How to Navigate Getting to Rehab in a Wheelchair

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(Photo : Marcus Aurelius from Pexels)

The beginning of the year is when many of us investigate improving ourselves. January is a time where we tend to make lots of new year's resolutions. We might say we want to go to the gym more or do yoga. Sometimes we also realize that something in our lives is just not working for us. In such cases we might consider if a rehab program is right for us. The challenge is how we can get the support we deserve knowing that rehabs may have physical barriers for people in wheelchairs? 

When heading off to rehab we need to do some prep work. To get to the rehab program, we will have to make sure we are equipped to travel. We also need to make sure we will be able to navigate the building and be able to access support once we have finished. We have things to do, places to explore, people to see and we don't want to miss out because we were not able to find wheelchair accessible treatment programs.

How Can We Make It to Rehab?

We may have to travel a distance to get to rehab. If we arrive dusty and wiped out from the journey, we are less likely to feel like sticking around for treatment. The same is true if we do not bring our mobility devices. We don't want to be stuck somewhere counting the ceiling tiles because we can't get into the therapy room. This means we need to make sure we have the wheelchair or mobility scooter that we need. A mobility scooter enables anyone to move independently while also supporting individuals who struggle to walk long distances. A steering wheel, a footboard, a comfy seat, and three or four wheels are common features. Before buying a scooter, we should make sure it satisfies all our requirements, like mobility, safety, and where it will be used. 

How Will We Navigate Once We Are In Rehab?

When choosing a rehab, it is critical that we find one that is accessible. We do not want to trek somewhere and find out we can't get into the building because there is no ramp. ADA accessible rehab facilities must meet several criteria to guarantee that people with wheelchairs have safe, comfortable access to comprehensive treatment for substance misuse or alcohol dependency. These facilities are created or adapted in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

In simple terms, an ADA Accessible Rehab facility offers wheelchair users the same level of access as those without impairments. The premises, for example, should be free of architectural impediments and provide accessible entrances, pathways, parking, and restrooms. Grab bars, tactile signage, reachable light switches, lowered counters, and low resistance doorknobs should also be included.

How To Find Support While Traveling?

Addiction recovery is a process. Stopping the use of drugs or alcohol is only the first step. When we decide to take a break from our daily lives (like while on vacation), our rehabilitation and support network must continue. Peer support can help us stay sober and succeed in recovery. We must be able to obtain help no matter where we go. 

Many programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are available on a national and international scale. If we are struggling to find wheelchair-accessible groups we can connect with others remotely either online, via text, or by calling a hot line such as SAMHSA's National Helpline. Traveling can be stressful but finding support while on the road can help relieve stress, reduce triggers, and prevent relapse.

We all want to be able to live our most fulfilling lives. This sometimes includes having the self-awareness to know we need a bit of support. When we are planning on heading to rehab it is paramount that we know how we will get there. We also need to make sure that the building and program are wheelchair accessible. This will help us to take full advantage of the program. We won't have to be on the outside looking in because we can't get through a narrow door or up several flights of stairs. As a wheelchair user we can have a meaningful rehab experience, but we have to do our research first.