Cancun Access

My wife and I are planning a trip to Cancun and would like to e-mail with any one who has been there in a wheelchair. could you give us a e-mail address of a chat room or any people who may be able to help

Thanks,

Bob

Cruise Attendants

A young friend of mine is taking a cruise. She and her husband are both use 
electric wheelchairs. She has been told that they each must bring an  attendant with them. She says Maritime law states they must bring one person each. Is this true? Thanks for you assistance.

Scott

Travel Opportunities

I'm a stroke victim and can no longer walk. What opportunities could you recommend for disabled travel? All suggestions are appreciated.

Gulf Coast

My parents would like to find wheelchair accessible accommodations in Florida 
on the Gulf Coast for a month this winter. They need a a place near the ocean  that  sleeps with a roll- in shower.

Shelly 

Editor's note: Try this book: Wheelchairs on the Go A Guide to Accessible Fun on Florida's Gulf Coast. It includes 150 pages of accessible things to do on Florida's Gulf Coast.

$14.95 + Shipping
Access Guide Publishing, Inc.
14074 Egret Lane
Clearwater, FL 33762
Toll free orders: (888) 245-7300
Fax: (813) 572-0185
Email: wctravel@gte.net 

Ibiza

I am a wheelchair user considering a holiday in Ibiza with my mates. I am 19 and love to club and enjoy myself. Is this a suitable wheelchair destination?

Thanks.

Milan Access

Dear Friends:

I found your site quite interesting and very informative. I may have to make a business trip to Milan, Italy in the future and wondered if you might be able to direct me to potential sources regarding wheelchair travel there and accessibility of the city itself. Thanks.

Best regards,

Randy 

Editor's note: Here is one web site that covers a bit of Milan's access:
http://www.tour-web.com/accessibleitaly/infomila.htm

Hallstatt Austria

We are planning another trip to Austria but this will be the first time my 
wife will have to use a wheelchair. Can anyone recommend budget 
accommodations in Hallstatt suitable for someone who can at best climb a few 
steps? If not Hallstatt another near-by town.

Glen

Southern European Access

I am a Hungarian SCI quad man. I want to travel to with my family to Southern Europe for a week at the sea in September. In Hungary, there is no any travel agency that offers travel opportunities for disabled people.

Poczik

Access Queensland

Hello there! 

I am interested in hearing experiences of any disabled traveller to far north Queensland. My interest is not so much in accommodation, but in the accessible attractions (what I can see and do in and around Cairns and the Reef).

Thank you, 

Esther 

Boston Wheelchair Rentals

Hi:

I am having a big problem trying to hire a wheel chair in Boston, in
September. Can you give me any ideas? 

Helen

Editor's Note: Helen, try calling BCIL (Boston Center for Independent Living) in Boston at 617-338-6665. They should be able to provide you with a referral for wheelchair rentals.

The book "Great American Vacations for People w/ Disabilities" by Fodors has a section on Boston too.

Traveling with Service Dogs

I have multiple disabilities, which require me to be assisted by my service dog. I would like to be able to travel to Scotland and Australia, but I am uncertain as to the regulations in these countries about service animal access. Would you please help me to locate this information?

Sky

Editor's Note: Sky, entry regulations for animals vary for each nation. Your best bet is to contact the government tourist boards of each country you plan to visit. For example, Italy's Tourist Board issues a pet approval form that must be signed by a veterinarian. It must state the dog's health and vaccinations. France also requires a recent note from your vet that states your dog is in good health and includes proof of a  rabies vaccination at least a month prior to your trip. 

Be sure to check with the airline you plan to use for their specific requirements. Some airlines allow a small dog in the cabin. If your pet must travel in cargo, try to book a direct flight as it will prove less stressful for your dog.

Department of Transportation Now Online

I saw DOT, that the U.S.Department of Transportation now has a web site.

The site provides phones numbers  and addresses of government agencies where you can file complaints; along with links to Amtrak and Greyhound guides for the disabled; the text of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act; and proposed legislation, with dates and locations of public hearings. 

According to the article, DOT will remove the $2,500 cap on compensation that airlines are required to provide if they damage wheelchairs. 

Sounds promising.

Kathy

8/4/99

Vacation Near NYC

I am looking for a wheelchair accessible vacation by automobile within five  hours or less of New York City. I was  thinking of a cabin, cottage, etc. on a lake but am open to anything.

Thanks 

8/3/99

Parking in Europe

Can you tell me how to obtain a "international disabled permit" for parking in handicap spaces in Europe? Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Editor's note: Great news! European countries now honors disabled parking placards from the U.S. and Canada. The placards must display the international symbol for disability and state the name of the document holder. Prominently display your documents inside your car's windshield. This resolution, passed in 1997 by the ECMT ( European Conference of Ministers of Transportation), applies to travelers from EMCT member countries and  associated member countries.

8/2/99

Adult Strollers

Is there any where to rent a type of "adult stroller"? My mother is not in a
wheelchair yet, but does have difficulty walking distances. Obviously in big cities (such as Paris), walking is a must. I was hoping that someone makes an adult stroller similar to one for a child that would fold up like an umbrella and be made of canvas or something. She definitely doesn't want to haul a wheelchair around Europe for occasional use. Do you know of any such product ... and whether it can be rented?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Ann

Editor's note: Ann, try Convaid. They specialize in lightweight, compact folding pediatric and geriatric wheelchairs, & strollers that weigh under 20 pounds. Here's their web site: http://www.convaid.com/

If you look at the specs, some of the strollers have a capacity of 175 pounds so surely an adult could use them.

7/30/99

Wheelchair rental in Spain

Can I hire a manual or electric wheelchair in Spain? This is for someone who wishes to travel to Benidorm.

John 

Editor's note: John, I wouldn't recommend renting a wheelchair in Europe. When traveling, it's a hassle to go back and forth with rental equipment, and you can't be assured of a comfortable fit. The wheelchair repair places I was forced to deal with in Europe were not centrally located. I recommend renting a chair before leaving home and, if it's an expensive one, buy travel insurance for it.

The major Spanish cities have accessible buses, and Spanish trains between cities have great access. If you're renting a car with hand controls, both Hertz and Avis are good.

7/22/99

Heathrow Transportation

What is the best means of transportation from Heathrow Airport to Central London for two adults and two boys? One boy uses a wheelchair.

Sincerely Yours,

Luis

Editor's note: Luis, there is accessible public transportation from both Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport into central London.  There are also taxis available with wheelchair ramps.

Here is an accessible London web site that will help you plan your trip:

Access London

7/19/99

Accessible Van Needed in Boston 

Hello: 

I've been looking around on your site and it's the best one for  disabled travel I've come across so far, but I still can't seem to find what I'm looking for. I'm a quad who uses an electric wheelchair and I'm looking  into going to Boston. Is there any place in that area or some way I could  find out if they have accessible vans with hand controls you can rent there?  I really want to go, so I'm hoping this won't be an obstacle. If you can lead me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it. 

Thank you.

Michelle

Editor's note: Michelle, here are some reputable companies on the web  that can help you locate a van in Boston:

Wheelchair Getaways

Accessible Vans of America

By the way, check out our Travel Archives for an access report on Boston.

7/12/99

Inaccessible Ontario Camping

Woodland Park - Bruce County - Bruce's Peninsula - Sauble Beach, Ontario, Canada. This huge campground was not accessible in any way shape or form, nor were they willing to make accommodation - even for something as simple as reaching outside their office through a window to get the day's rent because I couldn't get inside. I had to go back to the unit and send my hubby to do it. Ontario has recently passed a human rights bill but it has not helped. The merchants in town don't have accessible stores either. Most all the stores up and down the main drag to Sauble Beach have huge steps (barriers). Merchants don't plan to do anything about them. Rather than the two weeks we planned, we stayed
two days. We spent the second day locating an accessible campsite and left.

Quint n' Lucky

7/10/99

Qatar Airways Rejects Disabled Passenger

My wife, and my 2.5 year old daughter, who has CP,  are traveling to Nepal. We
bought tickets from United Airlines to London and a connection onto Qatar
Airways (middle eastern airlines) to Kathmandu, Nepal. We are flying out
of Boston. She has a special wheelchair (actually a fancy stroller)
that we want to take with us on the plane. This stroller is like her legs.
The seat separates and can be made into a car-seat and the frame folds. When
we called Qatar Airlines to make this arrangement, their answer was , "Our policy
does not allow us to fly disabled people." I froze. I couldn't believe what
I was hearing. Unfortunately, this is the shortest and easiest route and
Qatar is pretty much the best option to get to Kathmandu. The local Royal
Nepal Airlines is not predictable. Other routes are extremely long flight
durations. Does anybody know regulations in the UK regarding access to disability
in regards to air travel. Any help would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Binay

6/20/99

Airlines Refuse Access

I am planning a trip from Israel to the U.S. I am in a wheelchair, do no walking, and I am finding that many airlines, such as Alitalia, refuse to accept me as a passenger. What can you tell me about this?

Thank you,

Dena

6/15/99

Europe Advice Needed

Hi:

My girlfriend is planning a trip with her friend in a wheelchair to Greece (Crete), Spain or Portugal. If anybody has any experience, tips or advice with these countries to give that would be really appreciated.

Thanks,

Graham

6/12/99

Alaska Cruise

Please e-mail me some answers to my questions concerning my trip to Alaska this month on the Cruise ship Mercury. I will be flying United Airline to Chicago then on to Anchorage. How does the Airline handle the power wheelchair that I must have to get around due to my condition and how do they get me up and down the gangplank at every town on our scheduled stops and first how do I get my chair from the airport to the ship. Are the buses made to handle wheelchair patients. Answer quickly; it's all going to happen on  June 18th. Thank you.

Chuck

Access in Guatemala

I am a student of ecotourism in Guatemala, C.A. and my thesis is about Alternative Tourism of disabled people in Guatemala. It will include the activities of ecoturism, ethnotourism, adventure tourism (rappel, rafting, RCT) and agro tourism. So I will like to know if you have any information about it or about tour operators that give that service. I will like to have your assistance and to know if you have any information about my country and Mexico.

Thank you very much.

Karen

6/9/99

Days Inn Warning!

I recently drove across the country in my van (I'm paraplegic) and booked
Days Inns along my trip. The Santa Fe Days Inn "lost" my reservation, even
though the Phoenix Days Inn showed it on their computer. The Davenport, Iowa
Days Inn had no roll-in shower or tub seat, and the handicapped parking
marking on the pavement could not be seen anymore. The Cleveland (Lakewood)
and the Syracuse Days Inns were simply retrofits of regular rooms, with tiny
bathrooms that had no space by the toilets for transfers, nor roll-in showers
or tub transfer seats. Every facility had only one person working, with no
one to assist and indifferent staff. I will never book a stay in a Days Inn
again on my annual cross-country trips, and I would rate them with Motel 6
now, with higher rates.

John

6/7/99

European Wheelchair Rentals

I am planning to visit Munich this summer with my mother, who is not  wheelchair dependent but she can't walk far. I'm wondering if there are  wheelchairs to be rented from Munich for our two-week trip in Munich,  Austria, and France. Or perhaps rentals in various cities?

Thanks for any advice.

Ann

6/4/99

Cuban Cocktails

We are going to Varadero in July and are staying at the Punterena all-
inclusive. We are wondering if you think we will be able to get good drinks on the resort like White Russians, Margaritas, Bahama Mamas, Dirty Bananas etc. These are some of the great drinks we experienced in Mexico and are hoping we could get them there.

Thanks,

Craig and Charlene

6/3/99

Accessible Stuttgart Motor home

Hello:

This is a site for our accessible motor home rental in Stuttgart, Germany.  It can be driven with hand controls. This site is in German:

http://www.gotchi.de/rolireisen/

It will soon be available in English at:

http://www.rolli-mobil.de

Regards,

Edgar Datene
71101 Schönaich W. Germany

6/2/99

Australian Book Update

I was just browsing the Net and came across your page. Very informative!

I want to notify 'the world' of the soon-to-be released update of our book "The Wheelie's Handbook of Australia." In 1995, we released a guide book on accessible accommodation options and tourist attractions around Australia for people in wheelchairs.

Our book listed more than 200 most accessible accommodation options and over 100 tourist attractions together with information on helpful organizations around Australia for wheelchair travellers and their careers.

Our new book  be published before the end of the year and will have more recent, up-to-date listings, which we anticipate will double the size of the book. We envisage that it will be a much-valued guide for travellers not only here, but from overseas who will travel to Australia for the 2000 Paraolympics.

My husband, Colin, himself confined to an electric wheelchair due the effects of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is presently touring up through New South Wales to Queensland to gather detailed information for the book. His background is as an entertainer, public speaker, writer, author and anything else he can do to achieve equality, quality and assistance to others, who may also have 'physical limitations'.

We hope that we can promote it via your site and look forward to assisting any travellers to Australia.

Warm regards,

Diane James

6/1/99

Van for Italy

Hi:

As an Association for people with a spinal injury here in Ireland, we are looking for information on hiring an accessible van for a wheelchair user in Rome, Italy.

Thank you,

Colm

5/31/99

Paris/Amsterdam Rentals

Is it possible to rent a wheelchair when arriving in Amsterdam, preferably at or near the airport, and returning it three  weeks later at or near the airport in Paris?

Tom

5/29/99

U.S. Disabled Parking for Visitors

During the last five years, I have visited  the U.S. twice, but I've never been able to find out exactly what I have to do in order to obtain temporary permission to park in disabled reserved parking space (except for National Parks). Can you help me solve this problem?

Thanks,

Berardo

Editor's note: Your best bet is to  display a disabled placard from your country of origin and a copy of your identification card stating that you are disabled. Disabled placards from all over the world are legally recognized  in the U.S.

5/27/99

Disabled Vehicle in Denmark

Hi:

I'm looking for a disabled car rental in Denmark. Can you help?

Thanks.

Editor's note: Try Hertz. Avis or Europe Car.

5/24/99

Germany & France

I'm planning a trip to Germany & France. Does anybody have any ideas where to start looking for wheelchair-accessible accommodations? We'd like to do the "Romantic Road" and then cut over west to visit the Alsace area. We prefer to stay in the country or in small towns. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Nancy B .

