Tips for planning vacations for the disabled

First assess your level of function, then try the Internet for help


12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, July 29, 2007
From Wire Reports Lynda Shrager, Albany Times Union

For more than 55 million Americans with disabilities, planning a summer vacation could seem like a daunting task. While the Americans with Disabilities Act removed many barriers to travel, it's still imperative to do as much advance organizing as possible to ensure an enjoyable trip.

First, assess your level of functional mobility by quantifying any issues you may have with walking, climbing stairs or hills, standing from a seated position, using your arms, bending and lifting. Then look at your vacation requirements to see whether you've made a reasonable choice. Tweaking certain parts may allow you to achieve the same end through different means. (If you can't climb the mountain, you can ride over it in a helicopter and get the same view from the top.)

The countless available Internet resources will make planning your actual trip much easier.

• The National Center on Accessibility (www.ncaonline.org) promotes access in the area of recreation, parks and tourism.

• Makoa.org focuses on disability information and resources and provides links to sites throughout the world that specialize in accessible tours.

• Log on to www.access-able .com for a comprehensive site that provides access information and resources for the mature traveler and travelers with disabilities.

If you're without Internet access, there are books on the subject, and most travel agents can refer you to agents specializing in travel for the disabled.

How will you get to your chosen destination? Airlines try to accommodate most people, but the more in advance you make your reservations, the better. The Transportation Security Administration (www.tsa.gov) has a large section on "Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions" and explains everything you need to know about getting through security.

Book direct flights to avoid changing planes, and make sure the ticket agent enters your status into the computer so others are aware that you may need extra help. Most cruise fleets include fully accessible ships, and accessibility on trains has greatly improved.

Now it's time to research accommodations.

Most major hotels offer accessible rooms that may include wider doorways, a lower sink, and walk-in showers and high toilets with grab bars. There are also rooms available for those with hearing and visual impairments. Speak to someone at the hotel rather than the central booking office and ask exactly what the accommodations are and where the room is in relation to the restaurant, elevator, pool, etc.

Research ahead how you will get to local attractions. Use the following tips to organize your vacation:

• Accessible Vans of America (1-888-282-8267) and Wheelchair Getaways (1-800-642-2042) provide nationwide wheelchair van rentals.

• For camping, the Freedom Tent (www.blueskydesigns.us/freedomtent.htm) features an improved zipperless access door, can be set up when you are in a seated position and has a large vestibule area to store equipment.

• Access a toll-free U.S. Department of Transportation hotline for air travelers with disabilities that provides education and assistance in resolving disability-related air problems (1-800-778-4838 voice or 1-800-455-9880 TTY).

• Check out www.beachwheel chair.com and view specially made beach wheelchairs with mesh seating slings and oversize tires that do not sink in the sand.

• Enjoy hands-free travel through the use of luggage delivery companies that pick up and deliver to your destination.

Lynda Shrager,

Albany Times Union

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