Travel

Paving the Way to a More Accessible Future in Travel

2008-07-02T16:50:00Z

As the adaptive tourism industry grows and flourishes, many companies are jumping on the bandwagon to provide access and adventure for travelers with disabilities. Those that are not as experienced in offering adaptations can put your safety at risk, but those that have been paving this road for several years now are well-worth mentioning to honor their efforts toward bringing the industry to new heights.

Avis Rent a Car was the first in the industry to offer hand controls, steering knobs, swivel seat boards, and transfer boards to customers with disabilities in 2003. Five years later, most companies offer these special requests; obtaining them now is much easier than it used to be. Avis, though, is still the most dependable when it comes to booking cars in rural areas and offering the greatest variety of cars with either left- or right-hand controls.

Microtel Inns and Suites, with all new-construction facilities, was the first hotel chain in the industry to offer a brand-standard design of ADA accessible hotel room that guests could count on at any hotel they stayed at. The company also trained all their staff with “Attitude Accessibility,” and saw immediate results. Their bookings increased 400 percent in one year, and they’ve been ranked highest in guest satisfaction among budget hotel chains since 2002. In 2006 they added an upscale brand to their family, Hawthorne Suites, which adopted the same standards as Microtel.

Royal Caribbean is the king of the seas when it comes to access in cruising. Although the other companies have kept up in access, Royal Caribbean continues to raise the bar for access every year. Since 2002 they have spent nearly $10 million to improve access on every ship, including pool lifts, Braille menus, lighted doorbells, and grassy areas for service dogs. In 2007 they were the first cruise line to offer an all-deaf cruise. In 2008 they are announcing their new Celebrity line with the “Solstice” launching as the first of four ships, including the most accessible staterooms of the line (30), and the first automatic doors for staterooms.

SATH, the Society for Travel and Hospitality, has had a hand in the growth of every company you see on this page. Since 1976 SATH has helped train travel agents, write the ADA, and push access both in the U.S. and abroad.

Wilderness Inquiry has been offering adventure to people with disabilities since the late 1970s and has had a hand in not only adventure but land and river conservation and trail mapping and trail access as well. With partners such as the Boy and Girl Scouts of America and REI, Wilderness Inquiry has had great support in building its outstanding reputation for being a pace-setter in the adaptive industry.

Others worth mention:
Ability Centers – bringing adaptive equipment to cars since 1994.

Adaptive Sports Programs – many of which have been around since the 1970s or 80s; you pick the sport—there’s an adaptive program that offers it.

Handicapped Travel Club – encouraging people with disabilities to unite and travel since 1973.

Megabus.Com First to Have Wheelchair Accessible Double-Decker Bus

2008-06-23T23:43:00Z

Wheelchair accessible bus travel for people with disabilities has long been a mainstay in the world of public transportation. Except when it comes to one particularly enticing and romantic sort of bus. Until quite recently, disabled travelers hoping to enjoy the ride on a double-decker bus remained locked out of the luxury these buses offer. Megabus.com is seeking to change all that by becoming the very first bus company to make double-decker buses accessible to persons with disabilities.

Megabus.com is a subsidiary of Coach USA and invested in 17 double-decker buses providing access to those in wheelchairs. The company has already added these newly equipped buses into their routes in Michigan, Ohio, Missouri and Indiana with plans for expansion. The buses themselves were built by the Van Hool company in Belgium and were designed to adhere to all U.S. regulations.

The TD925 double-decker buses rise over 13 feet and have two-door access. Passengers traveling in wheelchairs enter at ground level through the second door. The buses have been designed with luggage compartments placed toward the rear, rather than beneath the bus, to create more passenger room inside, creating enough room within these wheelchair-accessible double-decker buses to seat 79 passengers.

Making a good thing even better is the commitment by Megabus to combine accessibility with affordability. A limited number of seats are available for just $1. In order to take advantage of this unheard of offer, passengers will need to reserve their seats well in advance. Once all of the low-priced seats have been booked, ticket prices rise back to more familiar levels.

Considering the rising cost of gasoline prices and the added expense of equipping a vehicle for wheelchair accessibility, there is little reason to wonder why Megabus has enjoyed a spike in service. The combination of affordable public transportation with the long-delayed satisfaction of finally being welcomed aboard the double-decker bus that has long been a mainstay of the busing industry makes the efforts of Megabus a most welcome addition. Booking for these double-deckers are accomplished on Megabus' Web site which can be accessed by computer, cell phone or personal digital assistant.

Kayaking Venice with a Disability

2008-06-16T23:14:00Z

Surprised and excited, I accepted the invitation to be the first ‘Point 65’ sponsored paddler. “Can I be a sponsored paddler if I can’t roll a kayak?” I asked.

“Absolutely. And would you like to kayak in Venice next weekend?”

“Would I?!” Although I have 12 years of paddling experience, I couldn’t believe anyone would consider sponsoring a weeble in a kayak. Paralysed from chest level down, I find balancing a challenge.

This adventure included a flight bound for the Bibione Kayak Gathering in northern Italy, just east of Venice; turquoise water; golden beaches; friendly kayakers; ice cream; and sunshine. I couldn’t wait.

To help with my balance in a kayak, I use a back-rest to give me extra support. It’s tricky to fit into any boat without a collection of extra foam and glue. I also use a kayak with good initial stability, to prevent me from tipping a degree too far and losing it. My own kayak is all fitted out for me, and I wasn’t sure I’d find a suitable kayak from the collection in Bibione.

