Explore & Enjoy a More Accessible World
The world is now more accessible than ever before. Twenty percent (62 million) of the U.S. population have some form of disability, and the number of these individuals is increasing daily. These people need to, want to, and can travel. Many wheelchair & scooter rentals are to individuals who only use such aides when traveling. Whatever your needs a world of travel awaits you.
I am an accessible travel advocate, certified by Special Needs Group, the leading global provider of special needs equipment for the travel industry. I have unique, specialized knowledge about how to help individuals with disabilities enjoy a wonderful, hassle-free and memorable trip.
Here are a few things that a I as your travel consultant will do to ensure that when your next travel opportunity arises, you are ready to go.
Plan Ahead - It's my job to know in advance the scope of your needs giving me time to arrange advance rentals of any necessary equipment, scheduled to arrive when you do. Your trip may include a cruise ship, hotel or all-inclusive resort, so I will double check for wheelchair access at that venue, plus any venues you will be visiting on the trip. Are there flashing lights to accommodate hearing? Braille room numbers? Booking early increases your chances of securing securing fully accessible accommodations, a ground floor hotel room or cruise stateroom near the elevator, if these issues are important. I will confirm that accessible hotel rooms, resort accommodations or ship staterooms are available for your travel dates.
Outline your travel needs - The first question will be 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? 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, let's make sure that we place that item on your list. Are you able to hear & 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 & out of the tub or shower at home without handgrips or other assistance? When traveling with a limitation or disability, full travel insurance for medical coverage abroad & trip cancellation insurance are even more important & I strongly advise it be included. I'll take the outline of your needs & ensure that each is met at every part of your trip.
Ask the right questions - When making the final bookings, I will ask the right questions, even if the accommodations or cruise stateroom are categorized as “accessible”, I'll verify. 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? For transfers or excursions I will make sure a suitable vehicle will be available for your travel dates & make sure the company is aware of your special needs.
Discussing these issues & tailoring your trip with the accommodations you need will ensure a wonderful, hassle-free & memorable trip.
