Although people with disabilities represent the fastest growing and largest untapped tourism market in the world, spending more than $13.6 billion per year in the United States alone, there are still barriers and hurdles to overcome. Traveling with a disability requires much preparation and fastidiousness on the part of the traveler in order to protect their rights, baggage, equipment, and overall enjoyment of the trip. Here are a few things that we take into account when we travel with our wheelchair and service dog.
1. Allow enough time for everything.
• Allowing an hour extra for everything is liberal, but perhaps not enough in many cases.
• Book longer layovers. Regulation depends on airport (30-60min), but there are always longer options. Allow yourself at least 90 minutes if you use an aisle chair or need a wheelchair between gates.
2. Make sure all your medical needs are taken care of.
• Research spare oxygen, medical supplies, medications and equipment suppliers in the area you’re traveling to in case baggage gets lost, supplies run out, or disaster strikes. National suppliers can help find regional distributors
• Have enough medical supplies for at least two extra days in case of delays.
3. Is your lodging fully or appropriately accessible?
• Always book over the phone to get immediate answers and support.
a. Microtel is the only hotel chain to guarantee 100% accessibility.
b. Larger hotel chains usually have several accessible room options.
c. Bed & breakfasts, condos, and smaller, privately owned lodging providers are not guaranteed to have accessible accommodations, although they may say they are “accessible.”
d. Always double-check crucial details such as shower size, door size, additional steps (eg: to back porch), and dining facilities.
e. If they can’t answer your question, ask for them to call back with an answer. You may have to follow up with a manager.
• Make sure to check if their shuttle is accessible if you plan to take it.
4. Make sure all your airline needs are taken care of.
• Wheelchair users are the first to board and the last to get off, and will need extra time accordingly.
• Always give the reservation agent as much information as possible before you get to the airport; whether you need a wheelchair, aisle chair, or other support.
5. Know your rights! (see [http://www.faa.gov:] print and carry with you)
• The airline is required to store one manual-folding wheelchair in the passenger cabin on planes of 100 passengers or more.
• The crew is required to remove their bags from closets to make room for your chair.
• If you run into uncooperative crew members to refuse to accommodate you, ask to speak with airport security or the ADA or disability travel representative that the FAA requires every airport to employ.
6. Include a supply of necessities in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers with disabilities are allowed one extra carry-on bag for medical supplies and equipment (in FAA rules).
• In case your luggage is lost, put your 2-day supply of everything in this bag.
7. Ask for the bulkhead or upgrade row (air, bus, train).
• Requesting bulkhead seating during air travel allows for ease in boarding and debarking, but also supplies more room for equipment. The airlines will almost always move other passengers from this row for a person with a disability.
• Busses and trains often have specified handicap seating, but if not, ask for the front or upgraded row.
• Although bus accessibility is varied, Greyhound is the largest bus company in the United States and takes pride in its accessibility. With a minimum of 48 hours notice you can request a wheelchair-accessible bus.
8. Make sure your cruise destinations are accessible (check before you book).
• Although among the most accessible options, always remember cruise ship accessibility is only regulated on the boat.
• Accessibility can vary greatly in different countries. There are often accessible options, but they may be harder to find. Be sure to do your homework before leaving for your trip.
9. Make a packing list of all your adaptive gear/permits/passes to avoid forgotten items, keep this list on your computer.
• Do this ahead of time and make changes as you go.
• If you’re renting a car, don’t forget your handicap parking plaque.
10. Know your discounts.
• If you travel with a full-time aid or attendant on Greyhound, your personal care attendant may be able to travel for free.
• Amtrak, also well known for access in recent years, offers 15% discounts to travelers with disabilities.
• Service animals always ride for free! Do not let someone tell you otherwise or charge you for this. Damage deposits also do not apply to service animals, only pets.
Andrea Kennedy started Access Anything in 2003 with her husband
Craig to help spread awareness about traveling with a disability and
marketing to those who do.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert =Andrea Kennedy