Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > Rest of the World > Caribbean > Barbados
Reload this Page >

Disabled - Handicapped - Wheelchair Access Barbados

Disabled - Handicapped - Wheelchair Access Barbados

Old Apr 9th 2008, 7:17 pm
  #1  
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
 
3aces's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 85
3aces is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Disabled - Handicapped - Wheelchair Access Barbados

Just got back from a wonderful ten day holiday in Barbados. The people in Barbados are absolutely wonderful - best in the world!

Before going I tried in vain to find good information on disabled (handicapped, wheelchair) access in Barbados. As such, with the consent of the moderators I would like to give a general overview of my experience as a disabled traveller. I'm hoping the search engines will index this post so that anyone searching for disabled, handicapped or wheelchair access, it will be picked up.

Barbados is a really wonderful place but I would not recommend it for anyone confined to a wheelchair. It is generally okay for anyone who may be disabled but can walk a bit and manage a few steps.

If I were confined to a wheelchair (I use a wheelchair at airports, parks or where there may be a lot of walking so I know what it is like to be in one), I would have found it very difficult t to get around. Some areas have ramps but generally I would say access is poor (but I'm told is improving).

If you are staying at a hotel (with good access) and not venturing out, then fine. Also, if you are happy just driving around, you will be okay. I would urge anyone wheelchair bound to fully investigate where they were going before hand and plan their journey accordingly.

If like myself, you are ambulant and can manage a few steps (there are steps everywhere!). you will be fine. What makes Barbados wonderful is the people. Before going I read people's comments on the how fantastic the people were but was not prepared to be welcomed in such a wonderful way.

Truely awesome!

I miss it already

Last edited by 3aces; Apr 9th 2008 at 7:18 pm. Reason: Grammer
3aces is offline  
Old Apr 10th 2008, 12:49 am
  #2  
BE Enthusiast
 
zanne's Avatar
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 669
zanne is a name known to allzanne is a name known to allzanne is a name known to allzanne is a name known to allzanne is a name known to allzanne is a name known to allzanne is a name known to allzanne is a name known to allzanne is a name known to allzanne is a name known to allzanne is a name known to all
Default Re: Disabled - Handicapped - Wheelchair Access Barbados

Hello I recently had a relative visit us here that has difficulty walking and it seems that Barbados is a hard place for even those who walk well! There is a great bit of irony in this due to the fact that cars arrived here not too long ago.

I lived in NYC for many years and worked as an Architect and I can tell you (and maybe you have experienced it for yourself) it too is not an easy place to navigate with disabilities--I saw in my own work far too many times a reluctance by builders and developers to spend the money required to make spaces adaptable (and further) usable. I have also read many articles about Barbadians with disabilities that have difficulty navigating basic day to day tasks due to the constraints of their physical environments. I can only hope that Barbados as it advances chooses to assist people in need and make the physical environment more user friendly.

I'm glad that you had a good time here and I do hope that you visit again!
zanne is offline  
Old Aug 16th 2008, 4:51 pm
  #3  
BE Enthusiast
 
Foxy_fromCanada's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Hastings, Barbados
Posts: 696
Foxy_fromCanada is on a distinguished road
Default Re: Disabled - Handicapped - Wheelchair Access Barbados

Hi all,

I was reminded of this thread in the past few days. On Monday, I fractured a toe (sympathies welcome, preferably in the form of cookies!) and have been using crutches and a cane to get around. I've noticed, as a result, how difficult it is here for a person with a handicap/disability to get around!

Someone permanently wheelchair-bound would find it nearly impossible to get around, in my opinion. I've seen a few ramps, but it's not just access to a store/restaurant; it's the lack of sidewalks, lack of "kneeling" buses, and generally rough ground through parking lots etc.

I must say, however, that restaurants etc. have been wonderful about letting us park close to the doors so I don't have far to go. Thankfully, we have a car to get us around. Walking/public transit would not be possible, even on crutches or using the cane.

And it's a little embarrassing to have Netsirk carrying me around everywhere although he's super-sweet for doing it!
Foxy_fromCanada is offline  
Old Aug 17th 2008, 3:52 pm
  #4  
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
 
3aces's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 85
3aces is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Disabled - Handicapped - Wheelchair Access Barbados

Just thought I should add to this. St Lucia in my opinion has much better access if you are ambulant.
3aces is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.