Tips For Travelers Needing Special Assistance
With the cold winter months quickly approaching, a warm getaway is something everyone dreams about! For those living with paralysis, traveling is not always something that is easy to get up and do without some planning. There must be some thought put into finding an accessible flight, hotel and transportation.
Joe Paladino, CEO of New Britain Medical Supplies, has found that many more airlines are beginning to notice the need for accessibility and comfort for those using a wheelchair or power chair. From experience, Jet Blue is a great airline that has the best customer service and provides the most comfort during flying. There are many airlines that say they provide these services for those with special needs, however, some airlines have had some very negative backlash about their ability to provide the best service. US Airways was recently fined $1.2 million by the U.S Department of Transportation for failing to provide adequate wheelchair assistance to passengers in Philadelphia and Charlotte, NC. It is important when booking tickets, to specify with the airline your needs and they will almost always be able to accommodate those needs.
When booking hotels, it is important to speak directly to the hotel instead of an outside booking agent. A person who works directly at the hotel property will know about the accessibility of the rooms and just how “handicap friendly” it is. Often times they will tell you it is fully accessible, but this does not always mean the same for everyone with certain needs. Often times, an accessible room won’t have a bathroom with a roll-in shower, which many people in a wheelchair need. Also, some showers have a shower chair that could not even fit your big toe if you tried. Make sure to get in writing from the hotel the specifics of your room and insist that it fulfills all of your needs to have a comfortable stay.
If your vacation stay requires transportation to travel around your destination, renting a car is always an option. Car rental companies such as Hertz, have cars equipped with hand controls that are available at no extra charge. This is a great alternative to trying to find taxis that are accessible for people using wheelchairs and power chairs.
Another option for travel is a cruise. Many travelers with disabilities have said that a cruise is the best option and the most accessible. A customer of ours has traveled with Royal Caribbean and had a great time. There are lifts for pools and hot tubs that allow someone who is handicap to use all of the ships amenities. There are some great booking options with agents who are knowledgeable in wheelchair travel experiences because they are in a wheelchair themselves.
Here are some booking options with agents who specialize in traveling with a wheelchair:
