Vanlife with a wheelchair isn't always easy

I have a spinal cord injury and use a wheelchair. I live and travel full time SOLO in my accessible campervan. In this video I am making my way back to Canada after spending my winter in California. I encounter an inaccessible campground and have to problem solve on the road. I also reflect on the anniversary of the day I became paralyzed.
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#vanlife #wheelchair #homeonwheels #disability #disabledtravel #solofemalevanlife #solofemaletraveler #travel #wheelchairtravel #accessibility #accessibletravel #adaptivesports #sports #adventure #adventures #snowbird #offgrid

[@chantsmantrasandrelaxation5079]

I think too that we get tired of always having to be 'on'. Having to problem solve the shower, water accessibility...yeah yeah...having to bring it up with the camp ground/hotel etc management is just almost a regular thing. So rarely is it as easy as go there, use facilities and leave without issue. I think it has a cumulative emotional effect, a wearying of our spirit. Yes, we continue to fight on (no choice really), but like you showed after your 'luxury' stay - an experience where disability is not 'problematized' becomes a pleasure. I hope a time does come when more time is devoted to the pleasure part for all of us.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

This!! 100%! It feels like a full-time job advocating for yourself. An unpaid job at that. I have also learned that if you don’t follow up and “nudge” them…changes don’t get made. I agree it’s exhausting. I too look forward to a day with much improvement for accessibility.

[@chantsmantrasandrelaxation5079]

@@Keepinitwheel306 Thanks for the pin. Wishing us both less exhaustion.

[@eringardiner3641]

It should be a standard requirement that all designs that will have the accessible designation have be signed off by someone with a disability. We need to do better!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

I totally agree! I’m trying to make changes like that here in my home province…time will tell if it’s working

[@tomas5376]

Except for the wheelchair, I wouldn’t know you were in need of it. I’ve been following you for a while and I’m enjoying your tenacity and courage and your ability to make your life sooooooo worthwhile. Congrats on your efforts to make this chaotic world more accessible!🙏🏼

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Thank you Tomas! Life on wheels can be trying at times but I’m glad you recognize it’s so worthwhile!

[@user-fv4kz1fk1g]

So pleased to view another video with you. I think you are an amazing example to anyone feeling difficulty in maneuvering through life with ups and downs. I love your positive attitude and strife in finding ways to make your journey enjoyable. Thank you

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Aw, such kind words. Comments like this make me want to keep pumping out videos for y’all! 🫶

[@michaeltrixy]

Hello I'm From Europe. Thank you for cheering this beautiful adventure

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Hi from a Canadian!! Thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoyed the video. :)

[@josephmorgan3715]

So sorry that happened to you, and likely countless others, through no fault of your own. BUT, I'm glad you mentioned to the people there that "access" wasn't actually accessable. And kudos to the campground for trying to make improvements after being made aware of the deficiencies in their "accessible" facilities!!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

I sure hope they follow through! Thank you for watching and commenting

[@FloatingVillageLife]

Your portrayal of vanlife with a wheelchair is deeply moving and insightful. It sheds light on the challenges and triumphs faced with such grace and resilience. Your video is not just a testament to overcoming obstacles but also a celebration of determination and the beauty found in unconventional journeys. I am Floating Village Life.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Wow, such a beautiful comment. I appreciate you.

[@shericontrary2535]

I grew up in Washington State and spent a lot of time traveling around with my grandmother (dad's mom). She told me many stories about growing up in an orphanage in Minnesota and surviving the Great Depression. She taught me how to dig for clams, fish, and eat dandelions and of course blackberries. My mom is borderline or narcissist, I'm not sure (not officially diagnosed). I think about my grandmother every day. I live in Georgia near Savannah and I am looking forward to traveling around Georgia.

[@peggybach6750]

Girl you are amazing.

[@Wheelswheelchairgirl]

I hit difficulties with accessibility a lot as a wheelchair ♿ USER.... this day and age this shouldn't be happening ..... why say its accessible when it's not .... not much thought goes into it ..... I was at a store shopping asked if they had an accessible toilet they said yes 😂 I went to it door was very heavy after struggling I had to use my chair to push open the door which hurt my leg then got inside the toilet was very small barely could turn my chair and toilet roll holder was high up ....I had to wait until I got home ..... all these places are designed by non disabled so they don't think things through ..... I'm sorry this happened to you but glad you managed to get water in the end ❤

[@Keepinitwheel306]

My blood pressure sky rockets with each obstacle like you described but I just have to trust good karma will come back to us in some shape or form :)

[@uniquevanlife]

Thank you so much for your videos. You are helping me see what is possible Regardless of challenges. Excuse , I can't. it is only an excuse. When I know that I can.

