Living a self-determined life: accessible travel around the world

Get in your camper to get away: Each year, thousands of Germans make this dream come true as is evidenced by the number of current new registrations of camper vans, travel trailers and recreational vehicles. Standard models often include many practical features - but unfortunately, accessible solutions are still few and far between.

Traveling with a camper van or recreational vehicle (RV) can be a great way for people with disabilities to enjoy a unique and relaxed vacation: there is no need to spend a lot of time searching for disability-friendly hotels or apartments, while the required assistive technologies are always within easy reach tucked inside the camper van. And by now, Europe offers many accessible campsite options (see info box).

So, what’s keeping people from embarking on their next trip? Well, if you don’t have your own camper van already, you presently must contend with longer delivery times for a RV that’s been custom converted to meet your respective needs. According to Ralf Sontag from Autohaus F. Sodermanns Automobile GmbH - an expert with years of experience in vehicle conversions for people with disabilities - that’ s because "the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need and freedom to travel for many people. Unquestionably, camping is a unique way of experiencing a sense of freedom. Demand in this area has surged as is evidenced by longer lead times for new vehicles or the fact that rental places, campgrounds, and sites are often booked solid. Prices have also increased because demand exceeds supply, reflecting the state of the market. We have been filling this very market need for many years because we are experts in wheelchair accessible camper and motorhome conversions that meet the special needs of drivers or passengers. Apart from our proprietary ’Reha Camper’ concept, we are now introducing the new ‘Freemotion Camper’, which combines a multitude of options in a compact footprint."

The Freemotion Camper is designed for up to three people who enjoy basic camping. A wheelchair user can set up the bed on the lower level, while passengers without a disability can rest in the expandable rooftop tent. A small kitchen unit, a power-adjustable table and swivel front seats round off the interior. Users can access the vehicle via a side cassette lift. People with or without disabilities can operate the vehicle. Sontag points out that, "to ensure the Freemotion Camper can also be driven by users without leg function, options comprise hand controls to operate gas and brakes and a steering wheel spinner knob including pedal covers. All disability-friendly conversions can be customized to fit your personal needs and disability. If you want to change drivers, the mobility driving aid can be deactivated in just a few easy steps, allowing people without disabilities to also take the wheel."

The type of car maker and vehicle type is obviously a matter of taste and preference and depends on the user’s type of disability. Finding the camper van that’s right for you and meets all the requirements on your wish list can take some time. Back in 2019, we interviewed Michel Arriens about the conversion of his van. At the time, he highlighted the importance of making a list of the pro and cons when it comes to finding the right vehicle for one’s custom conversion.

Arriens and his partner Franziska Stoldt are both persons of short stature and needed to find a camper model that would accommodate two people and provide enough space for Arrien's scooter. Since he relies on this aid, he also wanted to get inside the vehicle whilst on the mobility scooter. "Initially, we contemplated various solutions and models and considered a VW Caddy bus (editor’s note: this specific car model is not available in the U.S)," says Arriens. "Yet time and again the solution either had no additional seat options or meant I had to put my scooter in the back of the car and then walk to the front to get in."

It took a while until the couple found the right vehicle – a VW Bulli –, but the conversion was worth the effort, says Arriens and points out that the journey wasn’t always easy: “We are so happy that we embarked on this arduous road, which allowed us to now have our own bus right outside our doorstep – our small accessible world, our piece of self-determination and improved quality of life." Michel Arriens and Franziska Stoldt are currently enjoying camping, and their vacations with their modified VW Bulli bus. Click here to read the full Topic of the Month July 2019 article and learn more about the VW Bulli bus conversion: Modifications: Self-determined mobility thanks to accessible VW Bulli Bus.

Anyone who has questions about vehicle conversions can visit REHACARE or contact car dealerships that specialize in these types of modifications and conversions.