This is part of the Brejcha Personal and Disability Resource Site, and after reading this page you can Click here for a Menu . But for now, Welcome to one of my articles:
A considerably shorter version of this was originally printed in the March 29, 1989, Pittsburgh Press, Sunday Travel Section, under the title of "Well-Laid Plans Best Offense for Disabled". I have added a lot of additional resources. Note June 14, 2008: this was last updated in 1996, so some phone numbers may have changed. But, also check my page below.
Copyright 1996: F. Alexander Brejcha
There is one part of the American dream that most people share: the vacation. Not everyone has the time or the money to actually "go on vacation", but it is something often planned or dreamed about, and usually indulged in to some extent. Even a weekend trip to the shore or the mountains is a break from the tedium of everyday existence. But an increasing number of people don't even dare dream of such an escape, not even of modest trips by car, because of the misconception that they are not meant for such enjoyment.
They are individuals with physical disabilities.
They may not go because they honestly believe they can not, or they may not go because their families leave them at home for the same reason. Both reasons are nonsense. All that is needed is some careful advance planning.
Where To Begin:
Decide what type of travel you are planning. Is the trip for a specific purpose? Will you travel by yourself, or with family or friends? Or, do you want to go all out and take a "vacation"? In the latter case, there are agencies and pre-planned tours available that handle all necessary arrangements, but for that very reason they are not cheap.
Such tours ideally locate accessible transportation, housing and sight-seeing, and should be geared for those with severe handicaps to assure comfort and enjoyment by all participating travelers. Ask specific questions before making a commitment, and, if necessary, get advice from resource groups for physically disabled before finalizing your plans. But if your trip is not the traditional vacation one, if the cost of such organized trips is prohibitive, or if you just simply prefer to make your own arrangements, here are some considerations to keep in mind.
Travel Arrangements and Transportation:
Decide on a destination, and pick a couple of alternatives in case your first choice presents problems.
Next, decide how you intend to travel, and be honest in your assessment of how severe a disability you are dealing with. For instance, someone on crutches or a walker will not be severely restricted in terms of mode of travel or lodgings, and the only precautions needed may be those involving medications and supplies. On the other hand, someone in a wheelchair will have to cope with a whole host of barriers that have to be anticipated and circumvented.
In terms of domestic travel, there are a number of options. For those whose disabilities allow it, Greyhound Bus Lines has a "Helping Hands" program, where an attendant can accompany a physically disabled traveler for free (contact Greyhound for details).
Major airlines can accommodate even wheelchair-bound travelers if arrangements are made beforehand -- both for domestic and international travel -- with only a few restrictions. For instance, with powered wheelchairs, acid batteries are normally not allowed. Instead, gel batteries are often required for the sake of safety. A little known regulation to help travelers with their own collapsible wheelchairs is the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986. Travelers who arrived at their destinations -- only to discover their wheelchairs went elsewhere -- take heart. There are provisions in this act that allow the traveler to bring the wheelchair directly to the plane to be stowed in an onboard closet. Call ahead and be sure to check on this before your flight. Another provision states that major carriers should have an aisle chair for travelers with a disability to allow rest-room access if they are ambulatory, and transfer capability if brought onboard with a transfer chair. Again -- call ahead!
To make arrangements, contact the "800" reservations number of a particular airline, explain your needs, and ask for a referral to an agent who can help meet them. In some cases, you may be given a Consumer Affairs number to call if the 800 reservations agents are unable to handle all questions. Major airlines will have attendants available to help transfer travelers onto and off the plane, though not to help during the flight. It may be necessary to have an attendant accompany the disabled traveler, depending on his or her needs. Once you have made a detailed list of your requirements, call around and inquire (see "Medical Preparations" below, also).
As for transportation: once you get to your destination, a number of major car rental chains here in the U.S. have vehicles equipped with hand controls available for rental if you give advance notice (see resources at end). When you call the reservations number, explain your needs and give your destination and arrival date so they can check if such a vehicle can be made available for you. If one chain can't accommodate you, just try another. A note of caution: be sure to specify exactly what you mean by hand controls, including a description, and specifying a spinner knob on the steering wheel. I highly recommend calling the particular rental office at your destination to speak to the manager, as well. Only they really know what they have available.
