1. A good, everyday chair in Russia and Eurasia would be a folding, narrow chair. Push handles are almost a necessity as you will be lifted on many occasions. Use tubeless tires or bring along plenty of extra tubes and patch kits. Try to have larger front rollerblade casters installed. This will help prevent the front of your chair from getting hooked up on the cobblestone roads. Given conditions in Russia, most people choose not to take a power wheelchair.

2. Do not expect to stay in or visit the homes of wheelchair-using disabled Russians. Most wheelchair users in Russia do not have accessible apartments — apartments are generally very small and there are rarely guestrooms. There are exceptions to this, so extensive communication prior to arrival is recommended.

3. Unless you are independent and functional indoors and outdoors, bring along an attendant. It is possible to hire an attendant in Russia, but unless you can communicate well (and with consistency and patience) in Russian, be prepared for being over-helped and protected by the attendant.

4. Be prepared for all potential health problems by bringing medicines and any essential medical supplies. Medical resources are scarce and it takes time, effort and the right contacts to obtain what would be much easier to bring with you.

5. Though by Presidential decree, all buildings in Russia were to be made accessible by the year 2003, the current reality is that there are steps to get into almost all buildings — plan on being lifted up steps wherever you go. If you ask Russians to assist you, they will have no familiarity with how to safely lift a wheelchair up and down steps. It is most helpful to have an English-speaking Russian to give explanations on how to safely lift you up stairs. Also, do your part to look after yourself by:

a. Learning a few key words and phrases such as: "Don’t hold onto this; lift by the frame." "Be careful, I may lose my balance." "Let’s all lift on the count of three, —one, two, three lift." "Would you please help me?" "No, I don’t need any assistance."

b. Being assertive in showing people how to assist you. Sometimes too many helpers lifting on the stairwell can be dangerous. Try to direct your assistants and stay in control of the process.

6. The bathrooms in Russian hotels and dormitories have tubs that are usually elevated. Generally, a flexible shower hose is attached to the bathtub faucets. As there is usually a drain in the tiled bathroom floors, it is possible to take a shower by placing a chair in the bathroom and using the flexible shower hose. You may want to bring your own sturdy shower chair with you.

7. If you will be staying in a hotel while in Russia, you can expect the room to be very small and have two small twin beds. They look much like college dorm rooms. There is little space to maneuver a wheelchair. It is helpful to request a semi-luxury or a luxury room. These cost a little more but provide more room for a wheelchair user and sometimes the bathrooms are easier to get into. When you arrive at a hotel, and you find that your room is too small or you cannot get into the bathroom, ask to see other rooms, as some may be slightly bigger or have a different layout.

8. Wheelchair users arriving to the Moscow airport have noted different experiences with the aisle chair used for transfers to/from aircraft. If you are offered a small one, ask that a larger one from Delta or Scandinavia Air be used. You may be lucky and be allowed to use a different carrier’s aisle chair. Also, if you are traveling on a US air carrier, ask to have your wheelchair "gate checked" so it will arrive at the door of the plane when you are exiting the aircraft. If you end up using the small aisle chair used by Russian air carriers, be prepared for extra adventure. The restraining straps don’t provide much security and airline assistants have not received adequate training. On the way to baggage claim, there is a steep flight of stairs that the assistants will take you down in the undersized chair — it is harrowing and a good time to begin practicing tip #5 above. If you are traveling alone, make friends with one or two fellow passengers who can help maintain your stability and security while sitting in this transfer chair.

9. Finally, maintain a good sense of humor, be flexible, be patient and be respectful toward the people with whom you will be coming in to contact. They have much to learn from you, and you have much to learn from them!