Disabled facilities for Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa rental properties

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DISABLED VISITORS


The following is a ‘review’ by a UK visitor - Stephen Shaw - to of one of our apartments in Torrevieja - R023. Steve writes:
I’m an above knee amputee, thus disabled. So when looking for holiday accommodation I need to find a place where I can use my wheelchair. I do have a prosthesis, but use it sparingly due to pain, discomfort etc. I also use crutch’s. Having surfed the ‘Net’, I came across www.cbspain.com. I selected R023, which I understand from the description and measurements given, would have suitable access for my wheelchair - an electric wheelchair, Jet ultra. I booked the apartment for my myself, my wife and family. Two questions for any traveller are: Am I going to get what has been described? Does the description of the apartment match up to the reality? In this case very much so! I met Keith, who owns cbspain.com, on arrival, and he was of immense help. On one occasion we had a problem and I phoned Keith and the problem was dealt with straight away. A great service. The entrance for me in my wheelchair was down a car access ramp into the garages beneath the apartments and then by one of two lifts direct to the floors above. On arrival, I had tried to get by wheelchair up a 100 mm (4") step from the pavement into the foyer, but was not able to. It is interesting to note that although many buildings in Spain have wheelchair access ramps, lifts, etc, INSIDE the building, they often have a large step from pavement level to prevent the occasional torrential rain entering the foyer. Entry to the apartment was easy, and also into all rooms. However, "limited mobility" is required to be able to access the bathroom and the balcony. The bathroom in this particular apartment has a ceramic, low level shower tray, but no shower stool, so I used a plastic patio chair from the balcony. The apartment was very clean and comfortable and was equipped with everything needed for a self catering holiday, although not altered in any way specifically for disabled persons (i.e. no special hand grips, no hoist, etc). It was as described on the "more information" section for the property on the relevant page of the website.
TORREVIEJA The main feature is the promenade, where there is a large selection of café’s and restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean sea. I won’t go on about the attributes to Torrevieja, that’s for you to explore and discover. However, I will say that it is predominantly Spanish and a few Spanish phrases would be very useful! TIPS & TRICKS! This particular apartment is in the Spanish residential area, which is very family orientated, and also quiet after 11.00pm. Cafes and bars are cheaper than those on the promenade! There are ’corner’ shops for water/milk etc. For tea and coffee I use tap water, which I understand is safe to drink. OUT & ABOUT There are ramps at curbs, etc, however they may be too steep, or when you get onto the pavement there is no ramp at the other end, so you have to go back and then use the road! Safety is very important!! SEE & BE SEEN!! I have flashing lights attached to the front and back of my wheelchair. I also wear a hat, so I can be seen, especially crossing roads. It also protects my head from the sun! The town is a criss/cross of basically straight roads, combined with one-way systems. So I would use roads that the traffic was oncoming at me to get to the promenade and the main shopping area, darting in and out of the parked cars. The ’locals’ are for the most part very positive towards disabled people and will help, should the need arise! DISABLED TOILETS All cafes, bars, etc, normally have toilet facilities, however I only found two that had disabled toilets. One was in an ice cream parlor with access from the promenade. The other was at the back of a restaurant, but there was not any wheelchair access. Generally toilets could be upstairs, downstairs, etc, so limited mobility is required out and about in the town and promenade. SUMMARY If you want a holiday that is relaxing, a new experience, then Torrevieja is the place for this. If you want a lively resort with entertainment, Benidorm is very good. Torrevieja is a pleasurable way of life for the time of your stay. But remember if you are disabled : plan, prepare, participate and you will have a relaxing, ‘chilled‘ stay.
If you have any queries or questions, please contact Stephen Shaw direct on stephen.shaw11@btinternet.com

UK Disabled Car Parking Badge
A UK disable car parking badge can be used in Spain. If you park near any Official Buildings, look out for the Sign saying “Excepto Minusvalidos”. This is usually under the sign or panel stating that Car Parking is not allowed for non Blue Badge holders. This allows you to park there using your badge and I would also recommend using the time clock as well just to be safe. Also the normal Blue Badge areas are marked out on the floor as places such as Carrefour.
Orthopedic equipment HELP Torrevieja. Registered charity that responds to all types of emergency situations. Tel 96 570 4282. Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 Torrevieja (behind the Tourist Office). Open Monday to Friday 10.00am to 13.30pm - emergency phone line manned out of office hours. Orthopedic equipment including wheelchairs, walking frames and crutches for a small rental fee. Other services include hospital and home visiting, volunteer drivers, interpreters. Email: helptorrevieja@terra.es. Also Wheeliefree Mobility at Via Park II, Playa Flamenca. Tel: 966773719. Website www.wheeliefree.com. Mobility equipment for sales and hire. Installation of stairlifts and service, repair of all mobility equipment, large selection of bathing, toileting and daily living aids. Also The Hire Centre on 966798828 Also Sunshine Mobility in Quesada, www.sunshinemobility.com, phone 665436694/966719248