Wheelies in Polis, Cyprus wheelchair warrior

MK CIL Disability Information Service

If like me you have in the past taken holidays abroad, but due to disability or illness you had been unsure of what to except or how you would manage. This might help you make your mind up.

Having pondered for some time and looking through the various travel brochures and catalogues here at CIL, we chose to take the plunge and book a holiday in Cyprus. We chose a holiday apartment that was especially designed with the disabled in mind. The apartments all have wide doors and wheel in showers, with low level sinks and grab rails in the shower and toilet There is also a wide range of disability equipment available for hire, from electric wheelchairs and scooters to walkers and bed hoists.

The apartments also boast a swimming pool with a pool side hoist that enabled me to go swimming for the first time in years. The apartments are only a 5 minute roll away from the centre of the small town of Polis with its shops, cafes, and restaurants all situated around a traffic free square.

Any worries we might have had were dismissed straight away within minutes of arriving in our wheelchair accessible studio apartment. We were also able to get about the island for a spot of sightseeing in the apartments own wheelchair accessible taxi. Everything was as described in the brochures and that, combined with the friendly and helpful nature of the owners, meant that our holiday in Cyprus was a holiday to remember for all the right reasons.

We booked our holiday through Accessible Travel a holiday company that caters for the disabled traveller and arrange all transfers and arrange equipment hire. Or if you are an independent traveller you can book direct with C & A tourist Apartments on telephone (+357) 26321881, or email chrisneo@cytanet.com.cy There is also a web site www.ca-tourist-apts.com.cy

We also have a range of holiday brochures for disabled travellers here at the Cil that cover a wide range of holiday destinations.

David