[@ajmartineau8221]

Just amazing. God bless you kid!

[@user-jb7vr2uj4n]

Lisa, I have cancer and need heart surgery. You know I was feeling down today and then came across your video and can say you filled my heart with your determination and outlook on life. You kind of gave me a kick in the rear! We are glad you were born and thank you for being the person that inspires other people to move forward and do their best! May your journey be full of beauty and wonder and your life full of the love we are sending to you. Thanks for being such a wonderful person and sharing with us!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Wow, I’m sorry to hear of your health challenges. I wish you good health strength to conquer what’s next.

[@patfrierson2107]

I was also in a car accident had a spinal cord cut almost into I was paralyzed to was supposed to be bed riden forever but prayer in Jesus name totally healed me I was 43 then now I am almost 74 God is wonderful with being anointed with oil in Jesus. Name the prayer of faith can complete heal you to God loves you an if we obey his word he will honor his word God had me out of bed an walking an being totally independent the same year in only 6 months look up you are blessed an a blessing ❤😊

[@DisabledandPrepping]

I use a power chair and I run into supposedly accessible places all the time even though they're really not accessible. But at least I can get out of my power chair and walk a short distance. But still they need to do a lot more for disabled people. They just don't think about everything that we really need to make things include the accessible to us.😊

[@Keepinitwheel306]

I’m sorry you face this too. Society just doesn’t seem to understand that universal design benefits everyone. Fingers crossed it happens one day.

[@deemayes7834]

Blessings

[@spidrawebster]

Thanks very much for this look at your travels. I always enjoy your videos, but this one was esp enjoyable. I'm glad you got a chance to see your experience from another perspective in editing. There's definitely good that comes from being a "glass half full" person, but it can also lead to putting up with a lot of systemic ableism, leaving it unchanged. You mentioned it had taken ~2.5 hrs out of your day and I think that's another thing that abled folks tend to actually blame disabled people for. Schools, workplaces...they think of disabled people as lazy or flaky when it's actually the compound effects of systemic ableism that would make someone late to school or work. You can only budget so much extra fudge time in! I'm glad you brought it up to the camp worker and really hope NV will improve that campground. In your camping & outdoors adventures, do you ever meet wheelchair users that do not have SCIs and might have different access needs within wheelchair accessible infrastructure? It'd be great to hear what you feel what you've learned from other disabled people (and vice versa).

[@Keepinitwheel306]

I have a few friends with visions loss and I almost want to say accessibility for that is further behind than access for wheelchairs. And I have e a few friends that use a wheelchair but can walk or stand for short periods…am I ever envious! A curb or misplaced shower bench isn’t as much of a barrier. And then I have friends who use a power wheelchair that are envious that I can open doors etc on my own. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that everyone faces a challenge, some are just more visible than others.

[@mindshelfpro]

You are soo strong. I would be in crying in frustration every time. Thank you for being an inspiration!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Oh believe me, I have those moments too.

[@buldogm9564]

You are unbelievably amazing. Hero = You

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Awww thanks 🥰

[@legalparalegal8040]

I hope your ok.

[@airmagic2199]

WOOHOO 🙌 Getting After It!!!!!!

[@dakotawolf6832]

God Bless you be safe on your Joney

[@christinabryant5725]

The love of my life has MS and I completely understand what you mean!!! Handicap accessible is NOT always what you expect and a lot of people don’t understand how unusable or inaccessible things are if you or someone close to you tries to use them.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

I’ll admit I was probably the same way before my spinal cord injury. I wish accessibility was taught in schools because so many people are ignorant to basics.

[@popspops3795]

Hi, Love. You seem very fun to hang out with on a trip. I would love to travel with you, BUT, I would, for certain, definitely, slow you down and possibly awaken an uncontrollable desire on you to wrap your hands around my neck for getting on your nerves because of my inability to do anything. Maybe someday I get a campervan, guts/nuts (perhaps), get out of my cave, and join you to learn how it's done. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay happy! Everything else is manageable! Pops

[@popspops3795]

I enjoy your videos and your personality, and I always learn something new with you. What happens to us doesn't define us. What defines us is what we do and how we live with what happened to us. When you feel lonely on the road, read this message and know that you have a fan rooting for you and sending all his positive thoughts towards you. Pops

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Your comments always crack me up. Until you grow those nuts, please continue to live vicariously through my videos. But I do hope you venture from your cave a little bit in the meantime.

[@nereidgreen6653]

Kudos to you on 28 years of newfound freedoms.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Merci! It’s been a wild ride but I wouldn’t change a thing.