A colorful arc of kayaks by the beach whets my appetite for getting on the water. I cast my eyes over the Point 65 kayaks, seeking one with a relatively stable hull shape (flatter-bottomed), and with a larger cockpit—just to make sure I’d be able to get out if I fell in. Luckily, the seat designs easily accommodated my back support, and within minutes, I was ready to join the group on the water. We glided into the sheltered lagoon, a bathwater sea, feeling buoyant with the atmosphere of Italy.

This was the first annual Bibione Kayak Gathering, based at ‘Camping Capalonga’ (www.capalonga.com), a fantastically wheelchair accessible base, with wheel-friendly cabins, sandwiched on a point of land between a laguna and the Mediterranean Sea. On one side of the camp is calm water, ideal for beginners or for refining techniques, and on the other, rolling banks of surf for the more adventurous.

The week begins with a grand event: the ‘Vogalonga’, a non-competitive, fun, 33km event exploring the alleys and corners of Venice. It is open to any form of non-motorised craft—kayaks, gondolas, rowing boats—anything goes.

The organizers of the Bibione Kayak Gathering, with Point 65, would like to encourage more disabled kayakers to join the event, and plan a particular focus on this in 2009. With its great wheelchair access, wide selection of kayaks to choose from, warm water, and the option to choose calm or more challenging conditions, it is an ideal event for either beginners or more advanced paddlers.

“Would you like to go kayaking in Venice next year?”

If you would like to join the event, anytime between May 30 and June 7, 2009, find more information at www.bibionekayak.com. View some of the kayaks at www.point65.com. If you have a disability and would like to join, please e-mail karen@inspireandimpact.com so that we can ensure appropriate support. For logistical reasons, there will be a limited number of places for beginners with a disability.

Accessible Alaskan Ports

2008-06-11T22:00:00Z

Summer is prime time for Alaska cruises, so here’s an update on accessible shore excursions and tourist sights in the major Alaskan ports.

1. Juneau
Located in the waterfront area, the Mount Roberts Tramway features roll-on access for the six-minute ride up the mountain. Although it’s difficult for wheelchair-users to see much during the ride, the view from the top—2,000 feet above the waterfront station—is spectacular. Advance reservations are not required, so it’s a perfect spur-of-the-moment activity.

Not to be confused with the tram, the Juneau Trolley also serves the cruise ship pier. This lift-equipped trolley tour stops at 13 attractions as it makes a 30-minute loop through the downtown area. Passengers can get on and off along the way or just stay on board and enjoy the narrated tour.

For a different view of the glaciers surrounding Juneau, hop aboard an ERA helicopter, the only Alaska helicopter tour that offers lift boarding for wheelchair-users. Their Glacier Adventure Tour features a 40-minute flight over the Taku, Dead Branch, Hole in the Wall and Norris Glaciers; plus a landing on Norris Glacier.

And for a prime whale-watching experience, join Captain Larry on one of his Auke Bay expeditions. Orca Tours offers a variety of accessible whale-watching expeditions with level boarding and lift-equipped ground transportation to the boat.

2. Skagway
The showcase attraction in Skagway is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, which offers a three-hour rail excursion from Skagway to White Pass summit. There is lift access to one rail car, which has two wheelchair spaces but no tie-downs. Best bet is to book this excursion through the cruise line, as those bookings include dockside departures.

The Klondike Gold Dredge also offers accessible tours with transportation to and from the pier. This excursion includes a tour of the dredge plus a chance to try your hand at gold panning. Most parts of the tour are accessible; for guaranteed accessible transportation, however, we suggest you book directly with the provider.

3. Ketchikan
There are a number of things to do dockside in Ketchikan, including rolling around Creek Street. Here you’ll find buildings perched on pilings and connected by accessible boardwalks in this former red light district.

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is also located in the waterfront area, close to the cruise ship pier. The show features lumberjack classics such as log rolling, sawing, chopping, ax throwing, and speed climbing, featuring level access and wheelchair seating up front.

4. Sitka
Don’t miss St. Michael’s Cathedral, which is located in the dock area within rolling distance of the ships. Built it 1848, St. Michael’s features a large collection of Russian icons, with excellent access throughout the sanctuary.

Last, but not least, the Alaska Raptor Center is a good choice if accessible transportation is available through the cruise line. Constructed in 2003, this raptor rehabilitation facility offers barrier-free access, plus the rare opportunity for some up-close-and personal face time with Volta, the resident bald eagle.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.

Accessible Trails Dot North Carolina’s Barrier Islands

2008-06-09T17:32:00Z

Known collectively as the Outer Banks, the barrier islands that run from Nags Head down to Cape Hatteras offer a wide range of accessible trails, boardwalks, and wildlife viewing areas. Truth be told, they are one of North Carolina’s best kept secrets.

Pea Island
Located just 10 miles south of Nags Head, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (www.fws.gov/peaisland) tops the list for both access and wildlife viewing. This shore bird nesting haven is a prime habitat for wading birds; if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the endangered peregrine falcon or piping plover.

The half-mile North Pond Wildlife Trail starts near the Visitor Center and winds halfway around the pond, out to an accessible viewing platform over the marsh. Half of the trail is paved and half is a boardwalk, but it’s all wide, level, and very accessible. The two-story viewing platform has ramped access to the lower level and a wheelchair-height spotting scope at the end. There are also a number of benches and resting places along the trail. It’s a great birding trail, but also an excellent choice for a leisurely nature walk.

