AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Handicap/disabled person things to do

My mom uses a walker/and or a power scooter at home in USA 1. Can she use these things here on the island and 2. Anyone have suggestions for excursions where she can utilize these ? She doesn't want to vacation with us because she thinks there is nothing that she will be able to do in San Pedro. Thank you

Hello DonnaR.... I wish I had better news, however it is a challenge getting around on this island for people in good health.... Unfortunately people using assisted devices often become discouraged..... Most of our buildings are made of concrete with high elevations to protect from flooding, therefore stairs are in constant use. In addition our roads are dirt, cobblestone and concrete without sidewalks...... We have had guests over the years who have brought their relatives with walkers and wheel chairs however they are quick to physically carry their loved ones into and out of establishments for dining, shopping and getting around...We use Golf Carts for transportation and this often causes added physical discomfort for people.... We do have a couple of resorts with elevators and on site pathways, however getting around on the beach and using the piers would be another challenge...... I would encourage you to view the photo gallery on this message board and www.ambergriscaye.com. You will get a better idea of our terrain and facilities..... Wishing you and your family well on your next adventure....

Make sure the hotel you choose has doors wide enough for the wheelchair to pass thru. Only a few hotels, I think, have doors wide enough. I have booked clients who need assistance and the trip worked for the family, but that was because they wanted to and had to. But this is not a handicapped friendly destination as of now

FYI, the Belize Zoo has handicap access and they are very proud of that. We have snorkel guides who have worked with handicapped snorkelers. And divers.

Try the Phoenix, ground level condo. Lots of paved walkways.
Most interior doors here are 36" wide.

Diana, remember the handicapped dive groups that came in yrs ago, think they stayed at Journey's End. Clientele were paraplegic divers. I can only imagine how simply divine floating in the sea would feel for someone who can't move on land. Was Steve Bowen the diver master? I do know the doors in some of the rooms at Banyan Bay were wide enough for a wheelchair. And their staff went over and above to assist a client with MS. I was able to get a permit for my client to use the golf cart in areas where prohibited. The guys at Maya Island carried her. Everyone made a huge effort to help. True Belizean hospitality and why so any love this country. They don't make the news, but they are all over.

Diana, remember the handicapped dive groups that came in yrs ago, think they stayed at Journey's End. Clientele were paraplegic divers. I can only imagine how simply divine floating in the sea would feel for someone who can't move on land. Was Steve Bowen the diver master? I do know the doors in some of the rooms at Banyan Bay were wide enough for a wheelchair. And their staff went over and above to assist a client with MS. I was able to get a permit for my client to use the golf cart in areas where prohibited. The guys at Maya Island carried her. Everyone made a huge effort to help. True Belizean hospitality and why so any love this country. They don't make the news, but they are all over. Yes, think 36 inches is whats require for a chair to clear a doorway. Get your measuring tapes out.

Thanks everyone for the information. Much appreciated.

Las Terrazas also hosted a paraplegic dive association tour. they made a walkway from the pier to the property and after that I think the rest of the grounds were ok for everybody. nice pool area for lounging.

Just fyi...we purchased this a couple of months ago for a very limited mobility vet that lives with us. Since then, he gets out and about wherever he wants basically every single day. It's been worth every single penny, and has literally changed his life. He has almost no limitations about where he can go and what he can do. http://palmerind.com/electric/twosome.php