How are the disabled treated in the D.R.?

Chan184

New member
Sep 20, 2013
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Qu? lo qu?? - I'm 42, I have been in a chair since the age of 20, now 42. interesting in moving to the D.R. - visiting as a tourist first, of course. i do use a "power wheelchair" and i manual too, if i need to transport to and from a car. - YES, i'M FULLY aware of the "power cut offs there!" lol - i don't care, i don't need to be in my 'chariot' 24-7! - and i don't need to go "see and do everything" there, i just want to eat some great food, have a few beers, enjoy a little BRUGAL somewhere COZY and make a "few friends" that's all. yes, i know about the lack of transportation for people like me, and the unaccessible buildings, i can get around that! plus - i'll hire a driver, rent or buy a car, if i need to go far! - BUT - what i really want to know is, how are the people there, towards the "physically challenged"?, would i face any animosity or mistreatment because of my disability?, will dominicanos help me out sometimes, if i need it?, could i hire a private nurse there?, how is the private health care in D.R?
 

sayanora

Silver
Feb 22, 2012
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Qu? lo qu?? - I'm 42, I have been in a chair since the age of 20, now 42. interesting in moving to the D.R. - visiting as a tourist first, of course. i do use a "power wheelchair" and i manual too, if i need to transport to and from a car. - YES, i'M FULLY aware of the "power cut offs there!" lol - i don't care, i don't need to be in my 'chariot' 24-7! - and i don't need to go "see and do everything" there, i just want to eat some great food, have a few beers, enjoy a little BRUGAL somewhere COZY and make a "few friends" that's all. yes, i know about the lack of transportation for people like me, and the unaccessible buildings, i can get around that! plus - i'll hire a driver, rent or buy a car, if i need to go far! - BUT - what i really want to know is, how are the people there, towards the "physically challenged"?, would i face any animosity or mistreatment because of my disability?, will dominicanos help me out sometimes, if i need it?, could i hire a private nurse there?, how is the private health care in D.R?

people will bend over backwards to help you if needed.. in general, the elderly and disabled people are very much respected and we help when we can.. i very highly doubt you will face any animosity or mistreatment.. Sure you can hire a private nurse but I wouldn't know much about that. Private health care is top notch and reasonably priced.. good luck and hope to see you soon!

P.S. : Another bonus is elderly, pregnant, or disabled folks don't have to wait in line anywhere.
 

bizzyboneizo

Member
Aug 31, 2010
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you will be good just like the other poster said they will carry you and put you in a car i seen a guy in a chair of the same going to the casino with a girl in his lap. only thing is just you will be ridding in the streets more than the side walks
 

mofongoloco

Silver
Feb 7, 2013
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forget curb cutaways. You will be fighting traffic. Dominicans aren't politically correct, so you may hear spanish equivalent of cripple, but without malice. Invalid is commonly used. You might attract stares, as much for being a gringo in a wheelchair. You will find many people suffer amputation from cane cutting infections, untreated bp or diabetes, etc. Yes, people will help you. Some scammers will try to glom ontoo you as a steady source of income. However, I would bet my bottom dollar that almost everyone will help you with a genuine concern and a measure of respect. Now that said, a fancy 1st world wheelchair with a padded seat, carbon wheels, etc is a very valuable commodity and a thief would have no quams about stealing it. After all, you are a rich american and can just go get a new one. btw, not a poser here. frequent tourist, not a resident. But i live in a dominican majority town. It will be challenging, but rewarding. Dominicans are creative problem solvers, and I can see you showing up in the "only in the DR" photo thread with you and your wheelchair perched on the back of a motoconcho!!! Have fun! you're brave.
 

mofongoloco

Silver
Feb 7, 2013
3,002
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oh, and btw, that thing about not waiting in line is for real. A woman holding children, pregnant, elders and disabled are absolutely granted first up. no sign. no rule. But everybody follows, except for the tigueres, and they will hear a mouthful about it. Loudly and dramatically
 

skynet

Bronze
Aug 25, 2013
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I agree! I have a pretty bad Back/Neck, have good days and I have very bad days..I just moved and me being thick headed, I always do the stupid things that I know I can't do or shouldn't do! Yesterday I took down my inverter, carried one battery down the stairs, felt a twinge but kept going until my nephew took it from me, then after, I went to see an area with a friend which was on a beach, walked in the sand yatta yatta yatta, it was a very busy day for me...Today??? I'm beside myself with pain, but I needed dog food and my girl was at work. So me being the stupid hero as always, decided to walk to the local market..By the time I was about 2 blocks away, my bad knee started to give me fits! I had to put my foot out to the side like a damn penguin in trying to get some relief as I walked...Got to the market, just stood outside for a bit hoping it would go away some..Naaa, of course not!