Nags Head Finds
Further north, near milepost 12 in Nags Head, Jockey’s Ridge State Park (www.jockeysridgestatepark.com) is also worth a stop. This site features an intimate look at a large sand dune ecosystem, with an accessible boardwalk out over the dunes.

There is also an inaccessible interpretive trail across the sand; however alternative access in an all-terrain vehicle is available. There is no charge for this service, but advance reservations are required. Contact the park office at (252) 441-7132 for more information.

And don’t miss the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve. Just head up Highway 158, turn west on Ocean Acres Drive (at milepost 9.5), and follow the signs. At the end of the road, you’ll find the accessible Visitor Center surrounded by an expansive deck and viewing platform. Even though the trail around the pond isn’t accessible, this site is still worth a stop. It’s usually deserted, and you can get a good look at the biologically diverse maritime forest from the viewing platform. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the peace and quiet.

On the Mainland
Finally, save time for a stop at one of the newest accessible trails in the area; the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (www.fws.gov/alligatorriver). Technically, Alligator River is located on the mainland, but it’s just a short drive on US 64, so it’s a shame to skip it.

The trailhead is located just off Highway 64 at Militia Road, where you’ll also find an accessible pit toilet and a new accessible fishing pier. The half-mile paved Creef Cut Trail runs alongside the river and connects to a short boardwalk over the marsh. It’s a great place for wildlife sightings, especially birds, black bears, and red wolves. It’s a very accessible way to experience an otherwise remote wildlife area, and definitely a must-do on any Outer Banks nature visit.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.

Three Days In Seattle

2008-06-03T23:20:00Z

Three days is not a lot of time to see all the attractions in any city, however, with proper planning you can get in a lot of sight seeing during your visit. If you are looking for accessible travel then Seattle, Washington is the place to go. This city has a great selection of tourist attractions that are accessible, so matter if you are a sports fan, an art fan or a nature fan, this city has something for you.

City Pass
The most cost effective way to see accessible tourist attractions in Seattle is to buy a City Pass. This pass, which costs under $50, will get you into the Seattle Aquarium, the Woodland Park Zoo, the Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center, the Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour and the Museum of Flight. This pass can be purchased at any of these attraction sites.

The Seattle Aquarium
If you love marine life then you are going to love the Seattle Aquarium. This tourist attraction features marine life from both the Puget Sound and from marine ecosystems around the world. You can visit the Seattle Aquarium between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
The Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour is another wheelchair accessible activity that makes a great second stop after you visit the Seattle Aquarium. If you are interested in this cruise there will be a ramp that you can use to board and de-board the vessel. Crew members are available to give you hand if you need it. There are multiple levels on this boat, but only the first deck will be wheelchair accessible. Argosy offers other cruises, however, each vessel offers a different level of wheelchair accessibility, so you will need to talk with the cruise company before you head out to make sure you can get on and off the boat.

Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo is another great wheelchair accessible tourist attraction. Here you will find exhibits on the African Savanna, Temperate Forests, and a tropical rain forest. You will also find a great Zoomazium play space for kids and a tropical Asia elephant forest display. The zoo is open October 1 through April 30 from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and it is open May 1 through September 30 from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The Space Needle
The Space Needle, one of Seattle's most recognizable landmarks, is wheelchair accessible. You take a 41 second elevator ride up 520 feet to get a 360 degree view of the Seattle land and seascape. The observation deck is open Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until midnight.

Pacific Science Center
If you enjoy science then you will want to visit the Pacific Science Center. This center offers great interactive displays, an IMAX theater and a planetarium. You will want to time your visit so that you can see the presentations that you are interested in. The Pacific Science Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on the weekends from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The Museum of Flight
This is one of the most accessible attractions in the city. It is completely ADA compliant, it has elevators that will take you to all levels of the museum and extra wheelchairs are available at the Admissions Desk if you need one. This attraction is open to the public May 1 through September 2 from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and from 11 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. between September 3 through April 30.

Three Days In Accessible Houston, Texas

2008-06-02T17:13:00Z

Houston is one of the largest U.S. cities and home to a wide variety of accessible attractions. Many parks, museums, restaurants, and transportation companies are wheelchair accessible. A person who is staying for a three-day weekend could find plenty to do. Below are some popular attractions, restaurants and forms of transportation that are wheelchair accessible.

Wheelchair Accessible Attractions
No three-day weekend stay in Houston would be complete without stopping by at least one or two of these fine attractions. These are some of the more popular areas to go in Houston. What is even better about them is that they are all wheelchair accessible. With three days to spend traveling in Houston, you may even have enough time to try and visit them all.

Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is full of interesting things for a traveler to see and do. All exhibit venues are wheelchair accessible. Some of the exhibit halls include paleontology, gems & minerals, Texas wildlife, chemistry, Egypt, Earth Forum, and much more. The museum also houses Cockrell Butterfly Center and an IMAX theater. It is located at One Hermann Circle Drive in Downtown Houston's Museum District. For more info, please visit HMNS.org or call (713) 639-4629; TTY (713)639-4687.

