Handicap accessibility for wheelchair bound individuals

lomadean wrote:

I am beginning to consider retirement options in Mexico. I am wondering about handicap accessibility for a wheelchair bound individual. Any expats living in Mexico who can speak on this issue? So far, I am looking at the Lake Chapala area. Thank you for your feedback. Lomadean

I cyber walked the streets of Merida with Google earth.  I have cyber walked some areas in Lake Chapala.  It's a very nice area but with my dads COPD living at an elevation of 6,000 ft wouldn't be the best case scenario for him.  My husbands wheelchair is built for variations in terrain and he can make it over smaller curbs -- that thing is a beast -- watch out when he's in it  .  Even in the states I am somewhat frustrated at times with the lack of accessibility -- I couldn't believe the main hospital in Springfield, IL; it was very dangerous when I was trying to push him in a regular wheelchair outside the hospital ER!  I was appalled!  I guess it depends on how much wheelchair travel you plan to do.  Are you by yourself with a lightweight chair you take in and out of the car by yourself?  Do you plan to do this without help?  I can get my husband up a few stairs but it is NOT easy and he couldn't do it by himself.  He would have to get out of the chair, scoot up the steps dragging the chair, and get back in.  I would cyber walk the area you are looking at; plan a typical day and google earth your travel.  Lake Chapala had some nice sidewalks, and some very narrow streets that would be concerning for me if I were in a wheelchair.  But, hey, so does the US...

Babs G. wrote:

Where I live (Coatepec, Veracruz) I can find handicapped parking in all supermarket lots, none on the street. I don't use a wheelchair (yet) but do depend on a cane. Most downtown street corners have ramps, and although the sidewalks are seldom level, they are usually wide enough to be negotiated. The altitude here is 4,000 feet, not too high for comfort, high enough for good weather most of the year.

Hi Babs, I wasn't familiar with the city you referred to so I googled it.  It is very nice! Google Earth had a video clip of the sweetest little boy playing, I believe with his grandmother, and she had a walker in front of her -- small world.  There were a lot of pictures on the side menu of the city, and this one showed the street with wheelchair access to the sidewalk.

Again, as an after thought, does Mexico require handicapped parking stickers to use the spots?  I would assume they do, but in some cultures respect for the rules is a given and you are shunned by society if you don't adhere to the rules.