5/20/99

Accessible Cottage in Scotland

We stayed in the most charming wheelchair-adapted cottage in southern Scotland called Cherry Cottage; it's old, with thick, white walls, furnishings your Scottish
grandmother might have had, and a big, pastoral view out the back over a
valley with sheep. The nearest town is Bonchester Bridge, a village of about 15   houses and a pub, and it's owned by Kate and Niall Morrison, a  simply lovely couple. We can't recommend it--and them--highly enough. Kate  and Niall can be emailed at blacklee@blacklee.demon.co.uk.  Their web address is http://www.aboutscotland.co.uk/quince/cherry2.html

Also, we found it worthwhile to ask about wheelchair access at Edinburgh
Castle. The buildings don't look like they're going to be accessible, but
some have portable ramps, and the guards will take one in the back way to
see the Scottish Crown Jewels (which, incidentally, saves half an hour of
waiting in line). People couldn't have been nicer.

Nancy

Hand Controls in Switzerland & Germany

We are planning to travel to Germany and Switzerland this summer, and we are trying to locate rental cars with hand controls in either country. Where shall we start looking?

Nancy

Editor's note: Try Hertz. Avis or Europe Car.

5/17/99

Beach Resorts

Hi:

My husband is a para and I would love to go on a cruise to the Caribbean or fly to a location somewhere down there. Is there a place that has beach wheelchairs and paved paths to the beach that caters to people in wheelchairs?

Judy

Editor's note: Sandals in Jamaica reportedly has great access and beach chairs. See our Travel Archives section for a Jamaican access report.

5/16/99

Camper Van Rentals

Hello:

I am a  young French disabled woman. I have a project of travel and maybe you could help me. I'd like to visit the west coast of the USA in a camping car with a friend and the person who "takes care of me"(in french it's a "tierce personne", I don't know how you call it in English, sorry). So, I'd like to find information about the possibilities of travelling by air from Paris to one of the west coast cities and where we can find an accessible camping car.

Thanks for any information.

Best regards,

Catherine

Editor's note: Try El Monte RV, 12818 Firestone Blvd. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, Phone: 888-337-2216.

5/14/99

Portable Hoist

A portable hoist is now required to enable me to holiday with my husband. Does anyone have any info?

5/9/99

Cuba

Hi:

Here in Canada we are not subject to the Cuban embargo, so would you have
any info on travels for persons in wheelchairs going to Cuba?

You have a grand site.

Thank you,

Patrick

Editor's note: See our Travel Archives section for Cuban Holiday by Mary MacDonald.

5/5/99

L.A. Dreaming

I am planning to go to Los Angeles in July for a week with my attendant. I use a motorized wheelchair. Am leaving from Bathurst, NB, Canada and going by airplane. Have any suggestions?

Marco

Editor's note: Check our Travel Archives for an access report on Los Angeles.

5/4/99

Grand Princess Cruise Report

I cruised on the maiden voyage of the Grand Princess in May 1998. Although there is good wheelchair access on board, there are also many problems and certainly it is not the most accessible ship we have used. Also the  staff is (or at least was) poorly trained regarding the needs of people with disabilities, and some promised amenities were not present. Sight lines in the Princess theater VERY bad for wheelchair users, and the staff was not very helpful. Bathroom access in the cabin was OK, but there was no cut-out under the sink in bathroom, the shower controls were difficult to use, and the promised raised toilet seat did not fit the toilet. There were pretty good accessible toilets in the public areas though.

As far as tours, we investigated a company in Italy that had w/c vans, accessible boats in Venice, etc. but it was VERY expensive. I will try to find their e-mail address again, but think I discarded it. You might try searching under "Italy" and "Accessible" or "Access" as key words.

We took cabs almost everywhere. If you can transfer, this is the way to go, but don't expect to find English speaking cab drivers in most of these ports. You can get a long way with a good guidebook that has maps and lots of pointing and gesturing though! Forget the ship tours as they are all on tour buses. We had five  in our party and lifted my mom in and out of the bus several times, but this was very difficult and the tour operators are not allowed to help. The ship might be able to arrange a car with an English-speaking guide for you, although these are going to cost more. In Istanbul, the people were very friendly, but caution you that they may not allow a wheelchair into most mosques. Many cabs there had extra gas tanks taking up the trunk, so check this out BEFORE transferring into the cab to be sure they can carry your chair too. Kusadasi is pretty accessible, but Ephesus is not at all...I would avoid this trip as you cannot see anything from the road. Athens is also not very accessible; I would stick to a driving trip only here. You can see a lot from a bus or car here though, and could get out and look around at several places such as the old market place, Olympic
stadium, etc. We tried Pompeii....it was a disaster with plenty of ruts just the right size to catch a wheel or caster, steep long ramps, and only stairs for the exit. I suggest a drive down the Amalfi coast there or just explore on foot from the dock...it is right downtown in Naples. Venice is poorly accessible. Most bridges have stairs. Stick to boats if you travel here at all, and that will also require assistance as we saw none that were fully accessible without lifting the chair and person in and out of the boat with several people. Cannot walk from the ship docking area here either.  Florence would be worth getting a cab to the train station and trying a train...I understand it is pretty accessible and once you are in Florence you can get around town pretty easily in a chair with some help, although you cannot get into many of the churches and museums (but the buildings and site are still spectacular) and many eating places and shops are pretty accessible here with only one  low step. It is a 1 1/4 hour drive there from the ship so a cab would be VERY expensive. Be sure you plan to be back to the train and ship on time so you don't miss the boat. We did not take my mother ashore at Monte Carlo as it was a tender port and very rough water when we were there. The town is not very accessible...again, take a cab if you venture ashore here. Even going to just look at the Grand Casino costs $10, although they do have an elevator there. This was our least favorite port. The ship was able to find us a wheelchair lift equipped cab in Barcelona which was real surprise...a left-over from the Para Olympics, I think. We took this to the airport to go home, but I bet you could also arrange this instead of a regular cab for a city tour. Downtown Barcelona is a nice walking town and relatively accessible. Lots of pick-pockets
though, so be careful.

Remember there is no ADA in Europe. Be flexible and adventurous, and don't hesitate to ask locals for help up and down stairs...we usually found them more than willing to help.

Kathy

5/4/99

Philippines

Hello:

Some days ago I have been on your homepage, and I thought that you might be   interested in some info about the Philippines. I went there in April and came back only two weeks ago. First of all, I want to say that you should try to avoid Manila if possible. This city is so crowded, dirty and the people there are so unfriendly. If you use a taxi there, don't forget to tell the taxi driver to switch on their meter. If they don't want to switch it on, get out off the car and search for another one. It is nearly impossible to get a flight to other islands esp. at Easter & Christmas. If you go there at this time,  be sure that you have already a ticket before you go to other places.

Now some facts about Cebu City: It is really "Queen City of the South." The weather was always warm, and the people there are so friendly. During my whole trip, I didn't see an angry person. If you are staying in a hotel , I suggest to go to Castle Peak, Richmond or Cebu Plaza Hotel. They are all very clean
and the service is very good (esp. in Cebu Plaza Hotel but it is very expensive). The cheapest room for one person at Cebu Plaza was about 1900 peso. You can also stay in one of the pensionnes. I think they are all good too.

What can you do in Cebu City? First off, all I suggest to go to the malls (SM or Ayala). I have never seen so big malls in my life before. There you can buy all sorts of souvenirs (T-Shirts, handcrafts, postcards....). Then you better go to Magellan's Cross, Tops (wonderful view over Cebu City and Bohol), Taoist Temple, and don't forget to visit the Waterfront Hotel with its Casino and Disco. It is cool.

If you decide to travel to the South, you better drive to the Kawasan Falls, located at Matutinao. They are probably the best in Cebu and near Moalboal there are some nice beaches. One day we also made a trip to the famous "Chocolate Hills" in Bohol. April/May is probably the best time to go there because the
colour is really brown (like Chocolate). And last but not least some things about Philippine food: If you are in a mall, you have a great variety what to eat. You can go to McDonalds, Jollibee or KFC. If you go to restaurants, you can choose fish, meat, sea fruits or something like this (always with rice). I am sure you're gonna like the food. After eating, you better try Halo-Halo. It costs about 40p and it is really good.

I have to say that I don't need to use a wheelchair, but I think that it is might be difficult to use a wheelchair there. Sometimes the streets are in a very bad condition (esp. in Province),  but if you  need help you can normally ask a Filipino. As I already said, they are  all very friendly and I am sure they gonna help you if you ask them.

I flew with Lufthansa from Frankfurt nonstop  to Manila and the crew was very nice. I appreciated the service.

Greetings

Florian

5/4/99

Holiday Help Needed

My sister has motor neuron disease, which has just been diagnosed. It appears to be advancing fairly rapidly. She can only walk a very short distance with sticks, otherwise she needs a wheelchair. She would like to take a special holiday before it is too late. Our concerns are  a) obviously ones of accessibility and b) if she would she get insurance to travel abroad. She lives in Scotland, and my parents, who will be taking her away, live in England. As my father is 70, and he will not be able to hire a car abroad. Any suggestions?  or can you direct me to someone who could help?

Lynda

5/3/99

Thailand Trip Planned


Hello there:

I'm a tour leader for an Australian travel company called Intrepid. Three years ago my sister was injured in a horseback riding accident. She is a C5 quad.

My dream has always been to travel in Asia with her. Since I work for a travel agency and know SE Asia pretty well, I have decided to design a trip Thailand for travellers with spinal cord injuries.

I am in the process of researching the trip now, and I am wondering if you have any info. or travel stories from people who have travelled through Thailand in wheelchairs. Any info. will help!

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Tracey Uber
Intrepid Travel

5/1/99

Russia and the Ukraine

Does anyone  have info on travel in wheelchair to Russia & the Ukraine?

Windy

Special Needs

My husband and I both have arthritis in our knees. While we are not in wheelchairs, keeping up with others on a tour would be a problem. Is there a general source of information that could lead us to tours that we could handle both in and out of the United States?

Because we are so large, we also have trouble fitting into the seats on airplanes. Do you have any suggestions here? How about train travel; would that suit our needs better?

Christine

U.S. Advice Needed

My husband (in wheelchair) and I are planning to visit North America next year and would like information on hire vehicles and accommodation that would be suitable or us. At this stage we will be visiting Idaho, Kansas, Colorado, and Indiana so any information would be greatly appreciated.

Yours sincerely

Faye

Cruising the Mediterranean

My husband is a paraplegic and uses a manual wheelchair. We are travelling on the Grand Princess and would like to know how to arrange some sightseeing tours when we are in port. Our ports are Venice, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Naples, Barcelona, Athens, Kusadasi and Istanbul. If anyone knows of any companies that we can make arrangements with ,we would appreciate some information so we can prearrange if possible. I would really like to see the sites and would prefer to see them with my husband rather than book tours through the ship and sightsee by myself while he remains on the ship. We have cruised several times before and know that the ship is very accessible. The ports on the hand could prove quite challenging.

Cruise Elevator Question

Please thank the author Ron Davies for a very informative article on cruising. I am in a similar semi-ambulatory category and was coming to the conclusion that cruise travel would be a good solution. The details on the onboard attractions, buffet meals, and tender transfers all spoke to questions on my mind. One further question -- on larger vessels with elevators between decks, are there significant waits for limited elevator capacity?

Thanks again,

David

Editor's note: Here is the author's response to your question. Dear David, In most instances, that I have experienced, elevator access has not been a problem. Even on older ships where the elevators are small there were no significant waits. In many situations, other passengers will allow preference for you. Ron Davies

Northern Ireland Giant's Causeway

I am a German wheelchair user who recently completed a trip through England, Wales, and Ireland. I plan to put a travelogue on the web and it's going to contain all the wheelchair accessibility information that I gathered and experienced. One page is already up; it's about Northern Ireland's No. 1 tourist attraction, the Giant's Causeway. There are many websites on this subject, but no one so far containing accessibility information. The URL is

http://www.stud.uni-goettingen.de/~whuehn/Causeway.htm

Regards,

Winfried
Goettingen, Germany

Portugal Info Needed

Dear Sir/Madam

I am trying (in vain) to find information on facilities for the disabled (wheelchair user) in Portugal. There is little information on suitable accommodation and transport for the disabled travel in Portugal.

Craig

Inflatable Hangers

In the "packing" tips section, you mention inflatable hangers. This is a great idea - where could I get these? Please advise. Thanks.

Mike

Editor's note: The hangers are available from Magellan's Travel Gear Specialists at 1-800-962-4943. They are item #TL462V and cost $6.85 per set (2 per set).

French Barges

Hello:

I have some documentation about wheelchair accessible boats on the Canal du Midi but this info is dated 1995. The boating company is LUC LINES S.A., located at HOMPS, a village on the Canal du midi. They have wheelchair accessible boats for hire called TRITON, which are 10.50m long for 6 persons.

I have no company address in France, but more info can be obtained from a Belgian company called Holiday Sun located at B-2960 Brecht, tel.  32 - 468.91.24.00, or 32-3-2169627, fax 32-3-3137224.

Triton boats have a folding gangway on the starboard side, a hydraulic level compensating platform between the corridor, the pilot area and the two front cabins. Steering can be done with a joystick. The shower and toilet are accessible for a manual wheelchair.

Dany

Chitzen Itza and/or Uxmal

Are there accommodations at Chitzen itza and/or Uxmal for touring the ruins for physically challenged people?

Craig

Alaska Cruise

Accessible Journeys is sponsoring a second accessible Alaskan Cruise July 10-17, 1999.

http://www.disabilitytravel.com/cruises/vglacier.html

Alaska is the land of superlatives; the biggest, the tallest, the wildest, and the most beautiful. And while no two passengers are the same, we're assured that when you return from your voyage in Alaska, you will have seen the most breathtaking glaciers, the most spectacular scenery, and the tallest towering mountains that Alaska can offer.

Percentage Comparison

I'm looking for a percentage comparison between the cost for overseas wheelchair access accommodation and like accommodation for able bodied persons. Can anyone assist please?

