The World is More Open Than Ever with Many Great Accessible Travel Options

• If you already own a scooter or portable oxygen, it is important to know the policy and procedures for bringing that equipment onboard all the transport vehicles included in your itinerary, from planes to taxis to ferry boats. 
• Does that transport have a way to stow your scooter or wheelchair? 
• Is oxygen allowed on board? 
• Some airlines prohibit certain types of batteries, such as wet cell batteries, or oxygen cylinders. Airlines operate under strict rules, so there may be packing procedures to follow if they do allow the equipment. Keep in mind, most airlines need at least 48 hours' notice to make special arrangements and be prepared to fill out forms.   
• Whether you are headed for a cruise ship, hotel, or all-inclusive resort, double-check for wheelchair access at that venue, plus any venues you will be visiting on the trip.  
• Confirm that accessible hotel rooms, resort accommodations, or ship staterooms are available for your travel dates. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing fully accessible accommodations. And early booking increases your chances of securing a ground-floor hotel room or cruise stateroom near the elevator if these issues are important. 
• Check on the access to public rooms, restaurants, bars, toilets, the swimming pool, hot tub, beach area, and other amenities. 
• Are there TDD phone devices?
• How will you get in and out of the shower or bathtub? 
• Are there flashing lights to accommodate hearing?
• Braille room numbers? 
• Knowing in advance the scope of your needs gives you time to arrange advance rentals of any necessary equipment, scheduled to arrive when you do. 
• Everything from scooters, lifts, ramps, TDD kits, and special mattresses, including special needs cribs, is available for rental. 

• Take time to evaluate the coordination of your trip in relation to your ability to keep pace. What modes of transportation will you be using? Airplane, motor coach, train, ship, transit vans for ground transfers? Make a list, referring to relevant brochures, your trip organizer, or your travel agent to make sure you don’t miss anything.
• Now, make a list of your specific requirements. Be honest: what types of special needs equipment do you depend on at home? What do you use or need (or wish you had!) when shopping, sightseeing locally, dining out or going to the movies, attending concerts, the theater, street fairs, or sporting events at home?  
• Can you hear and see clearly without special auditory equipment or visual aids?  How far can you walk without a rest break? Are stairs difficult? Can you get in and out of the tub or shower at home without handgrips or other assistance?
• Whether traveling solo or in a group, travel is no time for roughing it or trying to “tough it out.” If a wheelchair, scooter, or portable oxygen will make your trip easier, place that item on your list. Many people who do not use wheelchairs or walkers at home feel more comfortable using these mobility aids for tours and excursions. In fact, most of the Special Needs Group’s wheelchair and scooter rentals are for individuals who only use such aids when traveling.   

When making the final bookings, be sure you ask the right questions, even if the accommodations or cruise stateroom are categorized as “accessible.”  For example...

• Are doorways wide enough for the largest wheelchairs?
• Do the doors open outwards or into the room?  
• Are all the public areas of the hotel, resort or ship accessible? Do you need to make special arrangements in the dining room to accommodate the wheelchair or scooter?
• Will the bathroom facilities truly fit your needs? Is the bathroom large enough for the wheelchair or scooter? Is there a roll-in shower? Grab-bars?
• Are there facilities for companion/assistance animals?
• Are there shopping and entertainment facilities close by if you are staying at a hotel or resort? 
• Onshore excursions or tours, does the van have a lift and method for transporting wheelchairs and scooters? 

 Simply put, don’t take anything for granted. 

It’s easy to arrange for almost every situation, and the world is wonderfully accessible, once you know what is needed, what is available, and how to find the necessary equipment.