As Easter approaches, families and individuals are gearing up for travels and adventures to celebrate the holiday season. For those with accessibility considerations, planning such trips can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to transportation.
Recognising the importance of inclusive travel experiences, a wheelchair accessible vehicle hire company is encouraging customers to plan ahead for their Easter travel needs.
Lottie Vickers is Team Leader for ORA. She said: “You need to book ahead to be sure of your transport".. Having experienced a surge in demand over the holiday period, she urges potential customers to check relevant guidance for hiring during special occasions where this available.
In the UK, disabled people take 38% fewer trips than non-disabled people – a figure that has not changed in the last decade. This could be because fewer than 3 in 20 licensed vehicles in England are able to accommodate wheelchairs. With so few wheelchair-friendly vehicles, it’s no surprise that many wheelchair users find the experience of getting to special events or family occasions difficult during the Easter holidays.
According to the company, by anticipating the surge in demand and making advance reservations, wheelchair users can ensure availability and enjoy a stress-free and relaxing experience.
David Dew-Veal is Director of Strategy and Innovation. He said: “Whether attending family dinners, enjoying a day out or taking a short break this Easter, having access to a wheelchair-friendly vehicle guarantees that every member of the group can enjoy the holiday without worrying about their transportation”.
The company is on a mission to make transport more accessible and is committed to amplifying the voice of the disabled community. Designed with wheelchair users for wheelchair users, the company has a permanent panel of disabled people to guide and advise on the introduction of new services.
Lottie spoke of the company’s experience over the holidays, “One lady told us how our wheelchair accessible car hire enabled her and her sisters to spend Christmas with their mum – something they weren’t sure they’d be able to do again.". Another lady described hiring a wheelchair accessible vehicle as having been a "game-changer over the holidays.”, adding that she and her family like to venture out for a meal or enjoy a trip to the park, but that it was easier said than done for her grandparents. In the past, the family had tried to rely on a local taxi service to facilitate their get-together, but had been left frustrated by a lack of availability.