Sugarland Town Square and First Colony Mall
There is always something going on at the Sugarland Town Square, which is wheelchair accessible by default, as it is paved. Sugarland is a small suburb of Houston that many tourists travel to. It is the city in which the original Imperial Sugar factory is located. While the factory is no longer in use, there is much more to offer in Sugarland. This city is known for shopping and dining. Events, such as free concerts, free movies, contests, talent shows, and more are often held outside at the Sugarland Town Square. For more information, please visit SugarlandTownSquare.com or call (281) 313-SLTS.

Kemah Boardwalk
At the Kemah Boardwalk, there is a variety of entertainment, including shopping, restaurants, carnival games, amusement park rides, boat rides, and more. The famous Aquarium Restaurant is located on the boardwalk and is lined from ceiling to floor with fish aquariums. The boardwalk itself is wheelchair accessible, as are many of the establishments. For more information, please call 877-AT-KEMAH or visit KemahBoardwalk.com. Kemah is about an hour drive if you will travel there from Houston and is located right on the Gulf Coast, which you will get a view of straight off the boardwalk.

Texas State Parks
Many of the Texas State Parks are wheelchair accessible. Houston is home to several of them. Texas state parks offer fishing, bird watching, wildlife observing, nature trails, and much more. For more info on Texas State Parks that are located in Houston, including free travel guides, visit Texas Parks And Wildlife or call 1 (800) 792-1112.

Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is home to a wide variety of animal species. It is a first stop for many who travel to Houston. From the lions and tigers, the grizzly bear, African wild dogs, and even the Reptile House, Bird Gardens, and Children's Zoo, the Houston Zoo has plenty to offer. Those listed above are not even all of what you will see here. Most areas are wheelchair accessible. For more info, please call (713) 533-6500 or visit HoustonZoo.org.

Wheelchair Accessible Restaurants
After all the entertainment, hunger will naturally set in. Houston has many wheelchair accessible restaurants. Here a few popular choices.

Irma's Southwest Grill (Tex-Mex)
1314 Texas (at Austin)
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 247-9651

Michelangelo's Restauranté (Italian)
307 Westheimer St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 524-7836

Hunan Village (Chinese)
3311 S Shepherd St
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 528-4651

Niko Niko's (Greek & American)
2520 Montrose
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 528-GYRO

If you are visiting Houston and did not bring your own transportation, due to travel arrangements or other circumstances, you'll need a way to get around. The two easiest ways for a person using a wheelchair to get around are through United Cab and through the Metro bus system. With United Cab, be sure to specify that you will need a wheelchair accessible vehicle when you call. They can be reached at (713) 699-0000. For more info the Metro bus system, call (713) 635-4000.

Sources:
http://www.irmassouthwest.com/
http://www.hmns.org/
http://www.houstonzoo.org
http://www.sugarlandtownsquare.com
http://www.kemahboardwalk.com
http://www.michelangelosrestaurant.com
http://www.nikonikos.com
http://www.hou-metro.harris.tx.us/
http://www.unitedcab.com/
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/parkguide/?page=houston〈=en

Touring Boise's Accessible Attractions

2008-05-30T18:02:00Z

Billed as one of America’s most livable and likable cities, Boise boasts a wide variety of top drawer cultural attractions. And the good news is most of them are nicely accessible. So whether you opt to spend the day museum hopping or decide to hit the streets and take in some public art, you’ll find something to quench your cultural thirst in Idaho’s capital city.

A Day in the Park
Julia Davis Park is the perfect place to begin your cultural visit, as three of Boise’s major museums are located there.

Conveniently located near the Capitol Boulevard entrance, the Idaho State Historical Museum (www.idahohistory.net/museum) offers a good primer on Idaho history, with a large permanent collection of artifacts from early settlers, explorers, and indigenous tribes. Access features include a level entrance, spacious galleries, elevator access to the second floor, and a loaner wheelchair available at the front desk.

Next door, the Boise Art Museum (www.boiseartmuseum.org) features a permanent collection of 2,300 works, with an emphasis on Pacific Northwest art, American Realism, and ceramics. Access is excellent throughout the building, with a level entrance, good pathway access, and plenty of room to wheel around the galleries.

Finally, don’t miss the tiny Idaho Black History Museum (www.ibhm.org) located in the historic St. Paul Baptist Church. There is ramp access on the side of this one-room museum, which features exhibits about the culture and history of African Americans, with a special emphasis on African Americans in Idaho. It’s one of only a handful of Black history museums in the nation.

Hit the Street
Downtown Boise is also worth a visit, as it’s filled with public art, family-owned restaurants, and unique shops. The sidewalks are wide, the curb-cuts are plentiful and it’s just a very pleasant area to enjoy at your own pace.

Must-see artistic works include the Basque history mural on the side of the Fronton Building, the murals on the fourth floor of the Capitol Building, and the windows on the Egyptian Theater. And for a good chuckle, check out Sidney’s Niche, a whimsical mural of a rat on a treadmill, which appears to be operating the escalator. You’ll find this gem on the wall under the 8th Street escalator, between Main and Idaho Streets.

Save some time to explore the Basque Block (Grove Street), marked at the entrance by Laiak, a stone and steel sculpture erected to celebrate Basque history and culture. The Basque Museum is also worth a visit. It features level access and it houses interpretive exhibits on the Basques and their history in Idaho.

