Travel Tips for People with Physical
Disabilities
Travel by its very nature is unpredictable; but there are some
things that you can do to help minimize the impact of the unknown.
Here are some tips to help make your trip more manageable and
enjoyable.
Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the laws protecting your rights to travel
in the United States.
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) prohibits
discrimination on the basis of disability, in air travel. This
law requires US air carriers to accommodate the needs of passengers
with disabilities.
Visit www.dot.gov/airconsumer
/horizons.htm to view the on-line version of "New Horizons,
Information for the Air Traveler with a Disability". Published
by the Department of Transportation, this booklet is usually available
free of charge from the PVA Distribution Center; however, it was
backordered when Access 2002 San Francisco went to print. Call
the PVA Distribution Center at 888-860-7244 to see if the print
version of this helpful guide is now available.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
addresses access to goods and services on the ground; at hotels,
attractions and ground transportation in the US. To learn more
about the ADA, visit the Department of Justice ADA page at www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/
adahom1.htm or call the ADA hotline at 800-514-0301 (voice) 800-514-0383
(TDD).
In the Air
If you are flying with a motorized wheelchair, bring documentation
about the type of battery your wheelchair uses.
Tape easy-to-read instructions about how
to handle your wheelchair in a very visible place on your wheelchair.
Never rely on word-of-mouth instructions.
Remove or secure any loose or moveable
wheelchair parts.
Pack a wheelchair repair kit. For security
reasons, it's best to stow this kit in your checked luggage. Airport
security personnel will confiscate anything in your carry-on luggage
that looks like it could be used as a weapon.
Carry all essential personal items such
as medicine and medical equipment with you in your carry-on luggage.
Do not pack them in your checked luggage.
On The Ground
When you reserve an accessible room, call the property directly.
Do not call the central reservation number. Make sure that the
property "blocks" your accessible room upon reservation.
This assures you that your accessible room will be available for
you when you arrive.
If you need any specialized equipment
such as a shower chair, an egg crate mattress, or a bed with extra
clearance for a lift; check with the hotel in advance to see if
they can make arrangements to acquire the equipment.
Make sure and verify reservations on all
rental cars with hand controls. It's best to call the rental location
directly on the morning of your flight, to verify your reservation.
Gather information on medical supply
companies, wheelchair repair and transportation at your destination,
well in advance of your trip.
Source: Access Northern California
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