by Liz Childers
In my email this morning, I found a press release from Tom Johnson Camping Center, a North Carolina-based dealer of new and used RVs. Not being from North Carolina, I normally would have skipped over this, but the subject caught my eye. It reads, “Tom Johnson Camping Carrying Handicap Access Model RVs.” So I opened the email.
The newly offered travel trailers are from Forest River, Inc. The V-Cross handicap model has “wider entry doors and hallways, handicap accessible bathroom features, large bedroom areas with grab handles, wiring for lift system, available remote controls for slide-outs, power jacks and awnings and modifications to the kitchen areas.”
The RV dealership has made this step, in part, because they provide support to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Since October, the dealership has donated to the hospitals a portion of sales from any RV purchased by a Shriner; they also provide space for the hospitals to advertise their work at RV shows. Through this partnership, they said, the interest in handicapped campers has risen.
For physically handicapped individuals, it can be difficult to get around in a town; handicap access is not a requirement for parks, buildings, restaurants, or other establishments in most towns. For a handicapped individual to go camping, I can only imagine how hard it must be.
As someone who enjoys camping because I firmly believe being outside is good for the soul, I understand the healing power of a good camping trip. That is why I applaud Tom Johnson and all dealers who are promoting the sell of handicap access campers.
Do you or someone you know require handicap accessible campsites or RVs to go camping? How available are these things? We would love to know.