Margaret

St. Martin Access

"Total Access" is the only organization to propose active holidays in the Caribbean for people with limited autonomy. We combine a medical presence with a great tourist destination, which enables people with special needs to visit and appreciate the paradise island of Saint Martin in complete security.

Located  in the Caribbean, Saint Martin is a French and Dutch island, with a natural day life (white sand beaches, sun, shopping, gastronomic cuisine) and a cosmopolitan night life (casinos, night clubs, local music), all adapted so that people with limited autonomy can enjoy. A secured environment: medical preparation of the stay, an escort starting in St Martin, inside the plane, continuous medical surveillance during the stay and assistance 24/24h. Quality accommodation services: from a full service hotel to villa rental  A repatriation service, 24/24h and within an hour from the medical decision, to anywhere in the USA Optional outdoors activities, adapted to the person's physical capacities: à la carte program, with activities ranging from scuba diving, to wave runners, to water skiing, or even parasailing, all adapted to our clients special needs. Total Access is managed by Jean-Marc Lacoste, who is himself disabled. He tested all the activities.

Patrick Auffret

Wheelchair Protection

Hello:

My husband is a paraplegic and uses a powered wheelchair. We went to Cancun five years ago and had a terrible experience with his chair being stored with the passenger luggage. It was so beat up when we arrived!! We would like to go to Las Vegas but are afraid that this very expensive chair will once again maintain scratches, scuffs, etc. Is there any way to have his chair ride in the coach instead of with the luggage? If you don't know the answer I would appreciate any suggestions on who to ask.

Thanks,

Julie

Tours of Israel

We are proud to present “Tourism for People with Special Needs” at Keli Tours managed by Eli Meiri – who has 15 years of experience in rehabilitation and developing services for people with disabilities.

We are offering the following “special tours” in Israel.

The “Special Needs” department’s responsibility is to become associated with different service providers geared to people with specific disabilities who handle group and individual tours and travel, transfers from and to the airport, one day tours – or more, accessible lodging, accessible car and van rentals, rental equipment, air-conditioned luxury transportation with lift and tie downs, individual assistance services with trained, skilled and professional personnel, medical assistance: e.g. Dialysis centers, dietary needs etc.

Tours may include equipment manufacturing plants, special healing treatments for people with disabilities, mineral Spas and mud treatments at the Dead Sea, tours for people who are visually and hearing challenged, as well as historical and religious sightseeing tours. Please contact us directly for more information.

Cordially yours,

Eli Meiri
Tourism for People with Special Needs.
Keli Tours – Israel
Info@keli-tours.co.il

Costa Rica Warning

People with disabilities should be extremely careful if planning a trip to Costa Rica. Lacsa, the Costa Rican National Airline, owned by Grupo Taca of El Salvador, does not comply with the U.S. Air Carrier Access Act and intentionally discriminates against people with disabilities. Several  months ago a man with CP who uses a wheelchair was denied boarding at the Miami International Airport by Lacsa. He was told that the airline did not accept paraplegic or quadriplegic passengers. The vacation he planned for was ruined. He spent his vacation at home as it took several weeks for Lacsa to refund his ticket purchase price.

Nine days ago I flew on Lacsa to San Jose Costa Rica. After checking in, I was told that I was required by Grupo Taca regulations to sit at a window seat. I was told that they would not allow me to sit in an aisle seat as I might be in the way of another passenger wanting to get up during the flight. The fact that I would be trapped in my seat in the case of an emergency was unimportant to Lacsa Airlines. The fact that I would not be able to get out of my seat during the flight to use the bathroom was unimportant to Lacsa Airlines. When I asked for assistance in getting to the window seat as there was not enough headroom at that
seat for me to stand on my crutches once I left my wheelchair, I was told, "If you can't get to your seat without assistance you can not fly on Lacsa Airlines."

On my return flight to Miami two days ago, I made it as far as the door to the airplane when they decided that it was against Grupo Taca policy to allow service dogs in the passenger cabin. This decision was made even though my service dog flew from Miami to San Jose in the passenger cabin on a Lacsa airplane. I ended up watching my flight home leave with me sitting in my wheelchair on the jetway of the airport. This decision was in breach of the contract represented by my round trip airplane ticket and was in violation of the Warsaw Convention which regulates international travel. After hours of problems I flew home on American Airlines.

My advice to all people with disabilities is that none of the airlines owned by Grupo Taca should be used by us as their policies intentionally discriminate against us and put us at risk if there was an emergency. Grupo Taca owns Lacsa Airlines, Aviateca Airlines, Nica Airlines, and Taca Airlines. I also suggest that all people with disabilities refrain from traveling to Costa Rica until the Government of Costa Rica establishes regulations for their airline that require equal access for people with disabilities.

I am in communication with Grupo Taca and I have demanded that they incorporate the Air Carrier Access Act into their operating procedures manual. I am also in communication with the Costa Rico Embassy in Washington D.C.,  and I have asked them to address this issue. If I get a positive response from Grupo Taca or the Embassy I will post that response to this newsgroup.

Until this problem is solved, don't fly any Grupo Taca airlines and cross Costa Rica off your list of travel destinations.

If you have had any problems with Lacsa or Grupo Taca, please write to me as we may be putting a lawsuit together if we do not get voluntary cooperation.

Frederick A. Shotz
President Association of Disability Advocates

Leading The Way To Equal Access for People With Disabilities

Electrical Outlets in Mexico

Are the outlet plugs for appliances in the hotel rooms in Los Cabos, Mexico the same as in the U.S.?

Thanks,

B.W.

United Abuse

Dear Folks:

I have had HUGE problems with United Airlines and am looking for other people to compare notes with.

Sincerely,

Ememry

Mexican Plugs

Are the plug ins for appliances in the hotel rooms in Los Cabos, Mexico the same as in the U.S.?

Thanks,

B.W.

Accessible Caribbean & Mexico

Does anyone have info on accessible hotels, resorts, or landmarks  in Aruba, Acapulco, Cancun, or somewhere in the Caribbean other than Jamaica? Also, does anyone have any ideas about finding reliable attendants who are eager to travel?

Thanks,

Denise

Altritalia

Dear Madam/Sir:

I would like to introduce you to our newly founded company, Altritalia Inc., which holds offices both in Winchester, MA ,USA and Rome, Italy. We are specialized in organizing tours of Italy, based on individual desires for small groups or individuals with special needs ( physical disabilities, senior citizens, etc).

For further information please contact us at our toll free number: 877-721-9071, we'd be more than happy to answer any questions etc. Our email address is: info@altritalia.com. Our mailing address is: 10 Mt. Vernon St. - Suite 210, Winchester, MA 01890.

Yours truly,

Loretta M. Avenati

Walking Italy

Anyone with foot problems may want to avoid Italy -- or at least Rome, Florence, Tuscany. Cobblestone streets are hell on the feet; sidewalks are narrow or non-existent. Wheelchair rentals are unheard of in museums, most of which -- because of antiquity -- would not be accessible anyway.

Taxi service and bus service, however, was very good and in the bigger cities, of course, bus tours can be arranged. (Didn't take advantage of these tours myself.)

Lisa

Obesity and Travel

Hi:

Glad to find you on the net! I am looking for some information that I could share with my sister. At this point, she is to embarrassed to pursue this. She has not been on a plane in over 20 years. She is severely obese and I would like to find info on how she can safely and comfortably travel. I called up one airlines and they could not tell me where they would seat an obese person, except to put them in first class and charge them $1,200 for two first class seats. What have others experienced.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Lori

Istanbul

I have MS and am unable to walk. I'll be spending a week in Istanbul and would like to know if anyone can give me some useful hints about getting around in the city. I already know what the guidebooks say. what I'd like to know are things such as how can one negotiate the old city on a scooter; where are usable toilets (I will have someone to help me); what hotels have rooms that are really adapted (particularly the bathrooms); etc.

Thank you,

Greta

Portugal Access

Hi:

My husband and I are planning to travel to Portugal, specifically the Algarve region.   I am a quadriplegic in a manual wheelchair. is this area accessible? any tips?

Sincerely,

Anna

Mallorca

I wonder if I can be of help to anyone thinking of holidaying in Mallorca.  The British Wheelchair Centre (near Palma airport).

John Kitchin

South African Tour

Hello:

Through my travels on Internet I've encountered a sort of tour-operator in South Africa called roll-a-venture in combination with felix-unite tourism group. Information about them and their trips is scarce. Do you happen to know anything about them?

Thanks,

A

Accessible Travel Australia

Hi:

If you have any requests re travel in Australia,  please contact me and I will endeavour to answer enquiries. I am a member of Paraquad Tasmania and we have an extensive accommodation file which will be online next year. Paraquad concentrates on wheelchair accessible accommodation and recreation / leisure.

Jenny
jstanzel@stringline.com.au

Martinair Experience

This is a follow-up to my Air France Warning which you posted. Following my horrendous experience with Air France, we flew to Amsterdam on Martinair. This airline should receive a reward for their helpful attitude and incredibly wonderful service.

My husband and I were given all the assistance we needed and then some. Since they had extra seats, we were upgraded to first class on the flight to Amsterdam. They had no problem gate checking my wheelchair, and offering me whatever assistance I required during the flight.

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, we were informed that my wheelchair would not be at the gate, but at the baggage claim. A representative of the airline stayed with us until we had not only retrieved my wheelchair, but our luggage as well. They also were able to give us pointers on the best method of traveling into town from the airport.

The same type of thoughtful service was provided on our flight home. I cannot say enough to recommend Martinair to your readers.

E.

Atlanta or San Diego

Perhaps you can help me. My father has Lou Gehrig's disease and as of last week, he is now wheelchair bound. He can get up and move a little bit but it is difficult and slow. I recently surprised him by telling him that I was taking him and his wife to the World Series (he's a die-hard baseball fan). I plan on taking him to the three games in either Atlanta or San Diego (I hope it's San Diego) on October 20 - 22. I've never traveled with someone in a wheelchair. I plan on bringing the wheelchair he is in, but would like to make arrangements for travel in the city (i.e. to and from the games and perhaps other places). Can you help?

Thanks,

Tracy

South Caribbean Resorts

Hi:

Can you recommend any resorts in the South Caribbean? We have been trying through several travel agencies for the last two months to book a vacation for our family, with little success. So few travel agents appear to understand accessibility. We are looking for a one- week stay in an all inclusive resort reachable from Calgary, Canada, that would have an accessible room, doesn't seem like too much to ask, we thought? How wrong can we be. I have been asking questions and getting all the wrong answers. This was intended to be our first family vacation in ten years, since I was injured in a car accident, and to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. If anyone has a suggestion of somewhere they have been in the South Caribbean that was accessible and all inclusive, I'd love to hear about it.

Kathy

Parking Permits

Dear Sir:

My wife and I are going to north Carolina on November 3, 1998; we both have orange disabled parking permits, issued in the UK. Can we use these Disabled parking stickers in U.S. (North Carolina) and do they have facilities for disabled parking there.

I would appreciate any information that you can give me to make out trip more accessible and enjoyable.

Many thanks,

Neville

Thailand

My boyfriend is a quad and we want to go to Thailand in mid January.  My brother lives there and we want to see all the sights. what is accesible for a wheelchair and what's not? We won't go if its going to be hard to get around.

Thanks,

Becky

London Scooter Problems

I also have post-polio problems and use an electric scooter. My friend and I went to London in May with a Grand Circle Travel Group. We were there for to weeks, staying at an apartment in the Pimlico area. We came into London on the Eurostar train after spending a week in Paris.

I managed to blow up my scooter charger on the first day we were in London. I had no real problem with the charger in Paris, but my adapter was the wrong size in London. Anyway, we lost about three days of our vacation trying to get a replacement charger. An organization called RADAR was helpful in locating a place that sells the chargers. However, it was out in the Wimbleton area.

I took the train down without my scooter the first day and arranged to have a charger delivered to the apartment after my scooter plug was wired to the charger. I received the charger the next day and found that it did not work. So we loaded my scooter into a taxicab the next day and spent about $42 US to get back to the shop. They rented me a charger for about $31 US (with a traveller's check deposit, to be returned on shipping back the charger). I found a cheaper cab (a mini cab) to get back into London. However, it took three cabbies refusing to take my scooter, to find one that would.

You have to take your scooter apart to get it into the taxi cabs because they only have two rails or ramps that a wheelchair can use. Naturally, a three-wheeled scooter needs three rails.

So we didn't use taxis much in London. We used them much more in Paris, where the cabbies didn't seem to mind my taking the scooter apart and storing it on the floor or in the trunk.

We tried using the tube for a while, because I have some mobility. Just can't cover much territory before my leg gives out. And my friend has had four back surgeries, so she was in no shape for the many stairs that are
involved.

The bus system was the best way for us to get around. Plus you get to see the great city of London. There is a bus service called Station Link that has a wheelchair lift that accommodates electric scooters. It goes clock-wise and counter-clock-wise in a circuit around London with hourly stops at the major travel interchange points like Victoria Station.

That service got us to the major parts of town from which I scootered and Joanne walked to the sites we wanted to see. Sometimes I left my scooter at the apartment and took the bus to the sites and borrowed wheelchairs there. Places like Portobello market were just too crowded to think about taking my
scooter. By resting often we were able to make it through there on two Saturdays.

One day, I took a side trip to Hever Castle, all by myself. The train employees were the best! They arranged to have metal ramps available at the strategic stations that I needed to use. When I got off the train at the
Hever station, I had to travel about a mile down a beautiful Kent road, past farms and fields, to get to the castle which was wonderful. I recommend that trip to all. On the way back, they let me stay in the baggage car with my scooter and enjoyed the beautiful views and smells of the countryside coming in through the open windows.

When I got back to the States, I ordered a new charger from PLP batteries that can operated using the US voltage and the European voltage, so I shouldn't have the charger problem when I travel to Europe again. And Ihope to go again soon.

I am thinking about the Barcelona, Spain, area for my next trip. So if anyone has some tips for that area, I would appreciate reading them. Good luck Norman and enjoy your trip.

Mary

Super Cruises

Hello:

My wife is in a wheelchair, has been for about 20 years now. We love cruising, (always can get around on a ship, but never know just how accessible resorts/hotels in holiday places will be). Two of our favorites have been, (out of 13 different cruises), 1st -aboard the Hawaii/American line, which cruises around the 5 major Hawaiian Islands; 2nd - the Princess 14-day cruise/tour to Alaska.

