Accessibility FAQs
Is the villa suitable for all types of disability
Is the villa suitable for an exclusively disabled party
How many rooms have accessibility features
What can I assume about accessibility
How do I access the pool/ how deep is the pool
Is there a level access shower
Can you provide a shower chair/ a w.c chair/ a commode
Has the kitchen been designed or adapted for disabled use
Can you arrange wheelchair friendly car hire
Can you arrange hire of mobility aids
Is the casinha suitable for disabled use
Is the villa suitable for all types of disability
No. Vivenda Dos Sonhos is a normal house which has been adapted in certain respects to make accessibility easier for some types of disability. We can never say whether the villa is suitable for you. You must decide that for yourself based on what you read here, on the website, & from responses we give you to specific questions.
Is the villa suitable for an exclusively disabled party
No. We aim to provide accessibility for a range of disabled people who have the assistance of a carer. If you have more than one disabled person in your party please discuss with us as not all rooms are suitable.
How many rooms have accessibility features
We have just one bathroom that is adapted for disabled use (level access shower, shower/w.c chair, grab rails etc) (2008). Whilst any guest in any bedroom can access this bathroom (shown as Shower Room on the floor plan), the 3rd bedroom is physically closest & also has direct wheelchair access to the pool terraces.
What can I assume about accessibility
We would prefer that you assume nothing. Generally however unless we state otherwise, assume a normal house with normal facilities. Be careful not to assume that we have features & facilities that you may have encountered elsewhere.
How do I access the pool/ how deep is the pool
The pool is accessed by a series of steps in the corner of the shallow end. There is no handrail so you may need help to get in & out. Although we do not have a pool hoist on the premises, we can arrange the hire of one on your behalf. See Accessibility Hire page for further details of this and other accessibility equipment
The water depth at the shallow end is 1m (3ft 6") & is level across the width of the pool, & for about 2 m along its length
Wheelchair users can use the ramp to gain access to the turning deck which is designed such that the lip of the tub is level with a standard wheelchair seat. By sliding onto the lip of the tub & swinging legs over the tub can be then entered via 2 steps
Is there a level access shower
Yes - in the 3rd bathroom (2008)
Can you provide a shower chair/ a w.c chair/ a commode
Yes. The chair we have can be used or adapted for all three functions. It is free of charge.
Has the kitchen been designed or adapted for disabled use
No. The kitchen is new, modern & spacious but is not designed for use by disabled people to (say) prepare meals or do the washing up.
Can you arrange wheelchair friendly car hire
Currently we don't know of a car hire company in Portugal that hires adapted vehicles. Some of the solutions that have been adopted by our guests include:
Hire an estate car into which an electric wheelchair can be folded up. The disabled passenger has to be manoeuvred into the regular car seat however.
Hire a minibus size vehicle e.g. a Mercedes Vito. One of our clients brings portable ramps with them to enable an electric wheelchair to be "driven" into the back.
Travel down in your own vehicle - the drive from Santander (ferry to Plymouth) in northern Spain can be completed in a day (we can advise on routes etc)
Can you arrange hire of mobility aids
Yes we can arrange hire of most mobility items e.g. pushers, wheelchairs, electric scooters, even a pool hoist. Click on "Accessibility equipment hire" in the sidebar
Is the casinha suitable for disabled use
No