ADAPT, ADJUST, OVERCOME & ENJOY!

I have been living well in my wheelchair for 16 plus years now. At 6'2.5" tall and 165 lbs, I cannot stand or walk. I am a T-10 paraplegic. I first moved to St. Croix in 1979. Loved it. Still do. I want you to love it too. This guide I've begun should make your stay on St. Croix enjoyable and easier. I will specify that my chair is manual and 28" at its widest. (I'm using 30" wide as my minimum measurement: knuckles, wristwatches, jewelry...)

My motto is: ADAPT, ADJUST, OVERCOME & ENJOY!

Michael Rodenhaver
St. Croix Resident and Chef

My suggestion to you is to call (on the phone) the dive center, Buck Island tour operator, restaurant or hotel. It will definitely be helpful in most cases to speak to someone on site. That person may be able to tell you the particulars of where to enter (ramp is in the back, elevator is on the far left), what is available to you (dive gear, snorkels, floats, etc), and how many levels are inside the establishment once you enter. At this time, you can inquire about how and where your wheelchair will be secured on those occasions you may choose or have to be out of it. To go boating will require picking you up and out of your char in most situations. Be prepared to wrap your arms around the neck of a friendly, Cruzan stranger! ADAPT, ADJUST, OVERCOME & ENJOY!

Michael has sailed to Buck Island and around the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

The taxi vans I have found are too high for me to maneuver into the front seat. Most vans have a space for passengers to get to the far back between the door and the first seat. I cannot use the taxi vans, but you might be able to. You can also call the St. Croix Taxi Association 340-778-1088 and inquire about arranging for a station wagon or sedan. The wheelchair to auto transfer will be much less traumatic. I use a transfer board of my own.

If your very first tendencies are to search for the little wheelchair icon or look for it in text, I completely understand. However, click onto or go straight to the part of the travel text that describes your interests while on vacation on St. Croix (snorkeling, sailing, etc). Then- after you have found that St. Croix have all of those fun and interesting activities, contact the businesses directly. You will find most places offer assistance.

Ahh- finally- time to relax!

I am guessing you'll be surprised at what is available and accessible to you. It is my hope that my experiences on St. Croix in a wheel chair- will help you better access your options and activities- but don't limit yourself! ADAPT, ADJUST, OVERCOME & ENJOY!

Do as much pre-planning as possible to get around. It is highly recommended to make dinner reservations during peak season (November-March). There is a wheelchair coach company here with a lift. They require at least 24 hours notice to accommodate you. Remember- these coaches are limited in numbers, they provide a tremendous service but may not always be able to work with your timetable.

ADAPT, ADJUST, OVERCOME & ENJOY!

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