of resources and may have a recommendation.
Other experienced wheelchair users echoed the importance of having a backup plan. One adult wheelchair user said she immediately contacts the nearest NuMotion or National DME. Her backup plan is to call the hospital.
The common thread from experienced travelers? Don’t wait until something breaks to figure out your plan. Having repair contacts and backup options ready before your trip can make an incredibly stressful situation feel far more manageable.
Next month: How do I make sure my hotel room is accessible for my family’s needs?
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