So I limped to the back of the store, grabbed my 1 can of dog food, paid and left...Now, there are tons of motoconchos here in Puerto Plata..Guys on mopeds if you will, that will give you a ride for 25 pesos or so....I get asked at least 5 times during that same walk on any other day, not this day!! However, one came over to me, spoke English and asked, are you okay, need a ride?? I said no I'm not okay, but I don't have anything to give you either..BAM! The dude told me to hop on..Got me home. told him to wait a minute. I went inside to see if I had something for him, found 40 pesos, went back outside and he was gone!! That to me was like super motoconcho...I was like, where did superman go?? But maybe he didn't hear me..

Thing is, he's a common dude at that market, so I'm very sure I will see him again and will take care of him hands down when I do! But for the most part, 100% yes!! you will most likely be catered too, but you should also be careful...I've been around here for a while now, so those guys see me all of the time..Reason why, that guy most likely asked if I was okay because I never go out when I have my bad days..When I do, its pop my tens unit on and in bed for a bit. You being new around here, may draw the wrong attention to you, so just be alert of your surroundings

Anyways, just wanted to share with you since this happened Today.. May I ask what happen to you?? I feel out of a moving car at about 45 Miles an hour on the Southern State Pkwy in NY back in 1987 or so, long story.....Was fine, so I thought...and in time I have major issues that need surgery, just opted not to with the risks involved. I hate that for you! people that could walk before and now can't..A very good friend of mine went crippled after his speed boat flipped and landed on him..Not sure if it was the boat that did it, or him hitting the water, but I just hate seeing that..

Best wishes!!

God Bless You!

Anthony
 

Ringo

On Vacation!
Mar 6, 2003
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Qu? lo qu?? - I'm 42, I have been in a chair since the age of 20, now 42. interesting in moving to the D.R. - visiting as a tourist first, of course. i do use a "power wheelchair" and i manual too, if i need to transport to and from a car. - YES, i'M FULLY aware of the "power cut offs there!" lol - i don't care, i don't need to be in my 'chariot' 24-7! - and i don't need to go "see and do everything" there, i just want to eat some great food, have a few beers, enjoy a little BRUGAL somewhere COZY and make a "few friends" that's all. yes, i know about the lack of transportation for people like me, and the unaccessible buildings, i can get around that! plus - i'll hire a driver, rent or buy a car, if i need to go far! - BUT - what i really want to know is, how are the people there, towards the "physically challenged"?, would i face any animosity or mistreatment because of my disability?, will dominicanos help me out sometimes, if i need it?, could i hire a private nurse there?, how is the private health care in D.R?

I think how you are respected and treated will depend on you. Those that beg tend to be ignored. Those that have jobs or get around to see friends and do things appear to have a normal life.

Finding a place to live that is wheelchair friendly will be a challenge and most likely non will have been built with the handicapped in mind. So you would have to work around that or have some adjustments built.

A smaller town might be better since you would get to know the people much more quickly with more willing helping hands.

Years ago their was a man in Sousa that rolled around everywhere and would party with the best of them. I think that a couple of places even put in curb ramps for him. He used the streets and had a flag on his chair to be seen better.

Hiring a full time attendant should not be a problem but you should find one with good references and check him/her out. You would need to train them to meet your required needs.

Where are you thinking of moving to? How is your Spanish?

I'll put this link in to another tread here on DR1.

http://www.dr1.com/forums/community-support/136779-leg-prosthetist-needed.html

Good luck.
 

Criss Colon

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Jan 2, 2002
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I really doubt you could get more than a block from where you started here.
Sidewalks are dangerous for people without disabilities.
You couldn't get down into the street from the sidewalk, and it would be suicide to try and go in the streets.
A manual chair, with a strong personal aid would be the best method.
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Ringo

On Vacation!
Mar 6, 2003
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I really doubt you could get more than a block from where you started here.
Sidewalks are dangerous for people without disabilities.
You couldn't get down into the street from the sidewalk, and it would be suicide to try and go in the streets.
A manual chair, with a strong personal aid would be the best method.
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

This is why I posted as I did. Others have done it and had a good time for a few years and I don't know why the person left or what. Eddy would remember the guy that I talked about.

I talked about the street rolling and I agree with the manual wheels rather then the electric.

A "strong personal aid" as I suggested also.

Has been done before.
 

cobraboy

Pro-Bono Demolition Hobbyist
Jul 24, 2004
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I've seen few elevators and almost no ramps to structures or curbs, and most sidewalks are poor for your needs.

Almost nothing is "handicapped accessable" and parking spaces for the disabled are not respected.
 

Ringo

On Vacation!
Mar 6, 2003
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I've seen few elevators and almost no ramps to structures or curbs, and most sidewalks are poor for your needs.

Almost nothing is "handicapped accessable" and parking spaces for the disabled are not respected.

Geeez. What a bunch of "down" people. Their are many disabled people in the D.R. Most have a difficult time due to many reasons. Some do ok and have a life. Let's not mix locals with no support with others looking to move here from other countries. I do agree that setting the proper expectations is very important.