In Hawaii, each port of call is accessible, with accessible transportation.

In Alaska, if arranged with Princess Land Tour office out of Seattle, they will have wheelchair lift vans or motor coaches at each port of call. The 6-night land tour to Fairbanks from Seward vas via highway coach and the Alaska Midnight Sun train. (all accessible with lifts etc). During this land tour, we stayed at two different Princess lodges, one in Kenai and the other in Denali national parks. Our rustic cabin in the woods was designed better than our own home for accessibility. Lois, (wife), never dreamed she would be able to take a white water raft ride, had the time of her life with her chair strapped down into the centre of the raft. Time of our lives. Worth investigating if you want to see Alaska. They, (Princess) really looked after us.

Have to remember though, both of these trips were in the U.S. where the needs of accessibility have been legislated. Another good place is in Australia except for non-accessible intercity motor coaches.

Don't know just what this web-site was looking for in an E-mail, but thought we would share the above.

Now that we have found this site, perhaps we will be able to find a l similarly accessible vacation possibility without restricting ourselves to a major developed country.

Bye,

Ron and Lois

D.C. Scooter Rental

I am trying to find out if it is possible to rent a power scooter during my  upcoming trip to D.C. I will be doing research at the Holocaust museum and national archives from Oct 6 -13 and staying at a local Howard Johnson's.  Anyway, I haven't been able to find any info yet.

Thank you,

Sandy

Traveling with an Autistic Child

Hi:

I'm a single mom looking to travel with my 11-year-old son who has autism (very high functioning). He has his sights set on Egypt! I doubt that's really in our budget, but I need more info regardless.

I'm looking for recommendations on easiest places to travel with a child who may not always observe appropriate social customs, and will not always have perfectly appropriate behavior (for instance, my son's quite exuberant and affectionate, and could easily run up and hug a stranger). He's also quite tactile, so places with lots of look-but-don't-touch rules would be difficult (no fun). We've done beaches, Disney, etc. -- looking for travel in another country.

Thanks for your help!

Lynn

Cycling Europe

Hi:

My name is Phil Criswell. I'm 59 and have been a paraplegic since 1961, and will be retiring in 3/2000. I'm planning a five-month trip via tribike (Freedom Rider) through Europe from 5/200 to 9/000. Probably start at toe of Italy and move north through France, Belguim, Netherlands, Germany, and Great Britain. I plan to ride about 40 miles every second or third day with intervening days devoted to touring and accessibility surveying. I have yet to specify the exact itinerary, as I need information on roads, terrain, logistical support, and availability of accessible van or motor home. I am searching for information and sponsor/funding resources, as I plan to write about my trip and provide accessibility information as well. I'm not sure how to go about all of this, so I'm asking for feedback, help, support and so on. I have the physical wherewithal to do this trip as I was a member (alternate) of the 1960 Olympic Cycling Team, but never got to fulfill my dream of riding and racing in Europe. I have kept fit over the years, and figure I had better do this while my health is stable.

Thanks for any feedback you can provide me.

Phil

Accessible Ships

Sharon wrote asking for information on accessible ships. The most HC friendly ship that I have been on is the Celebrity Mercury. Most ships have accessible cabins but the service attitude I experienced on the Mercury made a real difference. Every member of the staff/crew with whom I came in contact with made every effort to assist me. I also had an excellent HC cabin, the largest one I have experienced. It was an inside cabin #5044.

The entire ship is accessible, large elevators and no mandatory steeps. There is a 1 to 2 inch door sill on doors leading to outside decks where some assistance might be required. ( I found these on all the ships I've been on)

One precaution, however, the crew did drop a power wheelchair passenger with MS, while assisting him at the foot of the gangway. If you require such assistance make sure that you instruct them on the correct procedure.

Other ships that I have experienced all have HC cabins and are generally fully assessable. They are the Norwegian Cruse line's Dream and the Dynasty. The Dream cabin was 927A, an outside suite. I don't remember the Dynasty HC cabin but it was one of the 4 they have.

I have also been on the Delta Steamship Line river boat American Queen. Cabin # 306-R. The ship was accessible but almost all the river ports were difficult and in some instances impossible.

All HC cabins had wheel in showers with hand held shower heads. On all the ships the staff/crew were friendly and helpful. On the Mercury especially so.

When you select a cruise be sure to find out it the ship docks or tenders at the ports it visits. Even if the waters are calm tendering is often difficult for HC persons.

Ron

Dominican Republic Access

Dear Sir or Madam:

Do you have information about accessibility in the Dominican Republic? I'm a power chair user.

Thank you,

Giuseppe

Beach Wheelchairs

Hi:

I escort my disabled friends on vacations: Bahamas and cruises. We would love to know what resort offers beach wheelchairs. Thanks for your help.

Denise

Accessible Family Vacation

We want to take our daughters (aged 11 and 14) on a memorable vacation out west somewhere...nature, adventure, activity, etc... Our youngest has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, so we would be interested in a group tour that would make usually inaccessible aspects of nature accessible to all of us. Where do I start to research this dream of ours?

Thanks,

Terry Umstad
seemore@webshak.com.au

Australia & New Zealand

Hello:

I am a wheelchair user (disabled from chin down, taking tough PA) hoping to head to Australia and New Zealand over Christmas this year. I would love to hear about hints and tips from people who have done this, such as hiring electric wheelchairs, which airlines work well, and good places to stay (cheaply!) in Brisbane, (Aus) and Hamilton, and Auckland (NZ).

In return, I will happily tell all about my very successful, (although slightly higher budget ) trip to New York City and Washington DC in April. We loved Virgin Airlines.

Kirsty

Crescent City

Hi:
 my name is JD and I'm a wheelchair user since 1974.  My wife and I want to take in the redwoods in northern California. We would like to stay in Crescent City, and would welcome any information about motels/hotels there - especially important to me is a roll-in shower. Also, we would welcome any news/views regarding accessible trails and sites within the various redwood parks.

Thanks,

JD

Alaska Bound

Greetings:
I'm a quadriplegic considering a cross-country trip from New Jersey to Anchorage, Alaska.   I want to do it in my own car stopping for sleepovers at motels/hotels on the way there. I would like to find out ahead of time which motels/hotels are wheelchair accessible. My main concern is bathroom access (sufficiently wide doorways and space to maneuver my wheelchair). I want to be able to take a shower and access the toilet without needing any assistance in transfers to and from my wheelchair. I'd very much appreciate any info. Thanks so much.

Cordially,

Jerzy

Mexico City

Can you make any recommendations for accessible hotels in Mexico City?

Thank you,

Pamela

Portugal: Wheeling Around The Algarve

Hi:

Check out my web site: Wheeling Around The Algarve.

Regards,

David Player

Site: http://www.player.pt

Nova Scotia

Hello:

Please consider adding Mersey River Chalets, a completely accessible wilderness resort in Nova Scotia, Canada, to your links page. The website is at http://www.merseyriverchalets.ns.ca.
Thanks,

Andrew Murphy

Australia's Gold Coast Apartments

I have an apartment that is equipped for disabled people. It's located on  the beachside on the Gold Coast of Australia and is viewable at this address:

http://www.onthenet.com.au/~maura/ElizabethStreet.htm

Linda Sharp

St. Petersburg Hotels

The following hotels in St. Petersburg are suitable for wheelchair travelers:  Grand Hotel Europe, Nevsky Palace, Astoria, Hotel Pribaltiyskaya,  Hotel Pulkovskaya, and the Hotel Moskva.

Best regards,

Margarita

Air France Warning

Dear Global Access:

I wanted to warn your readers against trying to fly with Air France. I just tried to book flights from Miami to Paris and asked about the handling of my wheelchair and about using my walker on the plane. I had a three-way conversation with their medical department and my travel agent because my travel agent could not understand the problem they were having with these simple questions. They were totally uncooperative and insensitive. I was told that I would have to check my wheelchair as baggage at the check-in counter and that it would probably be best to provide my own box to pack it in. They refused to consider gate-checking the wheelchair. In addition, they decided that they needed at least a day to determine whether I could take my folding walker on the plane, so that I could get up during the flight. Their representative in the Medical Dept. wanted to speak to my doctor for his permission for me to travel and seemed to have the attitude that it was unnecessary to try to accommodate my special needs.

Needless to say, I have made alternate plans. I am flying Martinair to Amsterdam, and my travel agent said they were extremely accommodating and had no problem with either gate-checking the wheelchair, or my using  a walker on board. I made arrangements to fly Martinair after reading a fellow traveler's comments on this site.

E.

European Hassles

I have just returned from a seven weeks in Switzerland, Italy, France, England, Holland, and Ireland. I have a million stories (most of which were not fun) and tons of wonderful memories -- everything from our travel agent (a disabled person herself and utterly useless to us in the long run), to the airlines (14.4 hour rides, to rush transfers in airports, which are not at all handy, to riding in a freight car on a Swiss train when we had a first class compartment paid for, to how horrid the City of Rome is for wheelchairs, to trying to get up the cobblestoned hill to Versailles. The hotel rooms (promised in FAX and online to be accessible) were useless. There was not one single tour bus with a lift that we were able to find. I am hitting many of the low spots (and forgetting rooms where there were no outlets to recharge batteries or plugs for the breathing machine) and am glossing over how wonderful many people were, and how accessible we found the Louvre (if one is persistent), etc.   I wish I had seen your site before I "planned" my trip and went, but you leave out some very important stuff.

M.

The Big Island

Hi:

I'm a 50-year-old male paraplegic traveling alone to the Big Island of Hawaii. I'll have a hand controlled car waiting when I arrive and will be staying at the southern tip of the island. I am interested in cramming in as much sightseeing as possible and would be interested in any thumbs up or thumbs down comments anyone would like to pass on. TIA.

Steve

In the Way?

Recently, I took my mother on a trip to Las Vegas. We found some people were very impatient and intolerant of people like my mom who has a disability, i.e. in a wheelchair. Some people were rude enough to say such things as disabled people just need to stay home and out of the way. Are they any places to visit designed especially for wheelchair patrons and their families without being considered "in the way?"

I would very much appreciate your kindness in responding.

Thank you,

Deb

Gatwick Transportation

Global Access:

I am a disabled person who uses crutches. I will be traveling alone to London on August 12. Can you tell me approximately how much a cab from Gatwick airport to Bayswaters will cost? Are there any other accessible alternative ways for me to get from the airport to my hotel? Thank you for any assistance you can provide in this matter.

Sincerely,

Patrick

Standardization of Handicapped Accessible Term

I see that I'm not the only one who thinks the term Handicapped Accessible needs some standardization and mandatory definition. I take my mom out in her wheelchair and find it frustrating just trying to get through some doors. No electronic eye, no access buttons, no one in eyeshot to open the door while I maneuver a passenger. On the other hand, I am completely mobile and I can give you a list of in accessibilities to those who are short or overweight. How about a "large size" clothing store that crams the racks so close together that Twiggy would have a difficult time or the racks that are ten feet off the ground against a wall? Mom and I keep a sense of humor but would love to see policies and guidelines written that actually follow through to the end of the journey....whether it be to the bottom of the Grand Canyon or simply to the bathroom. Is there a forum for legislation on these matters?

Is there a guide to a US City that has gone the extra mile in making  their city truly accessible?

I will continue to check into this Website...the reading is valuable.

Thanks

Sue & Nora

Denver's Coors Field

This is a terrific place to see a Major League Baseball game. We were greeted at the will-call window, our pre-ordered tickets 1-wheelchair, and 3 companions, were not what we had expected. The wheelchair and one companion seat were together, but the other two tickets were on a different level. We spoke briefly to the ticket clerk, and he contacted someone who met us at the gate, corrected the snafu, and escorted us to the elevator, complete with Operator. The personnel at Coors Field in Denver, were personable, and everyone went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable. The best thing about Coors Field, is its accessibility. The seats for wheelchairs are on EVERY LEVEL. Not just on the back row under the awning like most ballparks. They have attended elevators, and ushers to bring the companion chair, as well as to attend to your concession needs. Even the bleacher section has accessibility. This organization should be recognized, and applauded for their commitment to the the disabled baseball fan.

Eddie

Terror in Austria

Hello:

I live and work in Germany. I am writing to you with an experience of my parents in Austria and a couple of other comments for some of your readers searching for inexpensive accommodations in various European countries. I don't have much experience with wheelchair users, as my dad is able to walk, but very very slowly. However, for what it is worth, here is his experience, so you do not have anyone repeat it.

This was in Vienna. My parents had been driving for 6 hours from my house in Munich. It was late at night (1:30 am) and they were on their way to their hotel. They saw a green light with yellow flashing lights. As is internationally correct, they slowed down, paused at the intersection to verify nobody was coming and proceeded with caution. They had just passed the intersection when they were pulled over by an Austrian police officer. The police officer proceeded to yell at the top of his lungs in German. Finally, my mother stated "We don't speak German." He stopped a minute, and continued his tirade in German. He had them both get out of the car. My father, who is physically limited, stumbled on the uneven surface of the road and went down on his knees. The officer stood over him, still yelling at the top of his lungs, and would not let him get up. My father started turning blue. In that position, he can't fill his lungs properly. My mother quickly ran over to the car to get his inhaler (which the officer snatched away) and the disabled license tag (US issued that hangs on the rearview mirror) in order to try and explain to the still yelling officer  that my father is handicapped and should be allowed to at least get to his feet. The officer took the tag, looked at it, and said that it was only valid in the United States and was not valid in Austria. My parents have traveled all over the Europe with that tag. Austria is the only country which has had a problem with it.

Finally, the officer turned around to the back of the car, smashed the car with his fist, leaving a dent, and barked "open." At that point, he proceeded to go through every article of clothing, throwing things around. He spent several minutes yelling at my parents about a bar of Lever2000 Soap! Finally, after everything was out of the trunk and my mom was in tears, he demanded that they pay him $50US. He never told them what they had done wrong. The officer acted with less respect than I would give a dog. Whatever the infraction, human beings do not deserve to be treated like that.