If your disabilities require more accessible transportation, lift-equipped vans may also be available for rental in your destination city (see the list of resources at end). Again, ask specific questions to make sure that the van will fit your needs in terms of tie-downs or hand-control availability if you intend to drive.
Larger car rental chains also operate international reservations (numbers are available from the domestic 800 reservations operators), and the same procedure applies. Here, it will be more difficult. Some destinations may have cars available, others may only allow your own hand-controls to be installed on their vehicles. However, if you cannot get help with foreign vehicle reservations, there is another option also. Contact a particular country's embassy and discuss your situation with the staff, or contact the tourist information officials for the country in question. With their help, you may be able to arrange such vehicle rentals, as well as get specific information regarding handicap facilities and assistance at various tourist attractions and hotels. Be sure to allow time to get all your requested information before finalizing all arrangements.
For those able to afford first class cruises -- because the cheap cabins are typically not accessible -- a number of cruise ships have had retro-fit conversions or are already equipped to accommodate physically disabled travelers. But here, very specific questions must to be asked concerning doorways, bathrooms and other needs. For one thing, are the ship's amenities and activities accessible? As in all aspects of planning a trip, research is vital! For further information about cruise ships, contact Tom Gilbert of the Travel Industry and Disabled Exchange, P.O. Box 15777, Tampa, FL 33684.
Accommodations:
This applies to both domestic and foreign accommodations. Regrettably, in terms of atmosphere, more picturesque and cozy hotel rooms will probably be impractical, and it would in all likelihood be safest to book into larger, more modern facilities.
In terms of domestic hotels, start by contacting the major chains (almost all have 800 numbers, see list in resources section), and follow up by directly contacting particular hotels in your destination city once you think you have found an accessible one. You can get these numbers (or addresses) from the reservations operators. The costs of such calling will be well worth it to prevent arriving at a beautiful hotel -- only to discover that you can't get into the bathroom! When you call, ask specific questions about parking, bathrooms, availability of shower transfer benches, hand-held showers, maneuvering space in the rooms, and any other issues that may be relevant. Speak to a manager directly, not just a desk clerk.
In terms of international hotels, the rules are basically the same. Start with the major chains and get first-hand information. Never rely on general reservation operators for specific information! And again, this is where contacting the embassy of a country is useful. There may very well be smaller, cheaper and/or more fun accomodations available. Just be sure to get details.
Medical Preparation:
Always bring a double supply of medicine and supplies. Calculate how much you need and then double it. Pack one half in a bag and carry the other half with you. Supplies and medicines in foreign countries may not be familiar to you, and you may not have time to replace any supplies or medicines if they should be lost.
In addition, have a letter from your doctor stating your fitness to travel and the exact nature of your disability. Include a listing of any medications you are on, and any potential problem areas. Cruise lines and airlines may require the former, and you want to have the latter, just in case.
For prolonged, international flights, bladder incontinence a factor to be considered with many disabilities. The chapters on this problem cover management issues, but for travelers, there are some additional things to keep in mind.
First of all, reduce your fluid intake six hours prior to your flight, and drink as little as possible during the flight. Next, immediately prior to your flight, void as fully as possible. For women, this is the ideal time to consider using the Hollister external catheter system. Just make sure that your transfer into the plane seat does not dislodge the cup.
For individuals managing incontinence by intermittent catheterization, I want to suggest another precaution. Find out ahead of time the length of the flight, including time on the ground, and then simulate the flight at some time prior to it. If you can last that length of time, you should not have any problems, though you may want to discuss using a bladder analgesic to minimize discomfort. However, as unexpected problems can always come up, I would still advise wearing an external catheter system. I would also suggest discussing this with your urologist, just to be sure. It is possible you can be given medication to relax your sphincter so that catherization is not necessary, and with an external catheter system in place, leakage will be irrelevant.
As for bowel maintenance: if this is an issue, I would recommend a strong suppository laxative the night before the flight to assure that your bowels are fully empty. Talk to your family doctor to be sure.