[@TimSaundersC4]

I recently started following your KZbin channel, and I think you're amazing at everything you do. As a C-4 quadriplegic in a wheelchair myself, I can't imagine handling some of the situations you put yourself in… LOL. Watching your channel motivates me to push myself and try more things that I'm capable of. Keep the videos coming and stay safe out there!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

That is so awesome to hear, thank you for commenting. Motivating others is definitely one of this channel. Get out there and give ‘er 😀

[@mountainstream8351]

I searched online for 'curb ramp for wheelchairs' and there were things for getting up on curbs. Have you thought of getting one of those? Also, could you bring a water chair to use in the shower? I know you have limited space. I just thought maybe it would be a good backup for when these sites let you down. It sucks that they are not really wheelchair accessible and I think they SHOULD hire you as a consultant. You would be great at it. You are such a positive person. I love what you said about your van and how much you love it. I totally get it and you're so blessed to have your van and your freedom to camp and travel alone and be in our sacred nature. Peace! And blessings to you.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

I do have ramps to load my bike and if I was completely out of water I would have tried those to get on the curb. It would’ve been more time to dig them out so chose not to this time. I definitely have considered traveling with a shower bench but, as you mentioned, space is limited. I may re-arrange my garage this summer to find a spot for one.

[@PlantbasedSilvi]

❤❤Thank you, unfortunately I'm not that fit anymore, arthritis in my hands after more than 40 years in a wheelchair. It's great how you've managed to get around. Do you also have a video of how you transfer to bed? By the way, in Europe there are shower bags that you can fill with water and then take a shower, that would be an emergency solution. Incidentally, I used to shower in my wheelchair when I went to the spa, I always sprayed the ball bearings with oil beforehand, then cut off 4 plastic hats from the top around the ball bearings, it's practical like an umbrella, can be taken off after showering, made around the small wheels, plastic bag around the back seat, seat cushion in plastic bag (had one with a zipper fastener) with a towel over it and that's how I showered when there was no shower wheelchair in the spa. An emergency solution. You can put a bed sheet (not a fitted sheet) in the bus or in the bathroom and turn with the wheelchair so that the dirt doesn't stick to the wheelchair and your bus isn't so dirty.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Great suggestions! My bearings get trashed from the salt water when I surf so I have always been worried about doing more harm with showering in the chair. I have an “elevator” to get me up to the bed, it’s shown in the video entitled “The Cost to make my campervan wheelchair accessible”

[@jimcooper4098]

Hi I much admire you and just wanted to say hello I never realized how important it is to have accessibleness for wheelchair bound people I was very ignorant and shallow I much enjoy your videos. Thanks

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Thank you for watching and understanding! One note to consider - the term “wheelchair bound” is very outdated and it gives a negative connotation to a wheelchair when in fact my wheelchair is a powerful piece of equipment that gives me the ability to navigate this world. I like to celebrate my wheelchair instead of thinking I’m bound to it. Just some food for thought :)

[@suzstanci9128]

You are amazing woman! 😘

[@michaeluppenkamp9539]

You’re a friggin beast! Love to see you living yo best life, crushing it 😁❤

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Thank youuuuu… Let’s crush some adventures to add to this life next winter. Miss you 🫶

[@Steve-fv4rz]

Thanks for sharing. You are awesome!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Stoked to have you along for the ride!

[@texasgoddess323]

Hey, hun! I wonder if carrying a light weight plastic folding chair could be helpful. That way you could set it up under the water and use the showers.🌻

[@Keepinitwheel306]

@@texasgoddess323 yes I’ve definitely considered it but I’ve run out of storage spaces that are easy to access without moving a ton of things. I may reorganize this summer.

[@cheyenneyakima8695]

Love that strong beautiful spirit young lady. Enjoy this wonderful life - it was made just for you. Love your country Canada , used to visit there a lot back in the day. Cheyenne. Part time vanlifer....

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Thanks for tuning in Cheyenne. I’m enjoying myself back in canada for the summer. Cheers to your travels!

[@shadowzerozero]

I been subscrbd for awhile but honestly havent watched much but after this video idk why but im into it! Youre an Ace keep the adventures coming! 🇨🇦🫡

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Ha! Well I’m happy this video piqued your attention - I’m still very much a newbie at YT so content will only get better and better (I hope!)

[@no_worries_van]

Your are amazing

[@626cga]

it is always good to speak up for accessibility because if people don’t it will never be improved. I have been disabled since birth and I have always been speaking up for accessible and I have made lot of places to be accessible.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Thank you for doing that!

