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CHAPTER 34
would have been inconceivable that a tetraplegic would be capable of driving a hand-
controlled car. Today, thanks to advances made in the rehabilitation of these high lesions,
tetraplegics, at least those of C8 and
Cj
level, have proved to be quite able to drive a
hand-controlled car after having passed their driving test to the satisfaction of the
examiner. This is one of the finest examples of how the human mind can overcome what
seemed to be an unsurmountable physical handicap. For high tetraplegics who are not
able to drive a car themselves and need an attendant, cars or vans are now available of
the type shown in Fig. 250 which enable them to travel to their place of work or with
their families. The tetraplegic (C5) illustrated in Fig. 250, not only returned to his busi
ness but became the founder of the first Spinal Injuries Centre in Spain (Barcelona).
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There is still a great need for adjustment of public transport to the requirements of the
paralysed. This applies, in particular, to the railways. Paraplegics still have the greatest
difficulty in entering compartments and often find it easier to travel in the guard's van—
indeed a very unsatisfactory and degrading situation. Therefore, some adjustment to the
carriages is necessary for wheelchair users to facilitate their travel by train.
Travel for paraplegics and other wheelchair users by air has, generally speaking, been
made easier in recent years. However, some airlines still have difficulties in accommo
dating these severely disabled people, and, in particular, there is not always a lifting
device available at airports to facilitate the carrying of the paraplegic into their aeroplane
seat.
The least adjusted public transport facilities are ships. Thousands of paraplegics
today are respected citizens through their work and other social activities. They are
taxpayers, as any able-bodied person. Yet they are still confronted with difficulties when
contemplating making a cruise on one of the ocean-going liners as part of their recreation.
It is really high time that modern shipping lines adjust their ships to the accommodation
of wheelchair bound disabled persons.
