101 Accessible Vactions - Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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Travel Tips

Expert Shares 12 Tips for Finding Wheelchair-accessible Lodging
Accessible Travel Expert Offers 15 Tips for Navigating Airport Security
Expert Shares 14 Tips for Planning an Accessible Cruise

Expert Shares 12 Tips for Finding Wheelchair-accessible Lodging

Although it’s been well over a decade since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, wheelchair-users and slow walkers still have problems finding accessible lodging. In fact, according to a 2005 Harris Interactive survey, 60% of disabled travelers experienced problems with their overnight lodging choices.

“Finding an accessible room would be an easy task if every accessible room had the same standard features,” explains Candy Harrington, author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. “But that’s not the way it works in real life. In reality, two properties located right next door to one another may have vastly different accessibility standards, so travelers need to ask the right questions in order to get a room that suits their needs.”

In the end, a little advance planning mixed with a healthy dose of self advocacy goes a long way towards finding the appropriate room. Here are Harrington’s tips for accomplishing that task.

Never just ask for an “accessible” or an “ADA compliant” room. Instead, describe the access features you need. Accessibility standards vary across the country and around the world.
If you need a room with an accessible bathroom in Europe, ask for an adapted room. An accessible room only features a barrier-free path of travel; however an adapted room also contains an adapted shower and toilet.
In Europe the first floor is not at street level, so if you want a room at street level, ask for a room on the ground floor.
Make sure and ask about the availability of elevators, especially in small European properties. It’s not unusual for a property to have an accessible room that can only be accessed by a stairway.
If you need a roll-in shower, ask for one. This is not a standard feature in all accessible or even adapted rooms. Specify your needs.
Always call the property directly, rather than calling the central reservation number. Sometimes access improvements at a local property are not entered in the central reservation database.
Don’t be afraid to ask for measurements. If door width is a concern, ask for that measurement; and don’t forget to ask about the bathroom door too.
Bed height is not regulated under the ADA, so make sure and ask for measurements. Many properties are replacing their standard mattresses with pillow top and luxury models. These higher furnishings make transfers difficult, if not impossible, for wheelchair-users.
Avoid yes or no questions. For example, ask the clerk to describe the bathroom, rather than just asking if the bathroom is accessible. Be especially careful about asking yes or no questions in the Far East, as many customer service employees consider it rude to answer questions with a “no”.
Ask the reservation agent to fax you a floor plan of the accessible room(s). This will give you the dimensions of the room, but remember that access can vary depending on the placement of furniture.
If you have difficulty determining if a room will suit your needs, ask to speak to somebody who has recently been in the room. Employees in the housekeeping or engineering departments usually have a good knowledge of access features of the individual rooms.
Remember to ask the reservation agent if the accessible room can be blocked for you. If the answer is “no” or “usually”, then find another hotel. Remember, even the most accessible room in the world won’t work for you, if that room isn’t available when you arrive.
Finally, always trust your instincts. If a reservation agent hems and haws, gives ambiguous answers or sounds inept, call back and talk to another reservation agent or call a different property. When in doubt, always go with your gut.

101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers is published by Demos Publishing and is available from your favorite bookstore or at www.101AccessibleVacations.com. Visit Candy Harrington’s Barrier Free Travels blog at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com for more helpful access tips, travel news and information for disabled travelers.

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Accessible Travel Expert Offers 15 Tips for Navigating Airport Security

With the holiday season upon us, travelers are once again converging on airports en masse. During this time of year, crowds and long lines are the norm, and getting through security can seem like a challenge befitting the Amazing Race. Add a cane, walker, crutches or a wheelchair to that equation and the degree of difficulty increases tenfold. So what’s a disabled traveler to do?

“The best way to make your trip more comfortable is to learn your rights, so you know what to expect when you get to the airport,” says Candy Harrington, author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. “In fact,” adds Candy, “with a little education and some advance planning, you can have a relatively comfortable and stress-free security screening experience.”

With that in mind, Harrington suggests you remember the following points as you approach the security screening checkpoint.