An additional precaution is to contact the International Association for Medical Assistance for Travelers, 736 Center Street, Lewistown, NY 14092, 716-754-4883. This organization offers worldwide medical assistance including medical I.D. cards, a directory of English-speaking physicians, and twenty-four World Climate Charts, provided free to members. The charts list climate, suggested clothing, and sanitary conditions in 1,140 cities throughout the world. Membership is free, but a donation is requested.
Final preparations:
I would also advise contacting local disability organizations at your destination and in your own area before you finalize any plans. I am continually amazed by the number of people who are affected by some condition, whether a physical disability or an emotional one, who have not sought out the support groups and organizations founded all over the country to inform and help just those people who need them but are unaware that they exist. Start by contacting rehabilitation hospitals. They often have support groups already going, and if not, they can often refer you to one. Also, contact your local county or regional governments. They will often be able to direct you. Even the phonebook usually has listings of various human service organizations, some of which may meet your needs. Internationally, consulates can often provide information on relevant organizations at your destination.
When you find a group or organization: talk to the people. Chances are that someone will have found solutions, information, and/or help that will make many aspects of life more comfortable and enjoyable.
The key is to take the first step. The resources are out there! There is no longer any reason to be a prisoner in your home.
Information:
Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association (EPVA). For information on the accessibility and convenience features of commercial aircraft, contact the EPVA for their free booklet "Ten Questions and Answers About Air Travel for Wheelchair Users" by writing EPVA, 75-20 Astoria Blvd., Jackson Heights, NY 11370-1178 or call 718-803-EPVA.
Travel Information Service, Moss Rehabilitation Hospital, 1200 West Tabor Road, Philadelphia, PA. 19141-3099, 215-456-9600 (Voice), 215-456-9602 (TDD). This service offers useful information packets at a nominal fee of $5.00 per three destinations. The packets are assembled from articles about your destination that have been written for disability-related magazines and organizations. Sheets with information and advice on planning for travel are also included.
Travelin' Talk. This network of people was organized by paralyzed veteran Rick Crowder and is expanding across the country and overseas to provide support for travelers with disabilities. Members share information on access within their particular community, and provide services when needed by travelers who have emergencies such as flat wheelchair tires, malfunctioning power chairs, etc. Membership is free, and a disability is not necessary. The quarterly Travelin' Talk newsletter updates members on resources and progress. Subscriptions are on a voluntary basis, in order to support the network. If you would like to join, subscribe to the newsletter, or receive the membership directory, send your name and address to Travelin' Talk, P.O. Box 3534, Clarksville, TN 37043-3534, or call 615-358-2503.
Adapted van rentals:
For travelers wishing that there was a place to rent a lift-equipped van, one place to turn is Wheelchair Getaways, Inc., BOX 819, Newtown, PA 18940, 1-800-642-2042. This organization is presently operating in 25 cities and seeking to expand into another 25 or 30 by the end of the year. While they do not presently have vans equipped for wheelchair driving, I was told that this is being worked on and will be offered in the future. They do have a fleet of 75 full-sized Ford and Chevy vans (and plan to have around 200 by the end of the year) which are equipped with power lifts, tie-downs, raised roofs, "great" stereo systems, and separate front and rear airconditioning and heating. They can carry either one wheelchair user and five other passengers, or two wheelchair users and three passengers. Rental rates vary but average between $75 to $85 per day with discounts of a day's free rental for rentals of one week or longer. This includes all insurance and unlimited milage. At least half of the franchisees are persons with disabilities and every franchisee is either someone with disabilities, or family of such an individual. For a complete listing of franchise locations and numbers, see Organizations, Travel, in Appendix A.
Another adapted van rental outfit is Wheelers, Accessible Van Rentals. 6614 West Sweetwater, Glendale, AZ 85304, 800-456-1371. Also expanding, Wheelers is presently based in 28 cities, including Maui, Hawaii. Call for current information and franchise numbers. Wheelers offers modified, hand control-equipped, mini-vans with dropped floors and ramps, able to accommodate up to four wheelchairs (including driver) with four-point manual tie-downs. Rentals are available on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, with 100 free miles per day included, and a per/mile fee over that.
