How Wheelchair Users Can Safely Embrace The Summer Season

The summer season is officially underway! It’s always a fun time for Canadians who long for warm and sunny weather. This weekend, the nation gets to celebrate Canada Day which, in addition to acknowledging our nation’s birthday, gives us all a chance to officially welcome the summertime.

With so many fun times to be had, during the summer, individuals with mobility issues may feel like they can’t always participate in the festivities. For wheelchair users, it’s especially important that summertime events are accessible to them. There is no reason that those in wheelchairs can’t enjoy the delights of the season. But what are the safest ways for them to embrace the summertime?

Celebrate Canada Day with an inclusive wheelchair dance party.

With Canada Day coming this Saturday, it makes sense to start with a great way to celebrate our country’s birthday. Why not create a playlist filled with popular Canadian songs and dance to the rhythm of the music? Decorate your space with colourful lights and disco balls to set the mood. Invite friends and family over to join in the fun virtually or in person, ensuring the venue is wheelchair-accessible.

Let the music uplift your spirits and enjoy the freedom of movement through wheelchair dancing. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate, groove to the beat and experience the joy of music and dance.

Explore adaptive sports and recreational activities.

There are many activities that are specifically designed for wheelchair users. From wheelchair basketball and tennis to adaptive cycling and water sports, there are numerous options to choose from. Join local adaptive sports clubs or organizations that provide inclusive opportunities for wheelchair users. Engaging in these activities not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and empowerment.

“If you’re new to exploring the outdoors in a wheelchair, local parks and beaches are a wonderful place to start,” notes Cory Lee of Condé Nast Traveler, “However, if you want to take your outdoor adventures up a notch – and meet a few new people along the way – you can also try sporting activities like cycling, snowboarding and waterskiing through organized groups.”

Take a hike!

As you know, nature offers breathtaking beauty. Wheelchair users can immerse themselves in its wonders too. Seek out wheelchair-accessible hiking and nature trails that provide smooth and levelled pathways. Enjoy the serenity of lush forests, picturesque landscapes and stunning waterfalls.

Bring along a companion to assist with navigating any challenging sections of the trail if needed. With the right preparation and support, you can experience the joys of nature and revel in its tranquility.

Attend wheelchair-accessible festivals and events.

Many festivals and events now prioritize accessibility for wheelchair users. Do a little research on local summer festivals and events that offer wheelchair-friendly facilities and accommodations. Attend music festivals, art exhibitions or food fairs that ensure smooth mobility and provide inclusive experiences.

Check for accessible seating areas, accessible restrooms and accessible food and beverage vendors. By participating in these events, you can fully embrace the vibrant spirit of summer and engage with the community. Check out GetYourGuide.com! The website offers up a wide variety of wheelchair-accessible events happening throughout Alberta this summer.

Indulge in the pleasures of outdoor dining.

Look into wheelchair-friendly restaurants and cafes in your area. Seek out establishments with accessible outdoor seating areas and ramps. Enjoy a delicious meal while soaking up the summer atmosphere. Take advantage of patio seating or rooftop dining to experience the vibrant energy of the season. Don’t forget to savour some refreshing beverages and delectable summer treats.

Enjoy indoor pursuits.

Not every summer activity has to take place under the sun. When the heat becomes too intense or unpredictable weather strikes, you can still enjoy summer indoors. Engage in indoor activities like cooking or baking classes, painting workshops or virtual travel experiences. Learn new culinary skills, explore your artistic side or virtually visit exotic destinations.

Join online communities or participate in virtual events tailored for wheelchair users. It will allow you to connect with like-minded individuals and enjoy shared interests.

Bask in wheelchair-friendly beach days.

Do you live in an area with a beach nearby? If so, don’t let sand and uneven terrain stop you from enjoying a fun day in the sun. Seek out wheelchair-friendly beach access points that provide accessible pathways and beach mats. Pack a picnic, bring your beach umbrella and spend the day basking in the sun, feeling the cool breeze and listening to the calming sounds of waves.

Engage in beach-friendly activities such as building sandcastles or enjoying a refreshing swim in the accessible shoreline areas. With proper preparation and support, you can have a fantastic time at the beach.

“There are a few types of beach wheelchairs – from standard manual options, to amphibious beach chairs that can go in the water, and even motorized options that can be driven with a joystick, just like a powered wheelchair,” informs Lee, “Depending on your disability, certain beach wheelchairs may work better for you than others, so try to get as much information as you can about exactly what kind of beach wheelchairs are on offer before leaving your house.”

Ensure you’re using the right wheelchair.

At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we provide a variety of wheelchair solutions for both simple and complex situations. We offer manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, seating and positioning products, wheelchair lifts for home and even vehicle lifts for your wheelchair.

We also specialize in installing wheelchair ramps. If your home has any small stairways, wheelchair or scooter ramps may be the perfect solution. Wheelchair ramps can include curb ramps, threshold ramps and even semi-permanent modular wheelchair ramp systems to accommodate any height and space requirement.

Rubber wheelchair ramps and aluminum ramps for wheelchairs are available in many sizes and configurations. Our team will help you determine which ramp is right for you. To learn all about our wheelchair solutions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!