Enjoy the Show
And if you visit in the summer, top off your cultural excursion with a performance at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. With plenty of accessible parking as well as a special area near the entrance for senior parking, the Festival Amphitheater offers good access for everyone. Other access features include a lowered ticket window, level access to several boxes, adjacent companion seating and accessible restrooms. In short, it’s a very accessible place to enjoy a little culture under the stars.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of Barrier Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide For Wheelers and Slow Walkers. Visit her blog at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com for access news, resources and industry updates.

San Diego’s Legoland Not for Children with Disabilities

2008-05-30T17:12:00Z

One of the most fantastic places on Earth is the state of California. So when I heard my cousin was getting married in Beverly Hills, I was entranced with the prospects of sandy beaches, palm trees, amusement parks, and Hollywood. So my wife and I decided to make a vacation out of the trip to attend the wedding. We packed up our 4-year-old son and went “off to Beverly….Hills that is.” On our vacation we decided to rent a car and drive down to San Diego and enjoy Legoland; we skipped Disney on this trip only because we felt our son would not enjoy it as much at his young age. Because I am limited on space, you’ll have to email me if you want the scoop I got in Beverly Hills or just watch TMZ.

We’ll talk about Legoland, because that’s a place catering to kids. Let me come right out and say a couple things about Legoland. Over the two days we spent at the park, I continually saw adults with disabilities and their families using manual and power chairs and canes and sign language interpreters; I saw them all. But did you notice I said “adults with disabilities” not “children with disabilities.” I just could not believe my ears when they said there were no accessible rides but that made total sense to me because there were few to no children with disabilities at the park.

In other words, you must stand, lift and transfer for every ride. There is nothing in the park that allows a chair user to tie-down. This being said, I understood how that fact would affect a young child, not to mention the stress from lifting and transferring that is put on any parent, guardian, or personal attendant. A good thing they provide is the ability to skip the line and get directly on the ride. This is done by filling out an appointment card that allows you to pick a time, and the Legoland crew will be ready for you. I like this system even though there wasn’t always a need to skip the line. I say, “membership has its privileges.”

Rides like the Coastersaurus (rollercoaster), Sky Cruiser, The Dragon, Bionicle Blaster, and others can be accessed with a lift and transfer and they are great for any child meeting the 42-inch height requirement. Even the Kid Power Towers can be accessed fairly easily; however, on this attraction you have to sit with someone with good upper-body strength because you have to pull yourself to the top of the tower, thus the name “Kid Power” Tower.

Skipper School is a fun little boat ride attraction that actually allows the kids the freedom to steer without any underwater tracks, it really allows for freedom without the tracks. The one hitch with Skipper School is that it’s very difficult to transfer to the boats because they are so low to the water. Judging by the young staff working the ride, I would not have allowed them to help with any type of transfer. There are some exhibits in Imagination Zone that allow the children to play with Legos, such as the Duplo Play; with some help from an adult, this one can be very accessible. The Model Shop and Build and Test exhibits are fun and allow for interaction with other children.

The Hideaways play area and Fun Town Fire Academy have no accessibility but could have easily been built with some accessible features. In the summer the water rides are very difficult to access and the water play area is very lightly accessible, meaning you could roll into some of the area but not onto the slides, lookout areas, and ladders. The putt-putt golf course amazed me by only having nine of the 18 holes accessible (legal under ADAAG), but that’s kind of like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich without the jelly. Why they didn’t finish the job is a mystery to me but also disturbing.

Overall, I give Legoland two thumbs up for able-bodied visitors, but so, so sadly, two thumbs down for people with disabilities. That truly hurts to type. I just don’t understand why they didn’t consider making some attractions accessible. For example Disney has about 60 percent of their rides fully accessible, including captioning at certain attractions; at Legoland, I’m not sure they even know what captioning is. OK, enough said, let’s just leave it at “I’m perplexed,” My advice to you—try Disney.

Air Carrier Access Act Amended

2008-05-20T16:55:00Z

For more than 20 years, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) has offered disabled travelers protection from discrimination. That protection was further strengthened this month, when the Department of Transportation (DOT) amended this major piece of U.S. access legislation.

Changes include updated regulations that address new technology, the clarification of foreign air carrier responsibilities, and the addition of new regulations for passengers who use portable oxygen concentrators (POC). The resulting document is easier to read and eliminates ambiguities. Highlights of changes that could affect passengers with mobility disabilities are listed below. They go into effect in May 2009.

The new law legally extends coverage of the ACAA to all commercial flights to and from the U.S., including those operated by foreign air carriers. Additionally, it codifies access regulations for foreign air carriers.
Foreign airlines operating flights to or from the U.S. must also ensure that disabled passengers can move through the terminal facilities at foreign airports.
Foreign carriers are not required to retrofit existing aircraft for accessibility; however, they are required to include accessible lavatories, moveable armrests, on-board wheelchairs, and wheelchair storage space on new aircraft.
Employees or contractors providing airport wheelchair assistance are required to make a brief restroom stop (upon request) if the restroom is located along the path of travel to the gate.
The law was edited to require the “prompt” deplaning of disabled passengers. The DOT further defined the term prompt as meaning that an aisle chair should be available no later than as soon as the other passengers have deplaned.
The law also requires airlines to allow the on-board use of all FAA-approved POCs, ventilators, respirators, and CPAP machines.
The DOT changed the terminology from “attendant” to “safety assistant” in the section dealing with unaccompanied travel. Additionally, the criteria for unaccompanied travel was further defined for passengers with mobility disabilities as someone who is able to “physically” assist in their own evacuation. The previous wording was sometimes interpreted to mean that verbal direction was sufficient.
The law specifies the dimensions of the priority wheelchair storage space as being 13 inches by 36 inches by 42 inches.
Service animals are still not allowed to obstruct areas covered by FAA approved safety regulations; however, if the animal won’t fit at the assigned seat location, the airline must offer the passenger the opportunity to move to any open seat in the same class, that can safely accommodate the animal.
On flights over eight hours, airlines can require passengers with service animals to provide documentation that the animal won’t have to relieve itself, or that it can relieve itself in a way that won’t create a health or sanitation issue on the flight.
Airlines are required to provide physical help to passengers with disabilities at inaccessible ticket kiosks.
Finally, the new law stopped short of requiring airline Web sites to be accessible; however, it requires airlines to offer disabled passengers web-only fares that appear on inaccessible websites, by phone or another accessible reservation method.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of Barrier Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide For Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.