[@MooniiplaitsCrochet]

First time catching your chanel. Hi 👋 from the UK.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Giving you a warm welcome! Feel free to binge my older videos 😂

[@HayOborn]

I have come across places multiple times where there is either no bench or the bench is no where near the shower itself - instead of travelling with a shower chair I have bought a large shower curtain that covers my wheelchair completely and then I use my normal chair and it says completely dry - it’s got me out of trouble many times x

[@MacNur-tu3cq]

Hola lovely lady! Was thinking about ya today and you posted! Hope all is well out west in leafland. Over where I am things are miserable, wishing i had your van to go out to the woods and escape fer a bit. Haha cheers girl

[@Keepinitwheel306]

You manifested my post haha! Weather has left a lot to be desired where I am lately but at least I can enjoy it in the forest :) I hope things improve where you are

[@MacNur-tu3cq]

@@Keepinitwheel306 guess so eh! Haha. You lucky duck! Over here in central Canada gonna be hot as hell next few days... Fawk...Come pick me up and take me out of here! Glad to hear you are good and still out there kicking ass and taking names. You da best! Cheers girl

[@franmaguire5101]

I love your videos. I look forward to the next one!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Thank you so much! I’m trying to keep consistent with two long form videos per month. It’s not a lot but since this isn’t a full time gig it keep me busy enough. Thanks again for engaging.

[@franmaguire5101]

@@Keepinitwheel306 your editing is great, makes me feel like I’m right there! Really amazing!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

@@franmaguire5101 that may be the most meaningful compliment I’ve received as I feel my editing is my biggest weakness! So thank you.

[@franmaguire5101]

@@Keepinitwheel306 awe you’re very welcome. 😊

[@ItzFallenPurple]

I subscribed to your channel, Greetings from the Netherlands

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Greetings!! You just made me think of my lovely trip to Amsterdam many years ago. Thank you so much for the support, I’m happy you’re following along.

[@Cowboy-Trucking61]

Your so amazing, you just gained a subscriber. Safe travels.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Awesome! I’m happy to have you along

[@noelinegrondin1067]

Bravo ! 👍👏👏👏❤️💐 Vous etes extraordinaire! Merci de ce partage ! 🙏 God bless you ! Kiss from Paris 🇫🇷🚙🌲❤️

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Merci! 💜

[@H2oBr0]

Hi Lisa! Great video. I am much more aware of accessibility now. When you don't know, you just don't know. You might get more work as a consultant than you want. You're awesome with a great attitude. See you next time at SanO.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

My friend and I said this exact thing last night when discussing accessibility “you don’t know what you don’t know”. It’s so very true but I wish those in charge of built environments knew more 😂

[@fletchdad8755]

Such a positive soul!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

I appreciate your comment so much. Thank you!

[@MrAjayz]

Great video

[@blueskies00]

What an Amazing Woman. Wow cant imagine hownu do all u do in a wheelchair. You should be very proud of yourself. Whatever happened to u....Im sorry😢

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Thank you! No need to say sorry for what happened to me, it’s led me to a blessed life 😊

[@user-fc7pr5yc8c]

I love watching woodpeckers. Love to watch you enjoying your beautiful days.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

It’s so soothing to watch (the woodpeckers, not me ha ha) 😀

[@annahopp]

When able-bodied people design accessibility, they usually miss a few points. Just imagine able-bodied people being half-blind :-). They usually appreciate feedback from actual experts. I personally have seen many improvements happen after someone provided constructive feedback.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

You’re so right. I’m going to have to plan a trip back to that campground to see if they took my feedback and made tangible changes.

[@nathan.brazil780]

They really need to consult people in wheelchairs when they design those showers

[@shericontrary2535]

I plan to buy a van in 2 years when I turn 62 and I plan to work part time. My challenge is that I need to use a water flosser every day due to dental work that I have paid thousands of dollars for.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

It's very possible with a large water tank on board. carry 32 gallons plus 3 gallons of drinking water in jugs. The beauty of Vanlife is you can customize your rig for your needs.

[@joannagrzywna545]

This is so frustrating. World needs to realize that people in wheelchair need smooth access, they are not always accompanied by someone. This is ridiculous!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

I agree. Plus universal design benefits everyone!

[@carlyscherr5925]

Would be cool to see this park with some drone footage!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Oh yes, I’d love to add a drone to my equipment list

[@carlyscherr5925]

Love your videos!

[@MelanieStare]

Awesome, Lis. You’re making such an impact. ❤

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Trying to but it’s slow going, especially in the 306. Sigh.