The Austrian tourist agency said the tag was OK for use there, but the officers not only did not recognize the tag, but purposefully continued their tirade because they were presented with this tag. Later, in speaking with some people from my office here, I learned that if you have a rented car from outside of Austria/ Germany that the police harass you. So be warned if you are planning to travel to Austria.

Finally, on a more pleasant note, they continued on to Hungary, Slovakia and the Czeck Republic. They reported that people were very courteous and polite. Disabled spaces (which can be vital for castles on hills 1 mile away from the parking lot) can be found in a lot of places if you ask for them. Usually, they were allowed to drive directly up to the museum, castle, show, restaurant, etc. Sometimes, like in Czesky Krumlov (Check Republic) the police people asked for an identification which specified which individual had a disability. However, once explaining that the tag was a car tag which was not linked to a picture
ID with the number on it, they gave us no trouble. As a matter of fact, they allowed the car inside the pedestrian zone which a lot of European cities have in the center of the city. That way, my dad got a mini tour from the car without having to exert himself at all.

Another note about Ireland: I asked a passing policeman in Galway about the disabled tag. He was very polite and said that they excepted all tags from anyplace as long as they exhibit the wheelchair symbol. He also explained that we could park in disabled or any other legal parking place and did not have to worry about going down the street to pay for the parking ticket which you usually have to put in the window of your car.

Finally, for those of your readers who were asking questions about inexpensive travel in Europe. If you call the hosteling associations, like Scottish Hostel association or Hosteling International, some of them publish books about their various hostels. They list in those books what kind of facilities that have available. Some of the German hostels are quite modern. Avoid the Czech hostels. The Irish hostels (Hosteling International), though cheap and in really awesome areas didn't strike me as having great facilities. (The bigger they are the better chance you have) There are two other chains in Ireland which are more likely to have better facilities. If you are unsure of what facilities have, just call the hostels. Most of them are really really nice and speak good English.

In France, you could write to the hotel chain ETAP or Formula 1 to see if they have special facilities. (It was not required for dad, so I don't know) If they have the facilities, these are good alternatives to hostels for inexpensive accommodation. They are similar to a very clean Motel 6 and cost around $30 US per night. They always have parking right next to the door.

I hope some of this information is helpful.

Yours,

Cat

Hand Controls in London

Hi:

I'm planning to be in London for about two  weeks in August 1998. I'm looking for a rental car that includes hand controls as my  right leg does not function.

David

Accessible Nepal Tours

We are offering a whole range of tours in Nepal for elderly and disabled people in Nepal. If you are interested, feel free to ask me any question or visit our web site:
http://www.nettz.com/customers/sunrise

Sincerely,

Navyo Eller
navyo.sunrise@dnet.it ; uttam@ccsl.com.np

Wheelchair Van for Germany

I will be going to Germany next year with my husband who uses a powered chair and does not transfer. Does anyone know where we could rent a van with lift or ramps? Please e-mail at mmbeaumont@aol.com. I do not get on the net often thanks for any help.

Travel Insurance

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a disabled person and a member of a Salvation Army Brass Band. My band is going on tour to the USA on the 27th Dec. this year. I hope to go with them, but as a disabled person am hitting a few problems. The travel insurance company used by the rest of the band will not insure me because I have an existing illness. Do you know of any insurance companies that are more willing to insure disabled people?

I am also in need of some personal care, and have no idea where to look to find someone who could travel with me. Although I will be among friends, on a busy tour it would be difficult for any of them to help me with the things I need help with. I have limited funds, although I am hoping to be able to raise
some money to help.

Tristessa

Accessible Sydney Vehicles

Hi:

I operate Mini Cost Auto Rentals, Sydney's cheapest, friendliest and best rental service for passenger sedans, campervans, motor homes, buses and disabled vehicles.  We can provide specially equipped vans to ensure that your enjoyment of all the sites of Sydney and surrounding regions is not restricted by lack of vehicle mobility.

For more information, please visit our web site at
http://www.auto-rent.com.au/main.html
or contact me directly at  lauries@tig.com.au

Laurie Simmons

Copthorne Tara Hotel in London

The Copthorne Tara in Kensingston has several nice wheelchair accessible rooms. It is in a nice location, also. Have stayed there twice. Prices can be lowered (we paid last month 94 pounds week-end, 103 week days I think) by joining Holiday Care Services and have them book it for you. HC also has a guide book with RADAR listing accessible lodging that they have personally visited. They just booked us with a months worth of lodging in England and Ireland and saved us much money. If you need more info, e-mail me at
mmbeaumont@aol.com

San Antonio

We need to hear from people who have visited San Antonio. Our project is to make the   River Walk barrier free by the year 2000. Please visit our web page.
http://www.wapd.org/chapters/texas/sa/river

John Penry       
jpenry@stic.net
President, Texas Chapter WAPD
World Association of Persons with Disabilities

Medical Flights

Although not wheelchair bound, my ability is severely limited because of congenital hip problems and severe scoliosis. When I have used air travel in the past, all of the airlines were very accommodating when it came to need of wheelchairs or riding on carts.

But how accommodating are airlines with a person who has to travel from one state to another for surgery (in this case, Lafayette, LA to Buffalo, NY)? Or more specifically, how accommodating are the airlines for post-op people on a return trip? I am tentatively facing this scenario toward the end of the year.
Any information you could give would be of great help.

Carol

Oxygen Concentrator Rental

Can you recommend a way to arrange for an oxygen concentrator rental in Amsterdam for two weeks?

Egyptian Tour

Visit Cairo, Luxor, and Hurghada on 12-day trip coordinated by a person with disabilities  for persons with disabilities and non-disabled persons October 18 -29, 1998. To learn more about the itinerary, contact Karen Saba at saba@mindspring.com

If you think it is impossible and that Egypt is too old to be accessible, check out the following Website:

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/hsahdq/hsatravl.htm#top of article

Seizure Alert Dog in Europe

Hi:

I am disabled and use a Seizure Alert Dog/mobility-assist dog to get around. I am planning to go to Portugal and Germany and would like to get some information on access laws for Service Dogs in these two countries. Can you help?

Thanks,

Joan and Wasabe

Cabo San Lucas Fishing Charters

I have just put up a web site for a wheel chair accessible charter
operation in Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.  You can check it out at:

http://www.allaboutcabo.com/wheelchairfishing.htm

Thank you,

Lance Vallery

Hepatitis A

Greetings. Would you be able to help me find out if it is safe for MS
persons to be vaccinated against hepatitis A? I have a possible trip to Mexico
City and my neurologist is currently out of town. I would appreciate any
information.

Thank you,
Yolanda

Child With Seizures

I have a son, who is two-years-old and suffers from a severe neurological disease. He is quadriplegic and has seizures (4-14 times a day), which are usually followed by cries. Some evenings he cries for 3-4 hours continually. I would like to fly with him, but I do not know how I manage it. The flight will last 13-14 hours.
I am also concerned about the inconvenience he may cause to the other people in the plane. I am grateful if you gave me some information or advice. Is there a special place in the plane where I could stay with my child without annoying the other passengers and where I could give him the medications and his meals?
I would appreciate your help.

Georgia

France: Wheelchair Transport

To Whom It May Concern:

I need assistance in locating a van/driver for clients arriving in Le Havre, France. They want to go to the Louvre in Paris and I am having great difficulty in locating a company that can provide transportation from Le Havre to Paris. One of the travelers is confined to a wheelchair and requires a van with a lift. Can you recommend a company that can provide this type of service?

Wayne

Portable Concentrator

Does anyone know where if  I can get a portable oxygen concentrator or oxygen maker either to buy or hire (if for hire it's for about three weeks). I have a concentrator in the house and can take it away with me, but I would like to have one that I could run off either electric/battery or even the car power, as going away while on 24-hour oxygen is either going to be very expensive or very crowded with all those cylinders in the back of the car.  I would be grateful for any info.

Thanks,

Pauline

Shore Visits

On a cruise, such as cruising the Mediterranean, how do I handle shore trips? I walk with a cane for balance, and I walk slowly. Any suggestions, tips.? Thank you.

Lisbon, Spain, and Morocco

I am a Registered Nurse and specialize in travel for people with disabilities. I have senior client who uses a manual travel wheelchair and will be traveling with a companion. If you have tips on Lisbon, Spain, or Morocco for travelers with a physical disability I would appreciate your feedback.

France

I have just visited your web site looking for advice on my upcoming trip to France this summer. I am T6 Para and would appreciate any tips or referrals you could provide to improve the trip's plan. Thanks.

Luis

Cruise Favorites

I would like to recommend either Royal Caribbean Cruise lines or Princess Cruises to anyone who is looking for a disabled friendly cruise. They both offer adapted cabins, which you can book in advance. Most  of the ships are wheelchair accessible. They offer a wide variety of cruises including the Caribbean, Alaska, Australasian and the Med. The brochures show detailed ship plans with the disabled cabins marked. Both cruise lines provide a completely stress-free holiday for anyone in  a wheelchair - my parents won't go on any other type of holiday now.

Sue

Attendant Discount

I have MS. Returning from my visit to Santa Fe, just before landing at Dulles, the United Airlines steward asked my name and if I would need a wheelchair upon arrival. (I had specified when I bought my tickets this would be the case). I said yes. He took my name, and when we landed there were three attendants with wheelchairs, but none were for   me. I waited and soon everyone disappeared and I was stuck alone at the plane door. I managed to drag myself to the lobby and tried to flag down anyone who looked like they worked there and explain my dilemma but, "it wasn't their job,"etc. Finally, a passerby managed to find someone who brought a wheelchair. It was an hour from the time we deplaned until I got a chair.

I am going to Santa Fe again and would like to avoid this kind of situation, especially since I will have to change planes. Can I take a friend to assist me and can she travel at 1/2 price?  I think I read something to this effect somewhere. I called two travel agents and they said they had never heard of such a thing. Am I
dreaming?

Jane

U.S. by Accessible Motor home

Hello:

In octobre/novembre 1998, we would like to visit the USA (California). We are four persons, one of us is disabled and uses an electronic wheelchair. We would like some information about wheelchair accessible motor homes for rent: sizes and prices. If we find what we're looking for, can we order it by e-mail , fax or phone ? Can we pay with Visa or other credit cards ?

Thanks,

Caroline

Chile

Hello!

I'm a German vet-student in Valdivia/Chile. If somebody wants information about Chile, write me!

Ursula
(udomes@smtp.uach.cl or ursulilla@writeme.com)

Incontinence & Travel

Dear Global Access:

There is accessibility for wheelchairs and walkers and many other types of equipment to increase mobility for the handicapped, except those with, shudder, - bowel and bladder incontinence - they are requested to kindly stay home, near their own bathrooms!! Is there anything being done for this truly outcast group? They are outcasts even to other MSers. No one wants to hear of their tales of woe, really no one wants to even think about their "shameful little secrets."

But even this group of folks would like to get out of the house sometimes, but what can they do? There are no wheelchairs with a bucket mounted on the bottom! I may sound like I'm kidding, but you just think about it yourself, what would you do if you "had to go" immediately, at a completely un-schedulable time?

You don't want to think about it, do you? It's unpleasant to think of, and yet it's something faced daily by millions of MSers and others with different illnesses. I've been a member of this group for just a few
months and I hate it! I'm going to a urologist to see if he can prescribe a medication (Another medication to take!) to take care of this. What else is left, other than staying home, close to my bathroom, ALL the time? Or, perhaps, installing a permanent catheter for the rest of my life. Now, that's an unpleasant thought! Anyway, it's nice to get to blow off some steam about this nasty little (little?) problem.

Jody

Power Converter for Ventilator

Hi: What kind of power converter is required for a PLV-100 ventilator (120 volts, 2-5 amps, 240-500 watts) in Europe? I only use it at night, so I don't use a 12volt battery. I'll be in the Netherlands and surrounding countries. I'm in Kitchener Ontario Canada and I'm leaving Tuesday the 19th. I know it's short notice, but I was told I could find something at any Radio Shack. Wrong. Please help.

Thanks,

Pete

Hong Kong

I recently spent a week in Hong Kong and China on my own with an invisible disability. Hong Kong is so densely populated and lacking space. I had to be vigilant about maintaining some personal space for safety. I noticed very few ramps and no buses with wheelchair access. I saw a few persons in wheelchairs and they were being pushed along. I saw no one on crutches and in motorized wheelchairs. Physical disability exists. I wondered where the disabled persons were. The majestic hotel lobby was accessed by an escalator. However, the bellmen used a service elevator to move the luggage up and down. I suppose that could act as a means of access for the mobility challenged individual on vacation.

Hong Kong is an industrialization center. The air quality is poor and the tap water undrinkable. The fumes from the motor vehicles were oppressive. The extremes of temperature and humidity made staying out of doors for longer than 2-3 hours at a time difficult. Luckily air conditioning was plentiful. I anticipated my vaccination needs and made an appointment with my doctor. Checking my HBV titre, obtaining a Dt and polio booster. I completed the HAV series of two injections also.

I made a mental note to avoid dairy products, all ice and non-bottled water, and all seafood outside the hotel. I took along every medication I could possibly need in their orignial bottles. In addition, I was given an antibiotic and anti-diarrhea medication just in case. My sleep apnea machine went with me. I contacted the manufacturer on-line and was reassured that I would only need an electrical unit adapter. They were right. It worked just like it was at home.

I'm so proud of myself. I prepared well and gave my illness the attention it required. I had a wonderful and uneventful trip to Hong Kong and China.

Rose

Colorado

Hi there! I'm looking for a vacation in Colorado. Any idea of the best place to have a tour? A friend of mine lives in Denver.

Europe for Teenagers

My 18-year-old son has a friend who is in a wheelchair. This boy's father wants to send them to Europe in two weeks, but to stay in Hostels and use Eurorail without reservations. Is this even possible?

Big Island of Hawaii

Would love to get down to the sand and use a wheelchair. Does anyone know of accessible beaches? I've heard some have big tire wheelchairs for beach use. Where? Reservations? Many thanks for help.