Adirondack Park Boasts Barrier-Free Backcountry Access

2008-05-16T18:00:00Z

Located in upstate New York, John Dillon Park offers people with mobility disabilities the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the pristine Adirondack backcountry. Developed as a joint venture between Paul Smith’s College and International Paper, this 200-acre accessible camping and recreation area features hiking trails, Adirondack lean-tos, kayak and canoe docks, picnic areas, and even a pontoon boat. And every last bit of it is wheelchair-accessible.

Hit the Trail
This backcountry site is located 1.5 miles off the main road, so it offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a crowd-free outdoor experience; in fact, it can only accommodate 50 overnight guests, and it’s seldom at capacity. Named for the former CEO of International Paper, the park incorporates two of Mr. Dillon’s pet projects: conservation and access. Composting toilets and solar power are the norm throughout the park; as are barrier-free trails, campsites, and recreational facilities.

There is level access to the Welcome Center, which features the park’s only flush toilet and a refrigerator for medication storage. From there, it’s easy to access the more than five miles of trails and boardwalks that circle Grampus Lake. The trails are covered in stabilized decomposed granite, and most feature grades of less than 6 percent. Accessible composting toilets and picnic tables are located along the trails, which makes the park an attractive choice for day-users.

Access doesn’t stop at the lakeside trails; the boat dock also offers excellent wheelchair-access. The dock is covered with low-pile carpet and has removable bumpers along both sides. Once the bumpers are removed, wheelchair-users can easily transfer to a canoe, kayak or other small boat. The end of the dock features ramp access to the park-owned pontoon boat. Additionally, fisherman can use the dock, as it’s equipped with high rails to help stabilize rods.

Camp Out
Of course the highlight of a trip to John Dillion Park is camping in one of their accessible Adirondack lean-tos. These traditional three-sided shelters are furnished with a fold-down bed and include a fire pit, a bear box, and a picnic table. Potable water, firewood, and composting toilets are also available at all sites.

All of the lean-tos are either ramped or built on 18-inch high platforms, for easy transfers. Best of all, if your wheelchair or scooter batter runs low during your stay, a solar powered battery charger can be wheeled to your campsite for easy recharging.

Bear Cub is the only lean-to with drive-up access. The other units are located in pairs along the trails, with the farthest one located 1.5 miles from the Welcome Center. Electric garden carts are available for transporting gear to the remote sites.

There is no charge to use John Dillon Park, but it’s only open to people with disabilities and their companions. The maximum stay is 10 days, and reservations are highly recommended. The park is open daily in the summer and on weekends after Labor Day. For more information or to make reservations, visit http://www.johndillonpark.org/ or call (518) 524-6226.

Enjoying Beantown’s Old and New: Touring Historic Boston by Wheelchair

2008-05-14T16:43:00Z

Long regarded as America’s “Best Walking City,” Boston can be a joy via wheelchair, too. It’s a city rich in history and full of sites that jump between the old and the new. And it’s all accessible and convenient if you do a bit of planning before beginning your Beantown adventure.

Why not begin your visit at the “Top of the Hub?” The view of the city skyline from the Prudential Center Observatory is breathtaking. Looking to the east, you’ll see the procession of planes that make their way in and out of Logan Airport. On clear days, they pass over Boston Harbor and the Waterfront in single file.

To the north, the sight of the Longfellow Bridge, Hatch Shell, Public Garden, Beacon Hill, Museum of Science, and the Charles River contrast with the historic Back Bay brownstones and Government Center skyscrapers. Off in the distance, and just around a curve in the river to the west, the crimson spires of Harvard University and Cambridge rise above the horizon.

And looking to the south, it’s easy to spot Fenway Park’s legendary Green Monster forming a barrier between the Lansdowne Street revelers and the thousands of members of Red Sox Nation who gather to watch the team play well into October each year.

If you are in a wheelchair, the view of the city from the Observatory is completely free!

After seeing Boston’s highlights from above, exit the Prudential Center at street level and board a Duck Boat for a unique, highly spirited tour on a converted military amphibious craft. You’ll cruise by all the sites that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts from the gold-domed State House to the Old North Church, fashionable Newbury Street, Faneuil Hall, and Quincy Market. The 80-minute tour won’t end until after you’ve splashed into the Charles River and motored past the teams of college sailors and rowers who bring youthful energy to the Charles each day from sunrise to sunset.

