Posts Tagged ‘handicap’

Disabled Vacation To New York: Getting There Is No Longer Half The Battle

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

Many of us long for the opportunity to travel. We crave the thrill of going to new places and seeing new things. Ever since man learned to fly, it has become a much speedier process to go anywhere we wish. Just reserve you ticket, pack your bags and go. For people with mobility issues, accessible travel to New York has not always been easy, though.

It takes a lot more planning if you are disabled. Everything needs to be planned out in advance. You have to remember to think of everything possible to have an enjoyable trip. If you cannot get around once you are there, there is no point in going. Some with disabilities just do not even bother to try, anymore.

Transportation and accessibility issues can take all the fun out of a vacation. Attractions have to be able to accommodate those in need. Some buildings that are under legal exemptions are just not enjoyable.

While some companies, such as those that run airlines, have become helpful, some still are not. Your airline can provide a wheelchair and other assistance to help you. Some modes of transportation, such as trains and buses can be more problematic. The small cramped aisles are very hard to negotiate in wheelchairs or using walkers.

Due to the prominence of this issue, some people have made it their mission to help. You can find many websites online that can help you find the information you need for almost any destination. They keep information on the most accessible places to visit. Most also specialize in advocacy, to make more aware that disabled travelers exist.

Emerging Horizons, Accessible Journeys, Disabled Travelers and SATH can all be great sites to use. They keep their information as current as possible. They can easily help you find the most accessible places in New York or anywhere else. Whether you have to move slowly or use a wheelchair, they know the best places for you.

Another thing you will want to do is to make sure and let the need for some services be known ahead of time. If you inform your airline, they can have a wheelchair ready to help you, if you need it. This can really speed up the process and save you a lot of time. There is no need to sit home any longer and not enjoy yourself. Accessible travel to New York is no longer just a dream!

Aids For Disabled Travelers

Friday, March 19th, 2010

If you or someone close to you is disabled, you may have been put off the idea of traveling because of the increased difficulties. There are travel aids for disabled people, however, though you will need to do a bit of research to find them.

For example, most airlines offer special services for their passengers who are disabled. But you will have to confirm just what services are available. And, disabled passengers must let the airline know ahead of time that they will be traveling so they can be prepared. You will need to be very specific about your needs.

Airline services can include separate security check facilities, loan of a wheelchair and extra help to board and disembark, among others. Also, wheelchairs and other types of disability aids will not count towards the maximum pieces of baggage.

A number of accommodations are accessible to the handicapped, but this should be confirmed before reservation. If they offer airport pickup, you should confirm that you can easily board the transport. If not, ask them to provide appropriate transportation for you.

In the United States, as well as some other countries, facilities must legally provide disabled access. However, not all countries will have this requirement. If you are traveling elsewhere, there is even greater need to confirm all services and accessibility.

With regard to aids to mobility, you would be best to take yours with you, instead of renting. This way, you know you can use it and that it is of good quality. There are many travel wheelchairs on the market, for example, and these are made specifically to be easier for traveling and stowing away.

The good news is, the travel industry is becoming more conscious of disabled travelers and their special needs. More and more facilities are making sure that they are more accessible. There are even travel agencies that specialize in disabled travel. This may be the best way to make your travel plans, as they already know what airlines and accommodations are going to be the most responsive to your needs.

There are a number of websites that are dedicated to informing the disabled of places that are more friendly than others. You can also find a number of blogs for disabled travelers. These offer many personal tips to making your travel as best an experience as you can.

For anyone who has put off traveling because of a disability, there is no time like the present to take your vacation. With a little research, good organization and patience you can find the travel aids for disabled people that you need. The trip of a lifetime awaits you.