Mediterranean Cruise

We plan to take a cruise to Istanbul, Turkey from Athens, Greece on the Renaissance Ship in February of 1999. We would like to take an electric scooter, 110volt. We wonder if we can take it aboard the ship, and how will we get it from the plane from NY to the hotel and then to the ship? We can take a regular wheelchair instead of a scooter. My husband is a double BKA with prosthetics and can walk with crutches or walker a short distance, climb a few stairs, etc. We will be getting off at Haifa and Ashdod. We wonder if we need a visa for Turkey with photos? We probably will take bus tours in Turkey and Israel.
Thank you in advance for any help you can give us.

Lorraine

Washington D.C.

Our family spent a week in D.C. over spring break and had a wonderful time. My husband uses a wheelchair and/or electric cart. We took our accessible van but never used it. We used the Metro for all of our sightseeing. Every station is accessible with an elevator to all levels. The Capitol building was great. They provided us our own private guide. So was the White House. Our hotel (Embassy Suites downtown), restaurants, everybody couldn't have been more helpful. Everything was great except we don't think we'll go again over spring break - very crowded!

Sicily

Ambulatory emphysema patient seeks info/advice for trip to Sicily. Seek advice regarding hotels and tourist sites and local tourist agencies with disabled travellers experience. All in our group have been to Italy before but 20+ years ago in all cases so very out of date. Hope to travel late Sept. or Oct. Have done extensive site research. Fairly experienced traveler before becoming disabled but limited since.

Seldom used tours in past - rented cars and used Blue Guides or equivalent. Although ambulatory and not yet needing oxygen, have very limited stamina. Can only manage stairs very slowly with many rests. Can only manage 50-100 ft. walking without stops unless air is very clean (no smog or tobacco) and on the level or downhill slope. Am large (6'1) very overweight (c.310 lbs) male. Will travel with 1-3 healthy but physically small female companions - they would not be able to lift or carry me. Do own a non-powered wheel-chair (but seldom need it) which I could take.

All of us would be travelling on FF miles or airline employee passes and probably meet in Rome airport or in Sicily. Any info regarding hotels elevators, non-smoking rooms (essential) and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much.

Norm

DisneyWorld

Re: couple who wants to go to Disney World. My experience there was very upsetting. I have a progressive neurological disability and wanted to go to DisneyWorld with my husband and 5-year-old before I couldn't undertake a trip like this anymore. When I got there I found many, many, curbs, very few curb cuts, and 100 people standing on, in, and around those curb cuts. I couldn't keep up with them because of access problems  and it was impossible for them to wait constantly for the crowds to part so that I could keep up with them. I found myself outside Magic Kingdom with tears streaming down my face, heart broken that my long awaited trip to Disney World with my little girl turned into such a disappointment. If you are in a power chair and can not transfer, Disney World may not be what you expect. Many years ago when I was still walking, I was at Disney World and I thought it was absolutely wonderful. What a difference going back and being in a wheelchair makes.

Rosemary

Heathrow Airport

I am looking for advice about getting a person who is only very mildly disabled across Heathrow from T1 to T4 - but they will be alone. Can anyone advise? LHR's own site is worse than useless.

Thanks

Mexico Accessibility

We will be taking a cruise aboard the Carnival Elation in July. It stops at Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, possibly Cabo San Lucas. I am a quadriplegic in a non-folding electric wheelchair with a service dog.

Should we even consider getting off at these stops? Will there be accessibility and transportation? Can you point us in the direction of any resources, on the web or otherwise, where we may get information?

Larry & Terry

Italy Info Needed

Hi:

I have MS and would like to go to Italy. Could you send some access information?

Thank you,

Bob

Backpacking Australia

I am 23 years old and I have CP. I would like to experience backpacking around Australia like many of my able-bodied friends. I know that I can not do the bus/train thing like they did. But I would like to hostel it, so that I can meet other like-minded backpackers. Every tour I have seen that could accommodate my chair has been aimed at older people, but I am young and want to have fun. I am starting in Melbourne and traveling up through the center, then down the east coast and back to Melbourne again. Any  ideas on what type of transport I should use, as I am on a budget and can not afford to fly every where? I will be taking three PA's, and my sister may be joining us along the way. Is there anyone out there who has ever done what I'm planning? Or are there any other young travelers who want to exchange e-mail?

Sarah

Boat Rentals

Hi:

I live in New Jersey. I am trying to find out if there are vacations where you rent a house boat or a barge on a canal. I am interested in states close to N.J. My son uses a wheelchair. We are willing to lift it on and off of a boat. Any ideas please?

Brenda

Cebu City, the Philippines

I'm from Cebu City, the Philippines. Actually my city, compared with the other cities here, have accessibility laws, but they are not strictly enforced, so many buildings are able to get away with flaunting the laws. I'll try to send you some info soon.

Best regards,

Manuel

Victoria, B.C.

I am planning to take my mother, who is in a wheelchair, to Victoria, BC sometime during the first half of June. We're looking for a reasonably-priced hotel room or B&B that is fully WC-accessible. A kitchenette
would be great, but we're flexible about food. Know of anyplace?

Thanks,

Julia

Bonn Germany

Hi:

Kaiser-Karl-Clinic in Bonn is an orthopedic rehabilitation clinic in the center of Bonn, Germany, with a hotel-like atmosphere. During holidays, we offer rooms to the disabled traveller. Please put a link on your web site to our info site at: http://www.kkk-bonn.de/hotel.htm
Thank you !

Tom Stinnesbeck

Accessible Ships

I will be taking a cruise with my parents next year; my dad is in a wheelchair. Do you know which cruise lines are disabled friendly?

Sharon

Cruise for Hearing Impaired

The NorCal Center on Deafness and GalaxSea Cruises and Vacations of Sacramento have teamed with Carnival Cruise Lines to offer an Aug. 17-20 cruise to Mexico for hearing-impaired individuals, their families and friends. Prices start at $374 per person for the cruise only. One interpreter for every 10 passengers will be provided. Activities for all -- including children -- will be interpreted. For more information, call Leanne at GalaxSea, 916/485-1082 or TDD 916/485-3604.

Prague

Hello:

My name is Marita. I'm a disabled woman from Finland, and I'm trying to find out about transportation possibilities in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. I cannot be lifted to a normal taxi, so I need to find out if there is anything like accessible taxies in Prague. Or,  if you know of a disabled organization in Prague, that would be a great help too.

Best regards,

Marita

Hawaiian Honeymoon

We will be getting married in August, and are planning a Hawaiian honeymoon. Are there wheelchair accessible bed and breakfasts available? A hotel would be our last choice.  

Thanks,

Ralph and Hermida

Chicago

Hi!

We are a young couple from the UK. Marty uses an electric wheelchair. Following a successful trip to NYC, where we got married, we are planning further trips to the USA. Access in New York State was excellent; we only spotted one bar and two diners without a ramp! While there, we hired an accessible van from "Wheelchair Getaways," a company we would definitely use again. Any access tips about Chicago? What's the transport like? What about access to restaurants, bars. etc? Any contacts would be appreciated. We'd like to have as normal a trip as possible!

Thanks in advance.

Sara and Marty Taylor

Amputee Flying Problems

I would be grateful to receive any information (or hear about peoples' experiences) regarding swelling or pain they experienced during air travel.

Ken

Accessible Nepal Trek Planned

This 16-day Nepal trip will include safari on an elephant`s back, sedan chair trekking, rafting and elephant rides. Departure before April 15 (to avoid May rains and heat).

This trip involves three journeys with Pokhara as the starting point:Trekking through the Himalayas, we shall see subtropical valleys, remote villages and snowy peaks.A sedan chair will be used.Rafting on the Trisul river -- some sections of the river are calm, others agitated, but all are safe. There is a road that runs parallel to the river.Chitwan: Participants will ride on an elephant`s back through the Royal National Park. There are rhinos, tigers, and bears.

Juan Carlos Larisch

E-mail: familia&dragonet.es familia@dragonet.es

Address:El Vicario/29.600 Marbella/Málaga/Spain.

Tel.: 95-277 46 00

Web page: www.guia-spain.com

(under construction, Feb. 12, 1998)

See web page in Spanish for photos and links to information about traveling in NepaL.

Tunisia Trip

I need info for my wife who is in a wheelchair.. She is paralysed on her left side. Her chair is manual so I push. We will be in Hammamet, Tunisia. If someone has ever been there I would like to know about streets, sidewalks, and restaurants. We are traveling on the 17 of March for  three weeks. If someone knows about Hotel Nawaress, that is where we will stay.

Merci beaucoup. Excuse my English; I am French.

Val

Travel for Visually Impaired People

My daughter is a 21-year-old college junior who is totally blind. She would like to know if there are any opportunities for visually impaired students or young adults to travel abroad (especially to Israel).

Thank you,

Susy

Oxygen Questions

My mother is 79 and on oxygen full-time. She uses a concentrator at home and individual refillable (NOT liquid oxygen) tanks when out. She has not known how to travel by plane since she started on oxygen seven years ago and the airlines aren't much help. We can box up her concentrator, that is no problem for use once she arrives at her destination. Her question is: She needs portable oxygen to travel. The airlines have assured her they can supply her with oxygen on the plane, but they don't supply answers with having oxygen available when she gets off, but yet they won't allow her to travel with full canisters. This is a real concern as she would have to transfer planes (needing oxygen) and then again need it at her destination. If she can't travel with full canisters then she will need to make arrangements for filling upon landing. Does anyone have any experience with this? Is there one airline that is especially helpful? She would really like to travel from Virginia to Illinois to see her older sister once more. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Jennie

Puerto Vallarta, San Francisco and Hawaii

I need information on traveling with both a scooter and oxygen to Puerto
Vallarta, Hawaii and San Francisco.

Thanks,

Pat

Travel for Disabled Parents

My parents were great travelers, but mom is now legally blind with macular degeneration and glaucoma, and dad is an amputee who walks only with great difficulty. Mom is not able to handle his wheelchair any more. Is there a way the two of them can get assistance so they can continue to travel?

Thank you,

Diane

UK Access

I'm planning a trip to England and Scotland in June ('98) and one of our party is in a wheelchair. Very few of the available travel guides indicate wheelchair accessibility for hotel accommodations. Does anyone know of a travel sourcebook that will inform our planning efforts and direct us to affordable, wheelchair accessible lodging in England and Scotland?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Rick

Cyprus

My name is Chris Neophytou. I have a disorder called Freidriechs Ataxia and have been in a wheelchair for eight years. I recently created my own web page to assist disabled travellers visiting Cyprus.
http://www.oocities.org/TheTropics/Shores/8642
Chris

Mexican Van Rentals

I'm hoping to travel to Guadalajara in a couple months and I would need a converted van to help me travel within the country. Would you have any information on the availability of companies I might be able to rent a converted van from in this area?

Your help is much appreciated.

Alan

Taxis in London

I read Norman's article on London and just wanted to add some information about using taxis. Norman points out that some of the cabs carry the wheelchair sign on the orange light at the front, however, these are not the only accessible vehicles. They no longer bother to put the sign on the newer cabs as they are all accessible. All of the taxis put on the road since 1989 are accessible and the older ones are being phased out. You can tell the accessible ones as they have a registration number starting with a 'G' or a later letter in the alphabet. (we are currently on 'P' & the letter changes annually). The design has been modified since then and basically the newer the cab the better the head room. The earliest models generally require you to bend your head down whilst entering the vehicle up the ramps, and the taller amongst us may be short of headroom whilst inside. This was improved on later designs. Newer versions also have a seat which swings out of the cab to help those who are walking but have difficulty stepping up into the taxi - the step is quite high. I often find that the drivers are unfamiliar with how to use the ramps as they have never used them before, although they are always helpful, and extending & placing the ramps is fairly easy to figure out & do. The cabbies tell me that the younger drivers are more familiar with the ramps, as their use is now part of the test they have to take, so they sometimes ask a colleague. I use taxis quite a lot and don't usually have a problem after the driver has worked things out. From my own selfish point of view the more people who use them, and give the cabbies practice the better! Could I just recommend a book available from RADAR at the address that Norman gives. It is called "Access in London" and has details on accessible transport, shops, hotels, theatres, places of interest and so on. I hope this information will be of interest to someone.

Happy travels,

Tony

Traveling on Crutches

My wife and I returned a few weeks ago from another great trip to Paris and Italy. During the closing days of WW II , I lost my right leg high above the knee and have worn a prosthesis for over 51 years. I can get along very well on level pavement and floors, although my pace is slower as the years accumulate.

My primary problem during travel is keeping up with my very active wife and walking the rough pavements of European cities.  I always carry a set of lightweight elbow crutches, for greater mobility and a "spare tire" in case the prosthesis breaks. (It has come apart on several occasions so I carry a few essential spare parts.).

During my working days, we traveled the east coast and interior of Australia, with trips to Bali and Polynesia. Since retirement we have traveled through England, Ireland, France and Italy.

While traveling, as soon as we reach our hotel, I park my artificial leg under a bed or in a closet, and we take off sightseeing on crutches. My hands become blistered the first few days, but soon become tough enough to carry me up and down Metro steps, and over rough cobble stone streets and sidewalks.

A few advantages of traveling with crutches are you can board an airplane first, little old ladies jump up to give you seats on trains and buses, and few people on crowded sidewalks, shops, and buildings will jostle a person on crutches. Some caution must be observed, however, when walking through very slippery wet leaves, and dog doo which seems to be all over the sidewalks of Paris. Fast moving escalators are a bit tricky also. The worst hazards however are the sewer grates and manhole covers which have drain holes in them larger than the rubber crutch tips!

A person on crutches, rather than in a wheelchair, can travel almost anywhere an able bodied person can. I Would appreciate hearing from anyone with similar experiences. It was a great trip last month.

John

Needs Cruise Info

Both my fiancée and myself have physical disabilities and use wheelchairs. We are interested in taking a cruise to the islands for our honeymoon in June. Would you have any information on this matter?

Thank you,

Mike

Hong Kong

Hi:

 My name is Michele, I'm writing from Brisbane, Australia. I was wondering if you could help me find some information on the wheelchair access around Hong Kong - particularly with regards to accommodation, accessibility on the streets,   transportation, and access to the main sightseeing areas.

Michele

Key West

Greetings!