[@MelanieStare]

@@Keepinitwheel306I’ll commit to you that I’m going to look for these things and call them out to the campgrounds we stay in too. More voices will hopefully mean sooner change. Even though I don’t use a wheelchair and don’t have much cred on this front.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

@@MelanieStare I actually think you may have an advantage…I’m sure they get tired of the disgruntled disabled people complaining - if it’s an AB they make take more notice. And thanks!!

[@TamaraLemmon-nd7xg]

I keep a curb ramp (plastic) behind passenger seat.

[@WarrenmacdonaldUnlimited]

Great video; thanks for sharing and highlighting what a lot of able bodied people just wouldn’t think of or notice. I’ve had similar conversations about shower benches, usually along the lines of “my arms are pretty long, but do you think I’m going to be able to reach those controls?” Keep up the great work.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

We need those Go Go Gadget arms!!

[@WarrenmacdonaldUnlimited]

@@Keepinitwheel306 Absolutely!

[@CivilCadManager-bu8bu]

Please get interviewed by Bob Wells with CheapRVLiving.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Haha…funny you mention that. We filmed in February, I’m hoping it’s released in the next few months 😁

[@user-qc4cx7dy7h]

you are an inspiration beautiful lady God bless you

[@JonD-ee3im]

PT here. You think carrying a large piece of plastic to drape your w/c would help your shower situations? Kind of like covering furniture before you paint.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

That’s actually a really good suggestion. I had tried that back when I first started swimming, but no matter what I did it would somehow still get the chair wet when I transferred off and my casters would still get wet and destroy the bearings. But it might still be a “not perfect” solution and save me a lot of headaches for instances like this.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Thanks!

[@pmcallister]

@@Keepinitwheel306my husband sometimes has switched to a spare Roho to keep his custom cushion dry. Still have to cover the back upholstery and dry the chair after but it’s another imperfect approach in a pinch.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

@@pmcallister yes, that’s what I do for after surfing but I’m not dripping wet like a shower and the upholstery under the cushion would really start to sag with being wet

[@helihelmi]

Leave feedback to the place about improving the place for accessibility with wheelchair ❤️

[@Keepinitwheel306]

If you watched the end of the video…I did exactly that

[@texasgoddess323]

I’m so bummed for you that the bench is too far from the water!😳 Would you please report that? They could easily install an extension. No access to water and electricity! Unacceptable!!!🤯

[@Keepinitwheel306]

@@texasgoddess323 it was a bummer for sure. At the end of the video I describe the steps I took to hopefully rectify the shower situation

[@texasgoddess323]

@@Keepinitwheel306 Wonderful!🥰

[@r8edrv4fun65]

Things we overlook. A shameful version of "access". They need to hire you to consult and test.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

I’m hoping they’ll make the changes I suggested. Time will tell!

[@shelton126]

These handicap facilities should be designed or through consulting with handicapped wheelchair bound campers.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

You’d think that would be a given, but unfortunately, in most cases it’s not

[@michaelstgeorge2185]

Thanks for showing your transfer to the driver's seat. I have a power adjustable seat base and it doesn't really work that well for me. I'm either dragging my knees on the other chair when I turn or hitting the wall or door panel if I'm back too far. The sweet spot isn't that sweet. I'm thinking about converting back and to a normal seat base with a swivel, especially after seeing your transfer. What are thoughts on this?

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Have you considered removing the passenger seat? If it’s not needed? My friend Alex did that and his transfer is much easier but I understand if you need to keep the seat.

[@isabel8045]

Hey, i love your videos and the hope it gives me for still being able to travel once i have the money. I have a question that you probably already answered in a previous video, but how do you stop your wheelchair from moving around when you sre driving i find that when ever mine is put i a boot of a car even with the breaks on it still moves around a load.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

Hi! When I transfer to the driver’s seat my chair sits behind the passenger seat. From there, I just wrap a bungee cord around the footrest and attach it to a little handle on the passenger seat. Hope this helps!

[@GaryNichols50]

I know you shouldn't have to. But for these types of situations, have you considered carrying a portable folding ramp?

[@Keepinitwheel306]

I do have my ramps for my bike that I could use in a pinch. I’m really contemplating carrying a shower chair that I could assemble but space in the van is limited.

[@jeffj-ChallengeFlagBlunder]

Hey there I have been in wc for 39 yrs and am building out my own wc accessible box truck I wish we could chat sometime you wouldn't believe what I have come up with lets try to get in touch. For Real. problem is i don't do much social media except FB

[@Keepinitwheel306]

nice, I bet the box truck has a ton of room. You're always welcome to email me, my address is on my channel description

[@jeffj-ChallengeFlagBlunder]

@@Keepinitwheel306 I did ty