The
world is now more accessible than ever before. Twenty percent (62 million) of
the U.S. population has some form of disability, and the number of these
individuals is increasing daily. These people need to, want to, and can travel.
If you’re part of that twenty percent, a world of travel awaits you.
Travel
professionals such as myself who are accessible travel advocates certified by Special
Needs Group www.specialneedsgroup.com, the leading
global provider of special needs equipment for the travel industry, have unique,
specialized knowledge about how to help individuals with disabilities enjoy a
wonderful, hassle-free and memorable trip.
Here
are a few tips from Special Needs Group to ensure that when your next travel
opportunity arises, you are ready to go.
Outline your travel
needs
Take time to evaluate the logistics of your
trip in relation to your ability to keep pace. What modes of transportation
will you be using? Airplane, motor coach, train, ship, transit vans for ground
transfers? Make a list, referring to relevant brochures, your trip organizer or
travel agent to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Now, make a list of your specific
requirements. Be honest: what types of special needs equipment do you depend on
at home? What do you use or need (or wish you had!) when shopping, sightseeing
locally, dining out or going to the movies, attending concerts, the theater,
street fairs or sporting events at home?
Can you hear and see clearly without
special auditory equipment or visual aides?
How far can you walk without a rest break? Are stairs difficult? Can you
get in and out of the tub or shower at home without handgrips or other assistance?
Travel, whether solo or in a group, is no
time for roughing it or trying to “tough it out.” If a wheelchair, scooter or
portable oxygen will make your trip easier, place that item on your list. Many
people who do not use wheelchairs or walkers at home feel more comfortable
using these mobility aides for tour and excursions. In fact, most of Special
Needs Group’s wheelchair and scooter rentals are to individuals who only use
such aides when traveling.
Plan Ahead
If you already own a scooter or portable
oxygen, it’s important to know the policy and procedures for bringing that
equipment onboard all the transport vehicles included in your itinerary, from
planes to taxis to ferry boats. Does that transport have a way to stow your
scooter or wheelchair? Is oxygen allowed on board? Some airlines prohibit certain
types of batteries, such as wet cell batteries, or oxygen cylinders. Airlines
operate under strict rules, so there may be packing procedures to follow if they
do allow the equipment. Keep in mind, most airlines need at least 48 hours’
notice to make special arrangements, and be prepared to fill out forms.
Overall, cruise ships are more lenient in
allowing oxygen, but some disallow certain types of oxygen. All require that
the oxygen be delivered to the ship, and that you have enough for the entire
voyage. Oxygen may never be brought aboard in your luggage. Requirements vary,
so check your cruise line for proper instructions. Again, documentation and paperwork are
required.
Whether you are headed for a cruise ship,
hotel or all-inclusive resort, double check for wheelchair access at that venue,
plus any venues you will be visiting on the trip. Confirm that accessible hotel rooms, resort
accommodations or ship staterooms are available for your travel dates. The
earlier you book, the better your chances of securing fully accessible
accommodations. And early booking increases your chances of securing a ground
floor hotel room or cruise stateroom near the elevator, if these issues are
important.
Check on the access to public rooms,
restaurants, bars, toilets, the swimming pool, hot tub, beach area and other
amenities. Are there TDD phone devices? How will you get in and out of the
shower or bathtub? Are there flashing lights to accommodate hearing? Braille
room numbers? Knowing in advance the scope of your needs gives you time to
arrange advance rentals of any necessary equipment, scheduled to arrive when
you do. Everything from scooters, lifts, ramps, TDD kits and special
mattresses, including special needs cribs, is available for rental.
Will road travel or car excursions be part
of the trip? Many car rental companies have vehicles that are modified for
drivers or passengers with mobility limitations. Check ahead to make sure a
suitable vehicle will be available for your travel dates. If you will be hiring
a car or van, make sure the company is aware of your special needs.
When traveling with a limitation or
disability, full travel insurance for medical coverage abroad and trip
cancellation insurance are even more important and strongly advised.
Ask
the Right Questions
When making the final bookings, be sure you
ask the right questions, even if the accommodations or cruise stateroom are
categorized as “accessible.”
For example, are doorways wide enough for
the largest wheelchairs? Do the doors open outwards or into the room?
Are all the public areas of the hotel,
resort or ship accessible? Do you need to make special arrangements in the
dining room to accommodate the wheelchair or scooter?
Will the bathroom facilities truly fit your
needs? Is the bathroom large enough for the wheelchair or scooter? Is there a
roll-in shower? Grab-bars?
Are there facilities for companion/assistance
animals?
Are there shopping and entertainment facilities
close by if you are staying at a hotel or resort?
On shore excursions or tours, does the van
have a lift and method for transporting wheelchairs and scooters?
Simply stated, don’t take anything for
granted. It’s easy to arrange for almost every situation, and the world is
wonderfully accessible, once you know what’s needed, what’s available and how
to find the necessary equipment.
I look forward to helping you with all of
your accessible travel needs!
Contact Me for more information!