I found your site this morning while browsing for disability related items. I use a power wheelchair due to Muscular Dystrophy, drive my own van, and am an avid traveler. This site, therefore, is of great interest to me as I plan for this summer's trip.

My family and I would like to visit Key West, FL this summer, and I would appreciate any information that you can share concerning accessible lodgings, boat trips, and places to visit.
Thank you in advance,
Karl

Euro Parking Permit

My mother is coming to visit us in Germany. She has a disabled parking permit back in Wisconsin. Is there a way to transfer or get access to a disabled parking permit for use here in Europe (Germany in particular) during her visit?
Thanks for your help.
Pam

Parisian Insights

Paris's Louvre and Musee D'Orsay are great for those who cannot walk for long distances. Wheelchairs are available for rent. The Metro is awful. Buses are fine, except drivers start up before those of us who are unsteady can get settled with a handhold, or a seat.
Bill & Ellen

Japanese Travel Wheelchair

Hello: 

I'm a Japanese disabled person. Because of my bad leg joints, I'm using a wheelchair. I have been very interested in European culture, especially the history of the Middle Ages. I have had a dream that one day I would go to Europe. I planned to go to Europe this summer. and started to search the information for handicapped persons travel in May-June. Then I found your home page. I got the book "Wheelchair through Europe" which is very useful, and on your home page links I got the home page address of CNFLRH in France. From them I received the magnificent handbook "Paris Ile de France for Everyone." I have had enough information to go from you. Thank you very much.

I still had some problems though. The biggest one was my wheelchair problem. I use two types of wheelchairs, powered and manual. In the house I can handle a manual wheelchair, but outside I use a scooter-type powered wheelchair. On the trip, I wanted to use a powered wheelchair to reduce the burden to my weak arms. In August, I got YAMAHA's new powered wheelchair unit. This unit is constructed from a wheel and motor unit. It is exchangeable to the normal manual wheelchair's wheel. The advantage of this unit is portability. It weighs only 15kg (33lb) including battery, and can fold as a normal wheelchair whenever the unit is attached. The weak point is its moving performance. Max speed is only 4km/hour. There are two nickel-cadmium batteries in the unit. Each battery has a power of one-hour non-stop moving. So I can move around about two hours. Or I can walk about 8km. I think this is a very convenient wheelchair for travel use. If you want to know about this unit, please look at this address: http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/wheelchair/

Though the text is in Japanese, you can understand it by the photo.

I'm ready to go to Europe. I will travel there from 6 to 16 of November. I'm very lucky that my cousin's daughter, who lives in Dusseldorf, is off her job right now. She will help me to go Paris and Frankfurt. I can see the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Chartres, and the river Rhein and many more places with my own eyes.

Lastly I thank you again. Without your information I might never take this trip. I'm going to send you a travel report.
Kazumi

Malaysia

Hello: I'm thinking of taking my family on a holiday to Malaysia, and I am especially interested in getting to Malacca. Anybody got any info on accessible hotels (preferably cheap!) in KL, Malacca and Singapore? Are any rental cars with hand controls available? Any tips on getting around in Malaysia?
All information gratefully received.
Ian

Bahamas

Has anyone had any experience traveling in the Bahama Islands? Are they accessible for travelers with mobility restrictions? What are the attitudes of people there when dealing with disabled people? Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Lin

Grand Canyon Plane Tours

I'm from Australia. Can you help me found out about wheelchair accessible plane tours of the Grand Canyon? I will be going to America in a week.

Thanks.

Wendy

Traveling with a Concentrator

Hi! Once in awhile I travel by air. I have a trach and require a vent and a concentrator for sleeping. I have brought my vent onboard the plane with me, but I've never known how to travel with my concentrator. Do I put it through baggage? If so, how do I do that so that it makes the trip without being damaged? In the past I've had to rent a concentrator at my destination, and this requires a lot of red tape and is expensive. Do you have any suggestions for me?

Thanks,

Carol

Israel Tour Response

The following is a query regarding a recent tour posting on the Global Access Readers Write website. It is directed to Chris, dlkellman@aol.com, who is organizing a trip to Israel.

Dear Chris: I read about the trip to Israel you were organizing for people ages 25 to 45. My husband, Nick, and I went there a couple of years ago with a group of non-disabled people. Nick used a lightweight Quickie and we managed to see everything on that extensive tour, which included rough terrain and the usual accessibility issues in Turkey, Syria, and Israel. At the time, he and I were 53 and 48 years old respectively. We cleared all the hurdles, usually faster than our companions, and were well-liked by our fellow tourists and tour leaders alike for our affability and our general knowledge of history and culture. We don't plan to return to the Near East any time soon. We have just returned from a trip to China this year, which included getting to the top of the Great Wall, and there are many places we have yet to see.

My question to you is, why the age restriction? Do you not think it strange that people who have experienced restrictions and discrimination due to physical disability should countenance age discrimination? I would love to receive an explanation for your age cut-off points. Is it your feeling that a 25-year-old tourist will be better-behaved than a 24-year-old one, or that a 35-year-old with advanced MS will be better able to "make the grade" than an athletic 60-year-old self-wheeler? Please help me to understand this. I think we of all people should be endeavoring to bring down barriers, wherever we find them.

Very truly yours,

Madeleine

Vacation Homes Unlimited

Vacation Homes Unlimited is a company which has been promoting the concept of home exchange vacationing since 1986. Our web site is at: http://www.vacation-homes.com

We have dedicated an entire category to homes with facilities for the handicapped. Both members and non-members can visit the site, and click the "Handicapped" check box, and all current listings in the category are immediately sorted to the top of the list.

Our entire on-line database is open to everyone. Visitors are able to browse in summary format (locations and brief description), and immediately after listing an exchange and joining, you move forward to full contact information.

Please visit and see for yourself, or if you would like to receive our information package in the mail, email your name and address to: vhuswap@scv.net.

Anne Pottinger
Vacation Homes Unlimited

New Zealand Tours

Could you please inform me of the possibility of linking our web page to yours? We are a tour company in New Zealand catering to disabled travelers. Our url is http://www.tmv.co.nz
Thank you for your consideration.

Frank van den Broek

Snorkeling Device

Hello:

The "Seeboard" is a product designed to be a snorkeling alternative and made for people like myself who are afraid of going underwater, for elderly people and for people with a disability, all who want to experience the beauty of tropical fish and coral reefs. Please take a look at our homepage for more information.

Sincerely,

Molly Campbell, Seesports Inc.
http://www.cco.net/~seesport/

Guatamala

I am looking for information about accessible travel in Guatemala. I'm especially interested in other peoples' experiences.

Thanks,

Carrie

Clarion Del Mar Warning

Hello: I am prompted to file a complaint with the Dept. of Justice about The Clarion Del Mar Inn in Del Mar, California. My husband called for a reservation three weeks before our July 17th arrival date and asked if they had an accessible room stating, "My wife uses a power wheelchair." He was told yes and we gave a credit card to guarantee the room. We arrived at 1pm and were told that our room was on the second floor. We squeezed into a small (OK) elevator and went to our room. I could not believe that when we entered our room we noticed that the bathroom door was about 25 inches wide! My chair is not wide - about 27 inches. There were no grab bars near the toilet and the sink was not accessible. There were bars in the tub area.

We called the front desk and were told there was not another "accessible room." When I mentioned that the door to the bathroom was not the proper width and I could not use the bathroom, the reply was, "We haven't had any complaints." After many phone calls and three wasted hours, management agreed to send us to the Del Mar Hilton and pick up the difference of about $60 in the room rate. Though the Hilton was accessible it was out of town, isolated, not very charming, and next to a very noisy freeway.

We do have laws in the U.S. and I feel we need to use them and file complaints for those that come after us.

Sincerely yours,

Phyllis

Australia & New Zealand

We want to travel in Australia and New Zealand and find it very hard to get internet information re: car rentals with hand controls in those countries. We need the car in Melbourne, Australia, and in Auckland, New Zealand. Could you help with some links?

Much obliged,

Shlomit

London Taxis

I am planning a trip to London in early October and will be traveling alone. Because of Post Polio I use a mechanical scooter. I have been having difficulty getting information that would tell me what to expect while I'm in London. Has anyone had experience in getting around in London by cab or attending the theater? Any information would be deeply appreciated, and when I return  I will post a note on Global Access with whatever I have discovered that might be of interest to others.
Happy traveling to any who are are planning trips.
Norman

Range Rover Chairs

I was in Pompeii last year and realized that my friend, a quad, would most likely never be able to share this experience. As I was walking the site, I noticed that the streets were "grooved". The guide told me that the stone road was grooved over time by the wheels of the chariots due to the huge commerce that existed there. So I thought, "Cool, wheelchair chariots in Pompeii. The tracks are already laid!" Then I wondered if a Range Rover type wheelchair exists that can handle less than ideal wheelchair access. Am I dreaming, or is there someone out there way ahead of me? I am sure my friend would like to know and frankly, I am selfish and would like to travel with him.
Any info would be appreciated.
Therese

Beijing

Thank you for a great site. It is most enjoyable to view and read. My name is Richard from Australia. I am a c6-7 traveling to Beijing, China for 10 days in October 1997. I am wondering if there is anything available with regards to disability travel and access for that city. I am most anxious as there are not too many places to find disability access info about Beijing. Can you help? It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Richard

Oregon

Hello:

Does anyone know how to find a fully accessible vacation rental (wide doorways, roll-in shower, roll-up sinks, grab bars, etc)? We want to rent either a house or a condo on the Oregon coast, central Oregon mountains, or Washington's Puget Sound, but aren't having much luck finding a place.
Thanks,
Julia

Germany Site

There is a site in Germany: www.dias.de, which lists all the available city guides for Germany. There are brochures which describe cities' public transportation systems, hotels, museums, etc. Some even have maps of the inner city areas showing where there are no curbs, accessible toilets, etc. If you wish to travel by train, while you are here, you can get a form from the German rail company and request help with baggage and changing trains etc. Hope this helps!

Gretchen

Oxygen

What is the best way to travel with oxygen? For example, is it available on the train? Any other tips?

Herman

Hotel Info

A friend of mine has to put together a guide for hotels which sets out what they can do to best service people with disabilities. She also needs information on the particular requirements at hotel conventions and functions. Can anyone please provide me with information to pass on about the specific needs of people with disabilities in major city hotels?

Thanks,

Peter

New England Tours

Please put me on your mailing list for any appropriate holidays in the autumn - particularly the New England States.
Many thanks.
John

Boston

I have just begun my search for information on places to stay and things to do in Boston for a person that has a physical disability. I would really like my mother to be able to visit me in Boston, but I quickly realized that I don't have any knowledge of the accessibility of the city. She cannot stay with me because I live in a walk-up and she has special needs - an elevated chair and a bed. I also don't know where to begin to gather information of the types of activities that are available. I could begin calling different places, such as the tours, but I thought there must be a comprehensive guide that my mother could review and choose what it is that she would like to do. Also, there must be a place that one could rent a "Lark" or something similar for her visit. I would appreciate any guidance that you could give me.
Thanks,
William

Barbados

Do you have any information on accessibility in Barbados? Such as: access to the airport and transportation from the airport to the cruise port?
Thanks

Germany

Hi: I have an interest in going to Germany in the next few years. How is wheelchair access there? Any info?
Bob

India

I have a genetic disorder called Freidriechs Ataxia and have been in a wheelchair for seven years. Recently, I got married and we would like to travel to India. Can you give me any info or web sites where I may obtain info for the disabled traveler to India?

Thanks,

Chris

Canada

Hello: Congratulations for your web site. It is very interesting and useful. I am going to Canada for a semester, but I wonder if you know any place on the internet where I can find a list of things to remember to pack for my trip. Well, thank you. I hope you can send me some information.

E. Gallo

Barrier-Free Vacations

My name is Michael Kennedy. I am an individual with a severe physical disability who works as a certified travel agent in my own travel services business called "Barrier-Free Vacations. I am hoping that you could include my company's web site (www.barrier-free-vacations.com) as a link in your web site. I would be willing to include a link to your web-site in my company's site.

Please e-mail me at barrier-free-vacations@worldnet.att.net with any questions, comments or procedures that are necessary. Barrier-Free Vacations offers free travel reservation services to individuals with mobility impairments who are interested in Walt Disney World and other Tropical Florida destinations. We specialize in Accessible air travel, hotel accommodations with roll-in showers, lift-equipped transportation, medical equipment rentals and nursing services.
Michael Kennedy 800 749-5635

Israel

I'm organizing a trip to Israel this fall for people, ages 25 to 45, who have mobility impairments. I'm working in concert with United Jewish Appeal (they send thousands of people to Israel every year). I'm putting together this trip specifically for people who use w/c's, cane's, etc.. We'll rent a lift-equipped bus, stay in a w/c accessible hotels and kibbutz, and we'll tailor our activities to the ability of the group. So far, I've had inquiries from people all over the US as well as Canada, the Netherlands and Italy.

Chris
For more information, write me at dlkellman@aol.com.

Tunisia

Dear Sir:

I am a twenty-year-old student with arthritis. Walking is slow and steep steps are a problem and sometimes impossible. An able-bodied friend and I are thinking about going on a holiday to Kerkennah, an island just off Tunisia. It sounds very nice, but I am concerned about disability factors over there. I will be staying at the Hotel Grand. Do you know anything about Tunisian access?

Chris

Accessible Vacation Home Exchange

Hi: have you visited our Vacation Home Exchange for Persons with Extensive Disabilities yet? Here is a brief description of this free service: Would you like to swap homes with another family with similar needs? If you have an extensive disability, you know how hard it can be to go on vacation. Swapping homes with other persons with similar needs in other parts of the world might be a low-cost alternative. If you are interested, post your ad in http://www.independentliving.org

Obviously, after having established contact with a potential exchange partner you will need to share much more information before making up your mind, set up a contract and check your home insurance. The Institute on Independent Living cannot take any responsibility for the quality of the contacts you will get this way. All we can do is help you with the first step, the rest is up to you.