Allow plenty of extra time to get through security, especially if you wear a prosthesis or use any type of assistive device.
If you can’t walk or go through the metal detector, tell the TSA agent. You will be hand-wanded and given a pat-down search.
If you tire easily or can’t stand for long periods of time, request a chair during the screening process.
Slow walkers should request a wheelchair at check-in. This will expedite the screening process as wheelchair-users are usually fast-tracked through security.
Keep in mind that you are not required to transfer from your wheelchair or scooter for any portion of the security screening process.
Canes and walkers are allowed through security checkpoints, but they will be inspected thoroughly by security personnel.
Prosthetic devices do not have to be removed for screening; however the screener will manually inspect the device and swab it for trace explosive residue.
You have the right to a private screening and to have a companion present during that screening.
You are not required to remove your shoes if your disability prevents you from doing so. You will however be subject to a pat-down search and your shoes will be swabbed and tested for gunpowder residue.
You have the right to have your medication visually inspected (as opposed to being x-rayed), but you must request this before the screening process begins. All prescription medications should be labeled and in their original containers. Those that are not to be x-rayed should be removed from your luggage and kept separate.
Liquid medications are allowed through the security checkpoint; however if they are in volumes larger than 3 ounces each, they may not be placed in the quart-size bag and must be declared to the Transportation Security Officer before the screening process begins. They must be removed from your luggage and kept separate from items to be x-rayed.
If you need assistance but are traveling by yourself, have your attendant or a family member obtain a gate pass at the check-in counter. Once they have a gate pass they can accompany you through the security checkpoint to the gate, or meet you at the gate on your return flight.
Sharp objects or anything that could be used as a weapon will be confiscated at the security checkpoint, so pack your wheelchair-repair tools in your checked luggage.
Syringes are allowed through the security checkpoint upon inspection. Although not required, it’s best to bring a doctor’s note when carrying syringes in an airport.
If you encounter any problems, ask to speak to a supervisor or call the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673.
In the end, patience is really the key for dealing with airport security; however, if you feel your needs as a passenger with a disability are not being adequately addressed, don’t be afraid to speak up.

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Expert Shares 14 Tips for Planning an Accessible Cruise

Cruising is often billed as one of the most accessible vacation choices for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. In fact, according to a 2002 Harris Interactive poll, 12 percent of disabled adults had taken a cruise in the previous five years, compared to 8 percent of the able-bodied population. Still, some cruises are more accessible than others.

“Unfortunately some people think that all cruise ships and itineraries are equally accessible,” says Candy Harrington, author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. “But,” she adds “although there’s certainly a high level of accessibility in the cruise industry, you can still end up on a very inaccessible ship if you don’t do your homework.”

Of course, it helps to know who to contact, what questions to ask and what access-related services are available. With than in mind, here are Harrington’s tips about how to plan an accessible cruise.

For best access, choose a large ship built within the past three years.
If you’d prefer to deal direct, contact the special needs desk at the cruise line, as these employees are the experts in all access-related issues. Alternatively you can contact a travel agent who specializes in accessible cruises.
Accessible cabins are in short supply so try to book at least 6-9 months in advance to get your first choice of sailing dates. Accessible balcony cabins on Alaska cruises sell out extremely fast, so book those as soon as they become available.
Don’t assume all accessible cabins are the same. If you need a specific feature, such as a roll-in shower, ask if it’s available.
Don’t forget to inquire about access to the public areas of the ship, especially those of prime interest to you. For example if you really like the nightly shows, ask about the availability and location of wheelchair-seating in the showroom.
If you’d like to enjoy the water, ask the special needs department if any of their ships are equipped with pool and Jacuzzi lifts.
When you book your cruise, remember to request a table near the restaurant entrance, but out of the main traffic flow; as this will make for a more pleasant dining experience.
Don’t forget about airport transfers. If you book your air through the cruise line, you can also purchase transfers from them; however, if you fly in a day early you’ll have to arrange your own transfers. If you purchase transfers from the cruise line, be sure and let them know you need a lift-equipped or ramped vehicle.
If you are planning to drive to the port, ask about the availibility and cost of accessible parking. Some ports offer free or discounted parking for disabled passengers. For example, all Florida cruise ship piers offer free parking to passengers who have permanent accessibility modifications installed on their vehicles.
Remember to request pier assistance when you book your cruise. Disabled passengers are given priority boarding upon advance request, and it really streamlines the whole boarding process.
If you use a power wheelchair or scooter, ask about the electrical supply on the ship. If it’s not compatible with your battery charger, bring a converter. For easier recharging, also pack an extension cord and a power strip.
If you need any special equipment, such as a commode chair or a shower chair, ask if the cruise line can provide it. Provide a detailed description, and even a photo of the type of equipment you need.
Ask about tender ports before you choose an itinerary. In some ports, cruise ships anchor offshore and ferry their passengers to the docks in small boats called tenders. In most cases the cruise lines will not tender passengers in power wheelchairs. To avoid being stuck on board, bring along a manual wheelchair for use in tender ports.
Last but not least, ask a lot of questions about “accessible” shore excursions. In most cases “accessible” means you have to climb the tour bus steps and store your wheelchair or scooter below. Sometimes it’s better to plan your own accessible shore excursions.

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