New Service Offers Help for Wheelchair-Bound
Tico Times
October 3, 1997
By Carol Weir
Hilly Costa Rica with its cracked sidewalks and gaping potholes
isn't very wheelchair friendly. But a new transport company for
people with disabilities is hoping to help.
Recently opened Vaya con Silla de Ruedas, which means
"Go With Wheelchairs," offers roomy, comfortable transport
for as many as three wheelchairs in its adapted '91 Ford Econoline
van which meets standards by the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
Owners Erik Shiozaki and James Hirsch offer commuter (taxi) service,
and half and full day overnight tours. Twenty four-hour service
for emergencies and appointments are available.
"We are looking for restaurants and hotels that are wheelchair
accessible," said Hirsch who grew up in Costa Rica and has
been involved in many businesses and ecological projects, including
Alajuela business school INCAE's new master's program in Natural
Resource Management.
Shiozaki, who bought the van in California and spent nine
days driving it here, told The Tico Times that the vehicle's
elevator, tie downs and collapsible ramp are all up to U.S. standards.
The van also has two air conditioners (for the front and back),
an extra high roof and capacity for as many as four ambulatory
passengers.
With experience as a bus driver for a school for disabled
teenagers, Shiozaki 52 has worked as tour operator and saw a
market for disabled transport when he was studying Spanish here
last year.
"Some disabled students wanted to come down, but they
had to be told there was no transportation for them here,"
he said. "That's when I started thinking about our business."
Shiozaki also has training in CPR and First Aid.
"We are interested in extending the reach and scope of
disabled people," said Hirsch, who said his company is building
relationships with local and international associations representing
the disabled.
So far, Vaya is working with Hotel Camarona in the
Caribbean beach town of Playa Cocles and Claudia Grimm's Strawberry
Farm Hotel in Carrizal de Alajuela. Proposed outing destinations
include the Rain Forest Aerial Tram in Braulio Carrillo National
Park, and Irazu volcanoes among others.
In addition, the company would like to hear from disabled
people interested in participating in a promotional outing sponsored
by local businesses. For more information call 391-5045. Fax
454-2810.
Reprinted with permission of the Tico Times.
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