Hello everyone,
Having a disability should not be a barrier to living abroad. While the intricacies of one's move to Ecuador may be specific to the individual, certain steps can be undertaken to make the process smoother.
What are the important aspects you would personally keep in mind during the planning phase (social security benefits, ongoing medical treatment, etc.)?
Are you required to go through a medical check-up before your move?
Are there any organisations or groups who lend support to expatriates who have a disability?
What are your thoughts on the infrastructure in Ecuador (public spaces, transportation and buildings)?
Are there enough opportunities to make the most of your social life in Ecuador? Are leisure activities made accessible to people with disabilities?
Please do share your experience with us.
Bhavna
Moving to Ecuador with a disability
Well depends on your disability. I'm assuming it's something in the hips, knees Dept. I've been in Cuenca for nearly four years with two bum knees . I had a replacement knee done but the patella is loose and I have to wear a brace for it. After the knee my sciatica started playing up so I wear a brace for that.
Cuenca is not a good city for these problems. In El Centro sidewalks are narrow and uneven. Everybody falls at least once. The pavement height varies between nothing and 10". Restaurants invariably have a step up or stairs. Out in the suburbs where cars enter the houses there is a cut in the pavement of about 2' back. Very easy to fall. Buses have a narrow high stairs that turn through 90 degrees. Getting out is about a 2' drop at speed. Many houses have two stories with stairs. If you are disabled the best bet is to live in an apartment building with an elevator. Take taxis to restaurant doors. It's not a disabled friendly city. Wheelchair bound don't come
Articles to help you in your expat project in Ecuador
You have made it to Ecuador, now what is there to do in your free time? A lifetime in Ecuador isn't enough time to ...
Las Cajas parque nacional is located about a half hours drive (or hour bus ride) to the west of Cuenca, along the ...
What kind of food will you find in restaurants, cafes, and private homes in Ecuador? Many restaurants in Ecuador ...
Ecuador is famous as a retirement haven. But you might not want to wait until retirement age to move there and ...
Family is everything to an Ecuadorian. The extended family unit is the most important aspect of life in Ecuador ...
Ecuador, as a fast-developing nation, has laws that are constantly evolving, but one thing is certain: the ongoing ...
