Travelers with disabilities should contact AccessibleNicaragua (accessiblenicaragua [at] gmail [dot] com, www.accessiblenicaragua.com) before coming. Founder Craig Grimes, a disabled traveler himself, is somewhat of the authority on the matter.

Wheelchair-bound travelers to Nicaragua have reported the two most important things to consider bringing are toilet seat extenders and suction cups, and point out Nicaraguans will quite helpfully offer to help you up and down curbs as necessary.

Nicaragua’s descapacitados (disabled) get around with much difficulty because of ruined sidewalks, dirt roads, aggressive crowds, and open manholes. While Nicaraguans agree people with disabilities have equal rights, no attempt is made to accommodate them, and the foreign traveler with limited mobility will certainly struggle, but will no doubt find ways to get by.

The Los Pipitos organization, based in Managua with 24 chapters around the country, is devoted to providing support, materials, and physical therapy to Nicaraguan children with disabilities and their families. Los Pipitos is always looking for volunteers and support.

The Managua office is located half a block east of the Bolonia Agfa (tel. 505/2266-8033).