Planning Makes the Difference
Travelling with a disability is absolutely possible — it just takes more planning. Whether you use a wheelchair, manage a stoma, rely on catheters, or have any other accessibility need, this guide covers the practical details that make the difference between a stressful trip and a great one.
Air Travel
Your Rights Under Canadian Law
The Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR) came into effect in 2020 and provides significant protections:
- Airlines cannot charge extra for disability-related accommodations
- You’re entitled to a free extra seat if medically required (with documentation)
- Airlines must transport mobility aids at no charge
- If your wheelchair is damaged or lost, the airline must provide a temporary replacement within 48 hours
Wheelchair and Mobility Aid Tips
- Notify the airline 48 hours before departure about your mobility aid — dimensions, weight, battery type
- Lithium-ion batteries: Must be under 300Wh; some airlines require removal and cabin storage
- Gel/AGM batteries: Generally accepted in hold; label as “non-spillable”
- Take photos of your chair before check-in — document any existing damage in case of a claim
- Remove loose parts: Cushions, headrests, joysticks, armrests — bring them in the cabin
- Protect fragile components: Use pool noodles on footrests, bubble wrap on electronics
- Request a gate-side check — reduces handling time and damage risk
Catheter Supplies in Your Carry-On
If you use catheters, always carry enough supplies in your carry-on for the flight plus 2-3 extra days:
- Catheters in original packaging (easier at security)
- A doctor’s letter explaining your medical supplies
- Antibacterial wipes and gloves
- Leg bags with extra straps
- Privacy tip: airplane lavatories are tight — practice catheterizing in a confined space before your trip
Ostomy Supplies for Flying
- Carry double the supplies you expect to need in your carry-on
- Cabin pressure changes can cause pouch ballooning — burp your pouch periodically
- Eat low-gas foods the day before and during flights
- Bring odour-proof disposal bags
- Wear a pouch cover or stealth belt for security screening comfort
Road Trips
Accessible Vehicle Options
- Wheelchair-accessible vans: Available for rental from companies like MoveAbility, Freedom Motors, and some Enterprise locations
- Hand controls: Portable hand controls are available for some rental vehicles — check with the rental company
- Accessible parking permit: Your Canadian permit is valid across all provinces and in most US states
Route Planning
- Google Maps accessibility info: Check wheelchair accessibility markers for rest stops and restaurants
- AccessNow app: Crowd-sourced accessibility reviews for locations worldwide
- Plan rest stops every 2 hours for pressure relief if you’re a wheelchair user
- Carry a portable ramp: Lightweight folding ramps handle 1-2 step entrances
Accommodation
What “Accessible” Actually Means
Hotel “accessible” rooms vary wildly. Always call ahead and ask specific questions:
- Roll-in shower vs. tub: A “wheelchair accessible” room might still have a bathtub with a bench
- Door widths: Minimum 32″ for standard wheelchair; 36″ for power chairs
- Bed height: Can they adjust? Can you do transfers?
- Turning radius: Is there enough space for your chair in the bathroom?
- Shower chair: Is one provided? What weight capacity?
Airbnb Tips
- Use the accessibility filters (step-free entrance, wide doorways, roll-in shower)
- Always message the host with specific questions — photos can be misleading
- Ask for a video walkthrough of the entrance and bathroom
Travel Insurance
Do not travel without it. Standard policies may not cover disability-related complications:
- Look for policies that cover pre-existing conditions (many exclude them by default)
- Confirm coverage for medical equipment replacement
- Check trip cancellation coverage for disability-related reasons
- Canadian companies like Manulife, Blue Cross, and TuGo offer plans with pre-existing condition coverage
International Travel
- Medical supplies: Carry a doctor’s letter (ideally in English and the local language) for customs
- Power adapters: Bring universal adapters for wheelchair chargers; a dead battery abroad is serious
- Medications: Carry in original pharmacy packaging with prescription labels
- Accessibility abroad: Western Europe, Australia, and Japan tend to have good accessibility; research developing countries thoroughly
- Emergency plan: Know the local emergency number, location of English-speaking hospitals, and your embassy/consulate contact
Packing Essentials Checklist
- ✅ Extra medical supplies (2x what you think you’ll need)
- ✅ Doctor’s letters (medical condition + supply descriptions)
- ✅ Equipment documentation (wheelchair specs, battery info)
- ✅ Photos of your equipment (pre-trip condition documentation)
- ✅ Portable ramp or threshold strips
- ✅ Reacher/grabber tool
- ✅ Universal charger + power bank
- ✅ Pressure relief cushion for long flights/drives
- ✅ Travel insurance documents
- ✅ Emergency contact card in wallet
Resources
- Rick Hansen Foundation: rickhansen.com — accessibility ratings across Canada
- AccessNow: accessnow.com — crowd-sourced accessibility reviews
- Canadian Transportation Agency: otc-cta.gc.ca — file complaints about air travel accessibility
- Easter Seals Travel Program: Adapted travel experiences across Canada
Explore our full product catalogue for travel-friendly medical supplies, portable ramps, and compact mobility aids.