Every Duck Boat is equipped to allow two wheelchairs to be strapped to the back viewing deck along with companion seating. Advanced reservations will ensure that the wheelchair lift is ready and adequate space is reserved before you arrive.

The red brick pathway that lines most city sidewalks is called The Freedom Trail. A roll along this 2.5 mile path will take you by 16 nationally historic sites, including the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill, the Charlestown Bridge, the North End, Old North Church, Paul Revere’s House, the Boston Massacre Site, Old South Meeting House, Corner Bookstore, and finally to Boston Common. It is a true stroll through colonial history.

The Freedom Trail is fully wheelchair accessible, and 90-minute public tours are available through the Freedom Trail Foundation. Private tours may also be arranged for companies, school groups, and others.

Boston’s subway system is called the MBTA, but you might hear it called the “T.” The Red, Green, Blue and Orange lines are wheelchair accessible (most stations and cars) and will take you to other sites including the New England Aquarium, Harvard Square (made famous in the movies Good Will Hunting and With Honors), the John F. Kennedy Library and Chinatown, as well as to many of Boston’s colleges and universities, including Boston College, Tufts, Boston University, and the Boston Conservatory of Music.

Discount fares for wheelchair users and their guests are available on the MBTA, and attendants are available at most stations to offer assistance and give directions.

After experiencing the sites of Beantown, why not end your visit at the place “where everyone knows your name?” You may not find yourself seated next to Sam, Carla, Diane, Woody, Frasier, Norm and Cliff, but you’ll find yourself among friends at Cheers.

The original restaurant and bar is located in the basement of the Hampshire House and is accessible by lift and elevator.

Useful links:
Boston DUCK Tours,  http://www.bostonducktours.comnew/
England Aquarium,  http://www.neaq.org/
Harpoon Brewery,  http://www.hharpoonbrewery.com/
Beacon Hill,  http://www.beaconhillonline.com/
Cheers, http://www.cheersboston.com/
John F. Kennedy Library,  http://www.jfklibrary.org/
Museum of Fine Arts,  http://www.mfa.org/
Spirit of Boston cruise,  http://www.spiritofboston.com/
Harvard Museum of Natural History, http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/
MBTA and Commuter Rail,  http://www.mbta.com/
The Freedom Trail,  http://www.thefreedeomtrail.org/
Greater Boston,  http://www.massvacation.com/

Travel Access: Study Reveals Significant Barriers to Travel

2008-05-13T18:22:00Z

The Open Doors Organization (ODO), in conjunction with the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), recently released the findings of its 2005 market research. The poll, conducted by Harris Interactive, is a follow-up to ODO’s groundbreaking study of 2002 on the spending trends and market scope of U.S. adults with disabilities.

The data showed once again how strong the disability travel market really is, with 21 million adults with disabilities traveling for business and/or pleasure in the past two years. While the volume of travel was roughly the same as in 2002, there was a jump of 50 percent in the average number of hotel stays and leisure trips. There continues to be a subgroup of frequent travelers in the disability community—20 percent of all adults with disabilities travel at least six times every two years.

The 2002 ODO study quantified how much adults with disabilities were spending on travel—approximately $13.6 billion annually—and suggested that revenues from this market could easily double if certain needs were met and obstacles removed. The 2005 ODO study, which employed an identical methodology, revealed the extent and types of barriers the majority of travelers with disabilities still experience. Among those adults with disabilities who have traveled by air, 84 percent said they faced obstacles when interacting with airlines and 82 percent said they encountered obstacles at airports.

Among those who stayed overnight in hotels or other lodgings, 60 percent encountered obstacles, either physical barriers (48 percent), problems with customer service (45 percent) or communication barriers (15 percent). On the positive side, many of the most common complaints identified by the study, such as heavy doors and lack of knowledge among staff, would not be costly to resolve.

In terms of restaurants, the study indicated that 71 percent of adults with disabilities dine out at least once a week and also showed a 6 percent increase in casual dining from 2002. Among those who eat out, 64 percent encountered barriers, the most common complaint being lack of space between tables.

The 2005 ODO study covered a new area of travel: car rental. It found that 20 percent of adults with disabilities rented a car for travel in the past two years. But a staggering 50 percent said they would be more inclined to rent a car if it were delivered to and picked up from them, while 36 percent would be willing to pay more for this service.

Figures on Internet use and on which destinations are most popular among travelers with disabilities will be released shortly. Neither topic has previously been explored, so it will be interesting to find out how patterns among travelers with disabilities differ from the general population. The ODO survey was conducted both online and by telephone between February 8-25, 2005, among a national sample of 1,373 adults aged 18 or over.

To learn more or to order a copy of the 2005 study, visit the Open Doors Organization Web site at www.opendoorsnfp.org.

Accessible RVing and Camping

2008-05-13T16:28:00Z

There are definitely advantages to turning to RVs for the traveler with disabilities of this great nation. Once the process of fully adapting your RV for your specific needs has been accomplished, you need never have to worry about wheelchair-accessible beds and bathrooms on your overnight trips again. Imagine never having to leave home without your own state-of-the-art wheelchair or scooter and wind up seeing the sites of a strange town in a decidedly untrustworthy rental.

