Australia is a beautiful country with amazingly beautiful sceneries, splendid cities and rare fauna. But for many the opportunity to ease through this beautiful country might present a number of difficulties as well. Accessibility to some degree is a component that influences the travel experience whereby the focus is given to those with wheelchair problems. There may be appearances that Australia is a very accessible nation to travel to but what is behind these appearances really counts for a lot.
Laws and regulations regarding wheelchair accessibility
Australia has come along way in enhancing the rights of wheel chair users through the various laws and or regulations put in place. These efforts include Disability Discrimination Act 1992 in order to provide equal rights for the disabled persons for the disabilities in public places.
Local councils and state governments also have specific measures that are put in place in order to increase access. Some of these are requirements of buildings that means having ramps, accessible restrooms, and all paths must have no barriers.
The Agency also has a very important role through the National Construction Code. It provides guidelines that demand that new constructions provide facilities that will enable those with mobility problems to have easy access to buildings.
The same is true with businesses as they are urged to be more accepting of the minorities and the marginalized as well. They are required to make certain that their outlets are comfortable for all people thus providing the customers with an accommodating atmosphere.
However, there continue to be regional variances with respect to compliance. Awareness campaigns are another type which focuses on creating awareness of the rights and responsibilities in cases of accessibility concern.
Accessible transportation options
Australia provide a number of convenient modes of transport for physically challenged persons. Most of the major cities in the world such as Sydney and Melbourne have a policy that enables provision of buses and trains for wheelchair australia bound individuals. They usually come with low-floor designs especially in a bid to provide casual access to the carriage.
Moreover, a new element has been added to the competition with the private transport services commonly known as ride-sharing services. It has become easier for people in wheelchairs since there are many vehicles which are custom made for wheelchair users depending on the company’s discretion.
Taxis are another good option that one can always consider to hire for the ride. Most of the organizations have fleets fitted with ramps or lifts that may be suitable for the wheelchair-bound passengers.
Rental car services also avail adapted vehicles for those people who like independence whilst on a tour. When all these arrangements have been made in advance, then self-drive tours around Australia becomes a possibility.
It is rather simple to move around in airports as well. Almost all terminals have features that make it easy for passengers especially from the ticketing services section right to the boarding section.
Accommodations for wheelchair users
Australia has ensured that it has various types of hotels meant for physically disabled people especially those in wheelchairs. Just like in any other developed country, it has been a trend for hotels and lodges to embrace the issue of access. Some have ramps, doors large enough for wheelchairs and walk-in showers.
Such accommodations can have beds that are height adjustable and/ or come with rails in the bathroom area. There are often visual alarms and other assistive technologies also therein as well.
There are also other accommodations such as serviced apartments which provides accommodations for people with mobility restrictions. These facilitate the comfort of home and their design allows the ease of movement.
A lot of places have separate options on the accessibility of the places they offer on tourist services’ websites. Such disclosure prove useful in assisting the traveler in planning for the(ir) stay.
So it is advisable to always read the reviews or in extreme cases, it is possible to call or email the places of stay about any details concerning the accessibility. If equip yourself with such knowledge you can expect to have a more relaxing trip all over Australia.
Top accessible tourist attractions
Australia is blessed with several beautiful travel destinations which are also accessible by wheelchairs. Sydney Opera House has made available for its clients easy reach seating area and pathways. It is definitely one for the architectures which deserves a tour.
It is also possible to take a guided tour into the Great Barrier Reef thus everyone should get to see the beauty beneath the ocean. All sorts of accommodations are provided for mobility aids and you will not be left out by many operators.
Well developed sites such as the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne have well designed pathways made out of stones and other hard surfaces and had sitting areas within the gardens. This natural place is suitable for walking or sitting and enjoying the moments in the nature.
For those who are a fan of history you can go to the Australian War Memorial located in the city of Canberra. This way it gives ramps and lifts to help mobility and yet profile the rich history of Australia.
Do not leave without visiting Tasmania – the Museum of Old and New Art or simply MONA. This modern art install space’s design entails several amenities for the disabled to improve any artistic experience in this area.
Personal experiences of wheelchair users in Australia
To hear it from the mouths of the wheelchair users best describes the current state of affairs concerning accessibility in Australia. So many people have come out to share their own moving narrative on their journeys and interactions across the land.
Some say people were friendly to them when they were out exploring the cities such as Melbourne where accessible facilities are known to be more common. They always substruct the ways cafes and restaurants try hard to make everyone feel accepted.
However, there are also some challenges which have been noted to occur in less populated places. Disability-speak often involved the use of a wheelchair where people reported on how they dread to find that the ramp was missing or poorly maintained paths and walks as shown in the following contributions of the participants. These episodes provide insights into achievements and challenges of individuals on their concerns regarding freedom of self-searching.
Also, some travelers describe a few inspiring stories when people become good and friendly and help travelers when it is necessary. Such interactions demonstrate courtesy and culture of tolerance which normally go a long way in making a difference in the fight against barrier access.
Each story provides important information or experience about the experiences of wheel chair users in Australia. Although the progress is ongoing, there’s much one can learn about today’s access standards, and what is still required to produce better tomorrows for travelers seeking to explore this wonderful country.