Additional adapted van rental information can be obtained by sending one dollar for the "Directory of Accessible Van Rentals" to the Disability Bookshop, P.O. Box 129, Vancouver, WA 98666-0129.
Travel agencies for persons with disabilities
(this is a partial listing, intended only as a sampling of what is available)
Access: The Foundation for Accessibility, P.O. Box 356, Malverne, NY 11565, 516-887-5798.
Accessible Journeys, 35 West Sellers Avenue, Ridley Park, PA 19078, 215-747-0171, FAX: 215-471-9590.
Accessible Tours, 344 Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY 10549, 914-241-1700.
A-1 Cruise and Travel Center, Post Office Box 3800, Apollo Beach, FL 33570, 813-645-6699.
Canwee Travel, 533 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758, 516-798-7171.
Evergreen Travel Services, 19505 (L) 44th Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA 98036, 800-435-2288 and 206-776-1184.
Flying Wheels Travel, 143 West Bridge Street, P.O. Box 382, Owatonna, MN 55060, 507-451-5005.
Freedom Travel, Inc., Special Needs Division, 99-41 64th Avenue, Rego Park, NY 11374.
Nautilus Tours, 5435 Donna Avenue, Tarzana, CA 91356, 818-343-6339 or 818-368-5648.
Undiscovered Britain and Ireland at http://www.undiscoveredbritain.com is a commercial site for an excellent Philadelphia, PA, USA-based (local to me) agency specializing in travel to the UK and Ireland for persons with disabilites and/or mobility problems.
Whole Person Tours, P.O. Box 1084, Bayonne, NJ 07002, 201-858-3400.
Travel books for persons with disabilities:
Access to the World, 1986, Louise Weiss. An Owl Book, Henry Holt & Co., Inc., 521 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10175.
Directory of Aircraft Facilities for Disabled People, (information on the 41 carriers flying into Britain), from Access to Skies, 25 Mortimer Street, London, W1N 8AB, England.
Directory of Travel Agencies for the Disabled, 2nd Ed., Helen Hecker, Twin Peaks Press, P.O. Box 8097, Portland, OR 97207.
This book lists more than 350 agencies worldwide so that travelers can find a local agent, and, if necessary, that local agent may consult with overseas counterparts. 12.95 plus $2.00 shipping and handling from The Disability Bookshop, P.O. Box 129, Vancouver, WA 98666, or order tollfree 800-637-2256. For further information call 206-694-2462.
Frommer's Guide for the Disabled Traveler: The United States, Canada and Europe, 1984, Barish, Frances. Frommer Books, Simon & Schuster, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.
Handi-Travel: A Resource Book for Disabled and Elderly Travelers, 1985, Cinnie Noble. Canadian Rehabilitation Council for the Disabled, One Yonge Street, Suite 2110, Toronto M5E 1E5, Canada.
Handicapped Driver's Mobility Guide, The, American Automobile Association's Traffic Safety Department, 8111 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church, VA 22047.
New Horizons for the Air Traveler with a Disability, U.S. Department of Transportation.
This 30-page pamphlet explains the U.S. Dept. of Transportation's regulations, and provides tips for travelers with disabilities. The guide describes rules on access, attendants, advance notice, seat assignments, cabin service and other subjects. Single copies are free from Consumer Information Center, Dept. 608-Y Pueblo, CO 81009. There is also an audio-cassette version available from the Department of Transportation Office of Regulatory Affairs, P-10 Room 92222, 400 Seventh St. S.W. Washington 20590, phone 202-266-4220.
Questions and Answers about Air Travel for the Wheelchair User (pamphlet), from Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, 432 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016.
Travel for the Disabled: A Handbook of Travel Resources and 500 Access Guides, 1985, Helen Hecker, Twin Peaks Press, P.O. Box 8097, Portland, OR 97207.
