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Motor Neurone DiseaseArrow
ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64
Peter - Interview 38  

Peter - Interview 38

Age at Interview: 56
Sex: Male
Age at Diagnosis: 53
Background: Peter is a retired civil servant, married. Ethnic background/nationality: White British (Polish origin).
Brief outline:Peter was diagnosed three years ago (2004). Symptoms started in his arms and hands, and progressed to his legs. He now uses a wheelchair full-time.

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Travelling abroad is too much trouble. Hotels with special facilities exist but cost a lot, and air travel is very stressful.

 



What about holidays? Have you been on holiday?

No. That is because airlines in general and most hotels abroad, as well as I imagine most cities in other countries, are not disabled-friendly in any shape or form. It is a major obstacle, although some people do get round it by making lavish preparations to go to places. Obviously some of the big airlines might be able to help, but unfortunately the budget airlines are definitely not disabled-friendly. For a person in my condition the hassle and stress of travelling anywhere far is formidable. There are a few places abroad where one might go, such as a hotel in Malaga that's very disabled-friendly. It has all the necessary equipment. It's English run, actually. It's got hoists and medical beds etc, but getting there is a major problem. However much I'm keen and active, as matters stand at present it's always going to be a difficult situation. There are issues of going to the airport, hanging around at the airport, getting past check-in and through customs, being moved about, and moved from my wheelchair- because you have to be physically moved onto a special trolley to get onto the aircraft. The hassle of going anywhere abroad is difficult enough, but the cost is prohibitive, because of course medical equipment and facilities are extremely expensive, so that any hotel that caters for disabled people has prices that are about twice that of a normal price of a hotel room. We'd also have to buy upgraded seats with long - haul airlines or at least three seats with short - haul airlines, and take at least one of my carers with us. So the price is prohibitive.
Jonathan Miller - Motor Neurone
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