Customizing an RV for those with a disability has never been easier. Tailoring these wonderful vehicles for the specific needs of those with a disability range from installing a lift where steps make traveling either a difficult or impossible to installing oxygen systems. The great thing is that modifying an RV for someone with a disability, in most cases, can be accomplished by the most competent of RV manufacturers or stores. If you will be needing a full-scale motorized bed, but believe this is too much to expect, simply ask around. Your town may not have any equipped to perform this special service, but there are plenty of other who can. Once you've got all these modifications complete, it is time to choose a destination.

Choosing a Destination
Fortunately, nearly every RV camp is already prepared for the needs of someone with a disability, but that doesn't mean you can expect to just pull in and automatically have all your needs met. The fact is, your RV vehicle is the least of your concerns, since you can make sure, provided you have enough resources, that your rig is fully equipped to meet any concern. The real problem comes when you park the recreational vehicle. Here are a few issues to look into before you settle on a destination:

Is there proper medical care available nearby in case of an emergency?
Is there is pharmacy nearby that will fill your prescriptions with no hassle?
Can you easily refill supplies you may need such as oxygen tanks or a wheelchair battery?
Are the RV sites level and flat?
Are the RV sites overloaded with gravel or anything else that makes wheelchair transport uncomfortable or even impossible?

The Midwest
Where are the great places to take your RV modified for your disability in America? You might want to consider America's heartland. In addition to natural beauty that is prime for camping, if you so desire, middle America also offers any number of fascinating tourist destinations. The first place to begin might very well be the birthplace of RVs. Forest City, Iowa, offers up a kind of mecca that every RV enthusiast should take in at least once: a tour of the Winnebago factory. Can you think of a better place to get all your unanswered questions about how to make your experience as an RV-er with a disability complete? Afterwards, you may want to visit Winterset, Iowa, and take in those covered bridges made famous in the book and movie The Bridges of Madison County.

Once you finish the Winnebago tour, why not set up shop in the only town in America named after what might well have been your boyfriend hero? Metropolis, Illinois, bills itself as Superman's Hometown and a bronze statue over 15-feet tall will greet you as you drive through the city. Metropolis also features a newspaper called The Daily Planet and an old-fashioned phone booth that has Superman on the other line when you pick up the receiver.

Next on your RV tour should be Indiana where you can visit not only James Dean's hometown of Fairmount, but, at the other end of the fame spectrum, the John Dillinger Museum in Hammond. In fact, the heartland of America produced a seemingly endless number of both the famous and the infamous that makes a visit in your recreational vehicle worthwhile. Did you know that the town of Omaha, Nebraska, produced Henry Fonda, Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift? Must have been something in the water.

The one thing you do have to be careful about before deciding to visit middle America in your RV is the weather. The best time to make travel plans in this region of the country is from late spring to very early fall.

Babyboomer Travel Trends

2008-05-13T16:10:00Z

Rhonda and Lee live an exciting lifestyle. Lee "retired" two years ago and despite the fact that Rhonda has a disabling arthritic condition, they spend way more time traveling than at home just looking at the wall and aging.

Lee and Rhonda are members of the baby boomer set, you know, those folks born right after World War II until about 1964. The baby boomers are an inordinately large group who, as they age, are changing the face of America. Nowhere is this truer than in the travel industry. Further, modern medicine is helping more people live longer as well as helping more people with disabilities take part in all aspects of life, such as accessible travel.

A major fact brought about by baby boomers is that they don't consider travel a luxury; they see travel as a necessity. Even with a disability, baby boomers don't consider themselves "seniors" until they are well into their 70s. They don't hope for accessible travel; they expect it. What this means is that people like Lee and Rhonda aren't comfortable associating with their parents. Group travel packages combining the two generations aren't going to be acceptable. An emphasis on education is a better approach for the travel industry to take in order to woo the baby boomers.

As it turns out, baby boomers are a demanding group, but the businesses that cater to them will do well because the baby boomers have a lot of discretionary income and will spend it for creature comforts because they feel they are worth it - and they are!

Baby boomers see themselves as forever young. Baby boomers want to have fun. Baby boomers want immediate gratification and part of the reason for this is that they try to do too much. Baby boomers put no constraints on where they go for travel.

Whether you are a baby boomer of a baby boomer with a disability, the travel industry is going to become more and more responsive to your needs large and small.

The baby boomers account for 25 percent of the population. However, perhaps you have a disability and think that your options are, or are going to be, limited. The facts say otherwise: you have clout!

Baby boomers with disabilities are a large part of a group that is 55 million strong in the United States and 500 million strong worldwide. Of the 55 million in the states, a survey from 2004 reported that they had a collective income of $200 billion, they took 32 million trips and spent more than $13.6 billion while traveling. Obviously these numbers cannot be ignored by the travel industry.

The trends for the future couldn't look brighter for the baby boomers with disabilities.

First, businesses have begun to get over their irrational fears of providing accessibility. They have found that it adds rather takes away from the environment and it's not just about profit.

Businesses are beginning to provide "intermediate" services such as greeters to help people "settle in" to a location.

Now and in the future, not only will people with disabilities be more prominently made part of the routine clientele, but those with incidental travel needs such as oxygen and walkers will find themselves with needed services and accommodations readily available.

In addition to other reasons for befriending the population of individuals with disabilities, consider the fact that they are extremely loyal and tend to return to those places where they have had a good past experience.

As you age and approach the time when you intend to increase your travel schedule, you are going to find that you can go where you want, when you want and how you want. You will be able to find any desired level of service and expect the options for you to only increase.