My FIL lost both his legs at mid-thigh when he was about 35. He lived a full life, in the U.S., until he passed at 75.

Some that have challenges and meet them head on usually can do just fine. Finding the right combination for living is not anything new to them.

But let's NOT get into a discussion since we have not heard from the OP. No point in answering questions that only we have the need to respond to without knowing the OP's concerns.

:)
 

Dubcreator

Member
Sep 15, 2013
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Qu? lo qu?? - I'm 42, I have been in a chair since the age of 20, now 42. interesting in moving to the D.R. - visiting as a tourist first, of course. i do use a "power wheelchair" and i manual too, if i need to transport to and from a car. - YES, i'M FULLY aware of the "power cut offs there!" lol - i don't care, i don't need to be in my 'chariot' 24-7! - and i don't need to go "see and do everything" there, i just want to eat some great food, have a few beers, enjoy a little BRUGAL somewhere COZY and make a "few friends" that's all. yes, i know about the lack of transportation for people like me, and the unaccessible buildings, i can get around that! plus - i'll hire a driver, rent or buy a car, if i need to go far! - BUT - what i really want to know is, how are the people there, towards the "physically challenged"?, would i face any animosity or mistreatment because of my disability?, will dominicanos help me out sometimes, if i need it?, could i hire a private nurse there?, how is the private health care in D.R?
If your main goal is to have some 'Presidentes fria', some Brugal and good food you should be ok, people are very helpful if they can join you in emptying some of it, But, as we all know, Don't drink & drive!:devious:
Be sure to have an inverter to charge your chair whit all the powercuts in this o so fabulous country:bandit:
 

Bob K

Silver
Aug 16, 2004
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Other than the physical barriers (sidewalks, curbs, lack of ramps) you should have no problem and the locals will go out of their way to help you.

I was in a wheel chair for 3 months following an auto accident (happened in the US and come home to the DR to recover) and my wife never had to unload or load the chair into the car, take it up a curb (or down), wait in line at the bank, etc. There was always a local Dominican or two or three or four to help.

Even when I moved on the "crutch" stage people went out of their way to help. Funny but when I was back to walking I had stopped for gas one day and the attendant asked me how my leg was doing and was I ok. I did not know the guy at all.

Bob K
 

Makinater

New member
May 4, 2013
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I really doubt you could get more than a block from where you started here.
Sidewalks are dangerous for people without disabilities.
You couldn't get down into the street from the sidewalk, and it would be suicide to try and go in the streets.
A manual chair, with a strong personal aid would be the best method.
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

So true, for Santo Domingo. Not sure where OP will live though. It is different in some of the nicer pueblitos, where the traffic is decent enough for one to be able to walk in the street instead of the dreadful aceras ... :squareeye
 

bizzyboneizo

Member
Aug 31, 2010
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not to be rude but i hate when someone open a thread and dont participate in it. i said that earlier in his member introduction he did after this thread
 

Chan184

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Sep 20, 2013
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not to be rude but i hate when someone open a thread and dont participate in it. i said that earlier in his member introduction he did after this thread

simmer down bizzyboneizo, like i explained to Ringo, and i'll explain to you too. i was having difficulty logging back in to my account, + i go to school, volunteer and have to attend physical therapy everyday. when get home i'm exausted! - ya understand bizzyboneizo? - i CAN'T be online 24-7 hours... i barely had enough time to type that post, and 'respond' back to the "words of wisdom". I'm not the "forum type" - but i was recommend to this site. sorry, maybe i asked my question(s) in the wrong place?
 

Chan184

New member
Sep 20, 2013
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I want to thank all of you for your answers, advice and tips. proved, very valuable info for me! seriously, i really appreciate your help. but, i'm afraid, i'll most likely be "MIA" until i ready to plan my trip! - once again, thanks guys.
 

Ringo

On Vacation!
Mar 6, 2003
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Thanks for getting back to us Chan. I'm sure that some will be able to provide better information when you are ready.
 

Redscot

Member
Dec 10, 2004
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I agree with the consensus, physical barriers will be tough, but social norms will help makeup for some of them. One thing I personally find refreshing here is fat is fat, cross eyed is cross eyed, etc. There is not a lot of political correctness, and once you get past the initial western "omg he just called the guy with half a leg, Mocho" you see that in essence people are being treated as equals, not as some taboo malady that needs to be treated special. My own opinion, I am sure some may find it of poor taste.
 

PJT

Silver
Jan 8, 2002
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Suggestions of Living Locations

PJT wholeheartedly agrees one great common denominator in Dominican culture is the people's respect and caring for the aged and disabled. This environment has trained PJT to be more aware and helpful to those we can care for and the inner reward we obtain from doing so.

That said, it would be helpful to our new newbie to assist him with suggestions of locations that may suit his needs. PJT does not know the his exact requirements but would like to think a community or inner city barrio having reliable and often means of transportation and having most amenities within a short and easy wheelchair assist commute would be suitable.


Regards,

PJT