USVI-On-Line

I did a search for "wheelchairs" on the forum before making this post and only learned that the National Park Service has wheelchairs that go on the beach so I am asking more specifically...

I have a friend that has an 18 year old that has brittle bone disease so the 18 year old is the size of a two year old and is wheelchair bound but can be carried also. They do travel alot (last time was to Jamaica on a cruise), but I was wondering if traveling to St. John is realistic or not for them.

I think they would love it there, but I don't know if it's doable for them or not.

Does anyone know the answers to this? The beaches aren't my concern as much as the travel from STT to STJ and getting around town and are any villas wheelchair accessible?

Thanks,
nothintolose

p.s. they usually travel with the specially designed wheelchair that is all-terrain.

Yes there are some villas that would work some reasurants would work too.

Here I go talking-up this villa again - when we stayed at Splendore, we realized it was very accessible (but not necessarily kid-friendly) for a toddler.

Not to sound flip comparing a toddler to someone confined to a wheel-chair but both are presented with mobility challenges. My grandparents all had limited mobility problems at the end and I saw similarities -steps, uneven surfaces, tight corners, etc.

The villa was all one level, the lips into the open showers were short and the pool deck, as well as the entire house, was tiled and smooth, not the chunky clay type but the traditional flat type.

There was also wide (enough to sit on) steps into the pool that one (me) could safely and comfortably carry a lightweight person (my son) down into the pool.

There is a large half bath in the foyer that would be large enough for a physically challenged person and a caregiver.

The driveway sloop from the parking area to the front door was very slight (the drive itself is steep) and I think I remember just one step up to the double front door.

Negatives for your friends might be that the bedrooms are at opposite ends of the house. The third room is up a metal spiral staircase and has a pullout couch.

I know I remember seeing/reading about a house in Great Cruz bay area that was truly ADA designed. I can't remember the name but it had a lovely brick pool area.

There are some villa suggestions in this post:
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... t=handicap

Does brittle bone disease cause bones to fracture easily? If so, some of the bumpy roads might be off limits for their trip, and they should avoid villas with those kind of drives.

Thanks for the info everyone.

Yes, her bones break very easily thanks for pointing that out about the roads.

Thanks again feel free to send more info. I am gonna check out that link now too.

nothintolose

Cocotier worked out well for us with my Father who has limited mobility.

Cheers, RickG

Very good point on the roads re: brittle bones. For sure, the villa where we are now would be OUT! The one portion of the road that is not paved (and, it is our favorite part) is gut wrenching. Maybe something really close to Cruz Bay or on the North Shore would be a better fit for them; less speed "humps/bumps."

Hope someone finds something for them that is perfect.

Sure wish I could be more helpful.

Hi
How many in the party are we talking about. So we can figure out how many bed rooms.

Hey Nothintolose,

Check out Southerncross, it's Rich's from the Lime Inn. I've never been there, but it's advertised as handicap accessible. I would be concerned about the ST Thomas taxi and ferry ride. Maybe Dohm's would be a little more accomodating for your comfort, they could take it nice and easy if the sea's are up and a private taxi would keep the speeds down if you ask. You already know your friends child would love it once they are there!

Good luck,
Budman

check out Calicaribe offered by Destination STJ

This is what they told me when I inquired:

Calicaribe is a lovely home and was actually built to be handicap
accessible. Two of the bedrooms are on the same level, and there is no
stairs on this level. The 3 rd bedroom is accessed by an exterior stairway
down to a separate studio apartment complete with kitchenette.

I would say two maybe three bedroom.

I know she can ride in a boat cuz they have one and they also go on cruises and side trips.

Thanks for all of your info. I keep copying it into one long email

nothintolose