Helen Hecker is a registered nurse and frequent traveler who has put together this 192-page book to help those with disabilities travel. Mobility, hearing and vision problems are all addressed. It gives information on travel agents, health professionals, other travel books, magazines, and guides to parks and campgrounds. Special camps are noted, as well as hints on various means of travel. The access guides list hotels, motels and other facilities that have limited or no mobility barriers. Most guides listed are free. $9.95 plus $2.00 shipping and handling from The Disability Bookshop, P.O. Box 129, Vancouver, WA 98666, or order tollfree 800-637-2256. For further information call 206-694-2462.
The Traveler's Medical Manual, 1985, Angelo T. Scotti, M.D. and Thomas A. Moore, 200 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016.
A World of Options for the Nineties: A Guide to International Educational Exchange, Community Service, and Travel for Persons with Disabilities. Mobility International USA, P.O. Box 3551, Eugene, OR 97403.
Wheelchair Traveler, The, 1990, Ball Hill Road, Milford, NH 03055. For information, call 603-673-4539.
Wheelchair Vagabond, John G. Nelson.
Mr. Nelson is a wheelchair-using traveler with M.S. and a heart condition who has compiled a book based on his travels; including trip planning, vehicle choice, camping equipment and various travel hints. $9.95 softcover, $14.95 hardcover plus $2.00 shipping and handling from The Disability Bookshop, P.O. Box 129, Vancouver, WA 98666, or order tollfree 800-637-2256. For further information call 206-694-2462.
Phone Numbers:
Auto: To reserve a car with hand controls:
Avis: 800-331-1212, Hertz: 800-654-3131, National: 800-328-4567
NOTE: Be specific in describing what you mean by hand controls, and when you have a reservation confirmed, call the number of the actual rental place in your destination city and speak to the manager specifically about the hand controls. Also, make sure there is a spinner knob on the steering wheel (I speak from personal mis-experience here).
A note. Herz Rental Car Company has just published a brochure detailing their services for travelers with disabilities, including hand controlled rental cars, TDD reservations numbers, and licenced driving companions for visually or physically impaired drivers. To receive this brochure write to: Public Affairs, The Herz Corporation, 225 Brae Blvd., Park Ridge, NJ 07656.
Train Travel: For the "Access Amtrak" brouchure call: Voice: 800-USA-RAIL, TDD: 800-523-6590, in Pennsylvania: 800-562-6960. To request a wheelchair or other assistance, call 24 hours ahead of departure.
Bus Travel: For Greyhound/Trailways accessibility information: Voice: 800-752-4841, TDD: 800-345-3109, Spanish Language: 800-531-5332
Air Travel: Tell reservations clerk of your needs when making, and for accessibility information and assistance call:
American: 800-433-7300, TDD: 800-543-1586 (in Ohio, TDD: 800-582-1573). Ask for Special Assistance Coordinator.
TWA: 800-221-2000 (Domestic), 800-892-4141 (International), TDD: 800-421-8480 (in California, TDD: 800-252-0622)
United: 800-241-6522, TDD: 800-323-0170 (in Illinois, TDD: 800-942-8819)
Motel/Hotel: Tell reservations clerk of your needs when making reservations, and for accessibility information and directories call:
Best Western: 800-528-1234, TDD: 800-528-2222
Hilton: 800-445-8667, TDD: 800-368-1133
Holiday Inn: 800-465-4329, TDD: 800-238-5544
Howard Johnson: 800-654-2000, TDD: 800-654-8442
Hyatt International: 800-228-9000, TDD: 800-288-9548
Inter-Continental: 800-327-0200, TDD: None
La Quinta Motor Inn: 800-531-5900, TDD: 800-426-3101
Marriott: 800-228-9290, TDD: 800-228-7014
Ramada Inns: 800-228-2828, TDD: 800-228-3232
Red Roof Inns: 800-848-7878, in PA: 800-843-7663, TDD: 800-843-9999
Rodeway Inns: 800-228-2000, TDD: 800-228-3323
Sheraton: 800-325-3535, TDD: 800-325-1717
TraveLodge: 800-255-3050, TDD: 800-255-9523
Westin Hotels: 800-228-3000, TDD: 800-228-1030
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