Successful Wheelchair Travel
Author: Sheri Denkensohn-Trott
It is not often that I get to write about a successful trip. Whenever I travel there are usually frustrations, accessibility drama, and other events that make the travel less than perfect. In fact, very far from perfect. When a trip works out, it is important to give credit where credit is due. I don’t like being a constant complainer who is always fighting battles. It is more favorable to commend those that contribute to a positive experience. As my father would always say, “A pat on the back is always better than a slap on the behind.”
A couple of weeks ago I traveled up to New York City (NYC) on the train with my attendant. We boarded Amtrak at Union Station in Washington, DC. When we arrived at the station, I went up to the red cap booth to let them know what train we were on and when it was leaving. A gentleman told us where to sit and wait and that he would
escort us to the train at boarding time. Thirty minutes before the train was slated for departure, he took us out to the train, and we boarded successfully. I had a nice accessible spot, equipped with a plug for my phone charger and my attendant had her seat. The person taking our tickets asked me to confirm that we would need a bridge plate (this is put down to block the space between the platform and the train, so the wheelchair wheels do not get stuck) once we arrived in NYC. I told her, “Yes, we would.” and she typed it into the mechanism she was holding. Having waited on trains for a long time in NYC Penn station for a bridge plate, I was not overly confident that it would be waiting when we arrived.
After a smooth trip, we arrived at NYC Penn Station, newly renovated. The bridge plate was waiting, and a red cap directed us to the elevator. The elevator used to be so small that it was hard to fit a wheelchair, another person, and luggage, but the renovation included making the elevators much larger. When we got upstairs, I was impressed at the beauty of the station. Bright lights and no need to take a tiny second elevator to the street level. We rolled out onto the street and began our adventure with taxis.
My experience with taking taxis in NYC was horrible. Granted I had not been to NYC since before COVID, but the wheelchair taxis would drive by and not pick me up. We often had to play “bait and switch,” with my attendant hailing the taxi, hoping one would stop, and then I would pop out when the taxi was already in place and hope the driver would open the back and let me in. It was nerve-racking and never guaranteed that we would arrive at our destination on time.
A friend of mine gave me the phone number for NYC Accessible Taxi and before I left home, I called and spoke to the dispatcher. She told me that all I had to do is call a certain number and let them know where I needed to be picked up and then I would get a text once the taxi was dispatched and could follow its progress. She noted that it likely would take no more than 15 or 20 minutes for the taxi to arrive, depending on traffic.
I was anxious and skeptical that this process would work. But I made my first call and within 15 minutes the taxi arrived. We got in and were whisked to the hotel. The first taxi ride was a success. We checked into the hotel and went up to the room. Usually that is where I face another barrier. I get myself into ready mode for an argument with the front desk of the hotel. But I didn’t have to do that. The room was great with plenty of space for my wheelchair to be next to the bed and the bathroom was easily maneuverable.
After getting unpacked, we wheeled up the street to our destination. We were attending Shabbat services at Central Synagogue. There was a ramp to get in and a designated place to sit where I could see everything. After services there were refreshments downstairs, and the lift to get there was in working order and an individual escorted me down and up.
It was time to call for taxi number two to get us to dinner. I called and within five minutes the taxi was there. Secretly I was starting to get impressed, but I didn’t want to claim victory yet. We were driven to Contento restaurant, a fully accessible designed restaurant known for being wheelchair friendly and serving outstanding food. Eating there was a bucket list item for me. Everything was fabulous. Complete accessibility, wonderful service, and food that was beyond delicious. And once again after dinner, I called the taxi and it arrived. This was a big win as I was very tired from the long day.
After a great night’s sleep, breakfast, visiting with family, and packing for departure, we were ready to call the last taxi of the trip. It was a busy day on the streets of Manhattan, because the St. Patrick’s Day parade was taking place. We called early just in case there was a glitch. Voila, the taxi arrived in perfect time and there were no delays getting to the train station. We relaxed in a beautiful visitors’ area and once again were escorted to the train by a red cap who easily got the bridge plate for us to board.
A smooth trip home, greeted with another bridge plate, and back to my van. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t have to argue with anyone the entire trip. It felt like a miracle that everything worked out so smoothly. But that is the way it should be. Travel when you have a disability should not be arduous and full of disappointment. After this experience, I have confidence that a future trip to NYC will be just as successful.
Originally published at https://happyonwheels.com on March 31, 2024.
