Tag: accessibility

The World is Now More Accessible Than Ever – Explore and Enjoy It!

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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!

Alaska Cruise with a Mobility Scooter

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  • Cruising near Sawyer Glacier

The first time I went to Alaska was 10 years ago.  Since it was the first week in May, it was not very crowded yet.   Today, you will find that there are more ships than ever before, so it is can be fairly busy in the cruise ports.  Don’t let that deter you!  There are lots of great excursions to take you away from the crowds! 

Below are the ports we’ve been to, excursions we enjoyed as well as information about how accessible the various places were for those in wheelchairs and scooters.

Juneau – We rented a car and went to a local park that a friend had recommended called National Shrine of St. Therese.  We didn’t actually go there to see the church; it was to enjoy the park.  The park was beautiful with walking trails that overlooked the Lynn Canal.  Seeing the outside of the chapel was a nice bonus as it was gorgeous. Unfortunately it was closed so we could not see the inside.  Oh, and just an FYI… Since they don’t allow buses, it will likely never be very crowded!

Location – It is in the Tongass National Forest, approximately 22 miles north of downtown Juneau. Address is 21425 Glacier Highway, Juneau, Alaska 99801.

  • National Shrine of St. Therese Chapel

After spending some time at the park, we headed back to Juneau to visit the Mendenhall Glacier.  Most of the tours had finished by this time and we had the place to ourselves.  It was great!  We were very lucky with our timing – as we were leaving, there were some other tours coming in.  

  • Mendenhall Glacier

Details and logistics for us in Juneau – there were 4 adults on this trip and the car rental company (Avis) is located right at the port.  We walked off the ship and across the parking lot – so easy!  I don’t remember what the total cost was for the car rental, gas and Mendenhall daily fee ($5 each is current price), but it was much less than buying four excursion tickets.  Plus, we had the added bonus of spending a beautiful morning in a park that didn’t have any other visitors that morning!

Wheelchair and Scooter information – There are actually some trails that are accessible for wheelchairs and scooters at National Shrine of St. Therese.  As far as the Mendenhall Glacier is concerned, there are 2 accessible entrances to the visitor’s center with lots to see in there.  Also, the Photo Point Trail and salmon viewing area can be accessed by wheelchair and scooter.

Skagway – We took the White Pass Scenic Railway excursion offered by the cruiseline.  The train platform was right off the ship, so it was really nice that we didn’t need to board a bus like so many other excursions we have been on.  This happened to be a really cold day and that turned out to work in our favor.  The rail cars all had wood burning stoves and we were toasty warm the entire trip!  They gave us complimentary bottled water which was a nice touch.  In case you are wondering – yes, there are restrooms on each car of the train.

It is 40 miles roundtrip (about 2.5 – 3 hours) and the seats are fairly comfortable.  The windows are large so you will be able to see out both sides of the train easily and take pictures. You can also open the windows to get better pictures.

Wheelchair and Scooter information from the White Pass website – All Excursion trains are wheelchair accessible. However, space is limited in lift-equipped cars.  Please let us know when reserving your seats if you or anyone in your party will require the lift to get onto the train.

This is a shot we took from the train – just to give you an idea of how close it was to the ship.  Everyone lined up by the yellow poles and then we were loaded into multiple cars at the same time. It was quick and easy.   In case you are wondering, the ship is the Norwegian Star.

  • View from the Train

Ketchikan – We decided not to do an excursion here.  We wanted to check out the town and just enjoy a slow-paced day.  We skipped the cruise ship owned shops like Diamonds International and tried to stick to locally owned businesses.  I can’t say for sure if the places we went to were locally owned at the time, but we believed they were. 

One of the stores we went to was the Dockside Trading Company (now known as Tongass Trading Company) and bought some of the usual tourist type of stuff – t-shirts, magnets, shot glasses, etc.  We then found a bar/restaurant where the locals were hanging out.  We had a great lunch talking to people who lived there and listening to their stories.

  • View from our Balcony

Wheelchair and Scooter information – Ketchikan is a short distance from the cruise dock.  It is fairly easy to get around with a wheelchair or scooter and you will be able to easily access most shops and restaurants.  You can also walk/roll to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and it’s probably less than 10 minutes from the dock.  There is accessible seating at the show in the front row.

I know a lot has changed over the years, but I have researched to make sure my information in this article is current. I hope this helps paint a picture for your trip to Alaska!