Adolf D. Ratzka, Ph.D.
Institute on Independent Living

Special Airline Seating

Our 14-year-old daughter has CP, and cannot sit unsupported. We are planning a trip half-way across the country, and would prefer to fly. However, we are hoping to take her Tumbleform Seat on the plane for her to sit in the airline seat for support. It is an approved car seat, and has chest and lap belts for her safety and comfort. It is approx. 18 1/2" wide. Has any one out there had any experience traveling with (or as) a person without any trunk control? Are we dreaming to think the airlines would welcome this equipment under her on the seat? What have others done?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Albert

Access to British Countryside

I frequently take my Mum out for country walks in her wheelchair (she has arthritis and can only cover very short distances - e.g. if I get stuck in a rut). My questions are: (1) Are there any good books of country walks in the south of England which don't involve steps, styles or quagmires? (I'm tough, but I can't carry Mum AND the chair!)(2) Has anyone designed any good cross-country wheelchairs - probably three mountain bike wheels rather than supermarket trolley wheels on the front that stick at every root and soft patch? If you can offer any pointers on either of these, I'd be most grateful.
Thanks,
Steve

UK Power Chair Rentals

If Dina means electric chairs controlled by joystick, I recently went through the exercise when we had a visitor (I couldn't push two chairs). I found two places that hired out powered chairs, one at #60/wk (too much) and All Handling (Movability) Ltd. at Raynes Park on 0181-542-2217. #35/wk + #50 deposit. A godsend! A bit heavy to get in the boot though!
Steve.

Amtrak Across U.S.

My husband and I are planning to take Amtrak this year. We will be traveling the California coastline to Detroit, Michigan then to Newton, KS then to Denver, Sacramento and back to Tucson. I need advice traveling with my scooter. I can't walk on stairs very well.

La Vera

Walt Disney World

I am searching for 'helpful hints' on traveling via air to Walt Disney World with my mother and her folding power wheelchair. Also, we would like to buy the book "Disabled in Walt Disney World" from someone. It is out of print.
Steven

America West Warning

Dear Global Access folks, My question is-what exactly does one have to do to be accommodated on an airplane? We recently flew America West with my grandfather, who has Parkinson's Disease. We told the travel agent that he was in a wheelchair and both my father and I confirmed this with the airline reservations department prior to the trip. When we arrived at the gate, however, they claimed to have no such note in the computer. We tried to argue that we'd told them THREE times; their response was, "But did you specifically ask for the onboard wheelchair?" We hadn't even know such a request would be necessary- if it is, that seems like the sort of thing a reservations agent should ask.

Prior to our return trip, I again called America West reservations and specifically asked for the onboard chair. After a bit of waiting, I was assured we would be all set. At check-in, however, the agent had no idea what we were talking about. Every employee we dealt with offered a "this is your own fault" attitude and only one offered any help at all. A wheelchair was finally found to get him to his seat, but, when we landed in Boston, we were without it again! (It seems to me that if he needed it to get on, he would need it to get off the plane!) Is this normal treatment for disabled fliers? It is absolutely pathetic! Could you offer any suggestions to avoid future fiascos (aside from the obvious...NOT flying with America West?)
Thanks for any help you can give.
Michelle

Voltage Converters

I have been trying to get a straight answer from someone: What kind of a converter/transformer do I need to use to charge my electric wheelchair in Paris? I have a 24 volt charger -- one company says a 500 watt converter is big enough, then I called Invacare and they say I need at least a 1200 watt converter!!! We are talking $65 vs. $150! Not to mention 8 lbs. vs. 15 lbs.

Thanks,

Pam

Italian Tours

I'm looking for a travel organization in Italy, for my holidays next August. I'm in a chair and have an assistant. We don't like to travel alone, but would like to find a group of people. Can you help us?
Thank you,
Maria

Germany Tours

Am traveling to Germany in September but have had both knee joints replaced in December '96. Walk well and even travel pretty well but would like an escorted tour with the least amount of walking. Looking to see Oktoberfest and some of Germany. Which tour company would be the best?
Bill

Airline Seating

I use a wheelchair and am planning a trip to Italy. I am leaving May 26th, will be traveling with a friend, and flying ALITALIA. How can I find out which aisle seats have removable arm rests? I have asked the reservationists with ALITALIA, and they don't know. The plane is a Boeing 767.

Carol

Paris in July

Hi, I am traveling overseas for the first time this July and Paris is my destination! But it has been like pulling teeth getting any information about accessibility in the city. I have Muscular Dystrophy and use an electric wheelchair to get around. Could you help me get some more info? My husband and I will be staying at the Hotel Du Louvre.

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate any help.

Pam Howell

Finland

I am a wheelchair user who plans to visit Finland at the end of May to attend an international conference. Can your organization help me find people or resources that can tell me how to plan the tour?
Arr-Mien

Philippines

Hi:

I'm Wolfgang, 44, a para in wheelchair from Austria. I Would like to make a trip to the Philippines, especially to Baguio, which is located in the north of that country. My wife has cancer and we would like to stay there for therapy. Need information about accommodation, etc.
Wolfgang

Phuket

Hi:

I read Peter's message about Phuket and I agree with him though it is not exactly as easy as Peter describes. I know  Phuket very well and Thais as I've been going to Phuket, which is a splendid place to go, every year for ten years. My wife is a Thai native. I had polio when I was three-years-old and I walk with the help of two crutches. Anybody who wants information on Phuket may contact me at my e-mail address: c.santini@flashnet.it

Claudio

Florida Nature

Hi! I work for a local government in Florida. We manage nature sanctuaries and are looking for ideas on how to make them more accessible. I am now looking for additional information on statistics on disabled travelers to nature areas. In mid-May, I'll be at a Florida conference for tourism marketers, business and government. I want to show them there is an untapped market. In Florida access to nature is pretty dismal - and not just for wheelchair users - although that is a large component - limited mobility is probably larger considering the growing senior population of Florida. Any suggestions on where I can get this info? I'm new to the web and and was elated when I found your page. Any info would help.
Thanks!
Anne Birch

Romania

I am a disabled student interested in visiting Romania. For all practical purposes, I am confined to a wheelchair, although it is possible for me to travel apart from it i.e. in plane seats or in a car, etc. I plan to be accompanied by a friend who should be able to provide me with a certain amount of assistance. Because of this, I would not necessarily be restricted to completely accessible locations and modes of transportation. We are, however, hoping to minimalize any and all permanent back injury that she might incur on this venture. I am predicting a lot of lifting and manual labor in her future. I was wondering if anyone could provide us with information on the most feasible modes of travel and lodging in Romania. Any and all information is welcome. An adventurous and perhaps naive traveler,
Eric Rich

Singapore Brochure

Congratulations on your informative and beautiful site. I would like to invite you to visit our site at "www.singapore-ca.com" and to link it to your site. We have produced a brochure on Access Singapore, which is listed under "Brochures" on our site and which we will be pleased to send it to anyone who requests it.
Gerald Lee, Vice-President Canada Singapore Tourist Promotion Board

Western Australia

Do you have any information on access around the great Australian Bight for whale watching, and on the West Australian coast for seeing dolphins? Great to see a service like yours in operation. PS. I don't use a wheelchair, but have problems walking on inclines and on rough ground.

Elizabeth

Euro Chair Pusher Needed

Would greatly appreciate any and all info on how to find someone in Zurich and Amsterdam to push a chair on a daily basis.
Respectfully,
Sher

Beach House Rental

We have a house on Bald Head Island, North Carolina that is partially accessible. It has a ramped entrance, and bathroom with high commode, shower stall, open sink and wide doors. It is a fully-equipped 2 bedroom, 2 bath with a standard kitchen, washer, dryer, stereo etc. Visitors need to take a ferry from Southport, NC (no privately owned cars are allowed on the island). We rent the house through the Bald Head Island Rental Property agency from Easter through Labor Day. The ferry terminal to Bald Head Island is located in Southport, NC in the Indigo Plantation Development. Southport is approximately 1/2 hour by car South of Wilmington. You drive to the ferry terminal where there are workers who will help unload your baggage: a parking area is a short distance away. Ferries to the island leave on the hour, and there are workers who will help people onto the ferry. The ferry delivers guests to the ferry terminal on the island. Workers will help with the baggage and there is a tram service which will take people to their rental units. When departing, the tram service will also pick people up at the rental unit and take them to the ferry terminal on Bald Head for the ferry ride back to Southport. The nearest airport is Wilmington. Every house on Bald Head has an electric golf cart: the cart is used for local transportation; most of the roads are paved. There is a small grocery store on the island and several restaurants. Development is quite restricted: no fast food, miniature golf, etc. There is a full-fledged golf course and club on the island; tennis courts are also available through the club. The club has a lounge and a bar. The Club will also organized special activities like a July 4th parade. There is a central swimming pool and the IBIS Roost community has its own swimming pool. There is a handicapped beach access point, but shifting sand may impede use. There are three distinct ecological zones, beach, forest, and creek, on the island. Bird watching and, during the summer evenings, watching for nesting turtles, is great fun. There is an active conservancy on the island which has a naturalist to protect turtle nests. Bald Head is a place to escape much of the hustle of our everyday lives. Rental is done through an on-site rental management firm: they handle reservations and payments; they will also try to do their best to assist handicapped travelers if so notified and provide management for the unit including any repairs which might be needed should happen during rental. Linens are provided as part of the rental. One of the toll-free numbers is 1-800-234-1666. We want to make this information available to travel people and the disabled community.

Thank you.

Michael_Schulman@ncsu.edu

Amalfi Coast

My husband, small daughter and I would like to visit the Amalfi Coast with my elderly parents. My mother cannot get around without a wheelchair, and I am wondering if it is feasible to go there. I remember it as hilly, but also very beautiful, and I would like them to see it. Two sisters may also come along, so it may be a big group. Do you have any recommendations on getting there, places to stay, and in general whether this is a crazy idea or not? Thank you so much.
Maria

London Hotel

Paraplegic with wife and teenage daughter wish to enjoy summer stay in London. our concerns are with accessible hotels and the expense. Travel agents seem to be clueless. Can you help? Is there a "magic list" of hotels in London that provide accessible rooms with private baths and don't cost $300 a night? We are grateful for any assistance to help us plan.
Bill

Mexican Cruise

My mother had a stroke last June. She is wheelchair bound and is somewhat dependent. Her family would like to arrange for her to take a trip. This will be her first venture, and her family would like to make it as easy as possible. We thought of a 3-4 day cruise to the Mexican Riviera. We would like for her not to deal with air flight now. We are hoping that there may be some cruises that take off from San Francisco, where she is living. Does anyone one know if there are cruises from San Francisco and if they are accessible for the disabled. Or is anyone aware of a travel agency that deals with disabled travelers?
Thanks in advance,
Helen

Euro Hand Controls

Do You know where there are hand-controlled car to hire in Europe?

Dina

Luggage Help in France

I will be traveling to France this Spring. I have limited ability to carry travel bags due to muscular instability and weakness. I minimized my total baggage weight to 18 lbs. and hoped that I could manage this comfortably, but when I tried it this weekend I found that I could not. Are there red caps or porters available at the train and/or airports? Are there any other options available for assistance at the train station?
Thank you so much for your help.
Sue

Alaska Cruise

My husband and I are ready to cruise! We'd like info. on cruises to Alaska. Jim is a C6-7 quad, and, of course, that means special needs, LIKE the availability of a commode chair. Anyone know of a cruise ship that would meet our needs?
Thanks,
Tricia and Jim

Access Australia

QUALITY ACCESS INTERNATIONAL(QAI), the first Hotel and Tour reservation system for disabled travelers and seniors is introducing its members. All below listed members have passed the stringent Quality Assurance Survey and have been classified in their respective category. (see QAI's home page at: http://www.qai.com.au

All Seasons Premier Pacific Bay Resort - Coffs Harbour, The Wheel Resort - Byron Bay The Tropic Lodge - Coffs Harbour, The Caribbean Motel - Coffs Harbour, The Premier Motor Inn - Coffs Harbour The Matador Inn - Coffs Harbour, The Waterside Guesthouse - Coffs Harbour, The Sydney Park Inn - Sydney

AbleTours - Perth, Rapid Rafting - Coffs Harbour, Coffs City Skydivers - Coffs Harbour, Hogsbreath Cafe & Saloon - Australia wide

For further information, pleased contact our Membership Coordinator on Australia
Phone 1300 36 36 80
International +61 2 9262 5555
Fax +61 66 51 90 53
Email: wbch@midcoast.com.au

San Francisco

Hello. In May I'm going to San Francisco with a friend. I use a power chair and a ventilator. I am staying at the Holiday Inn in the Financial District. I was wondering how easy it is to get around the city using public transportation. Also, we are interested in taking a day trip to Monterey or the Napa Valley but aren't sure how to arrange for the transportation. Has anyone ever rented a commode or bath chair to use while you're in the city you're visiting? Is Alcatraz accessible? Any other tips regarding the flight or the city itself would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Mark

Maui Van Rentals

Do you know of any companies that rent wheelchair vans on Maui?
Thanks,
Steve Powles

Cyber Adventures

We really like your site. In fact, we like it so much that we have named it the 'coolest travel site of the week' on Cyber Adventures. If you would like to add a link to your site, you can use our 'coolest travel site' logo located at: http://www.cyber-adventures.com/cool.gif Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Jonathan Singer

Nican

Nican is an information service for people with disabilities on sport, recreation and tourism. I have put a brief listing about your organization on our database.
Cheers, Maxine Edmonds, Information Officer

Ireland

Hi:

Do you have any information on disability access in Dublin, Ireland?
Thanks,

Kelley

New Hampshire & Vermont

Hello:

We are both wheelchair users and would like to travel to New Hampshire and Vermont this July or August. Can you help with tourist sites and lodgings?
Thank you,
Florence

Quality Access International

To all our supporters and friends:

After many "hurdles" our home page is working at: http://www.qai.com.au Please come and visit us. Your comments are highly appreciated.
Best regards,
Werner Balsiger

In Australia, QAI - guarantees travellers with conditions - through its unique Quality Assurance Programme - that all QAI Member Hotels/ Motels/Resorts and Tour Operators cater for their specific and relevant needs and required services. The need for this organization was identified by Mr Baldwin as he completed a 3-year 'Ability Trek,' a circumnavigation of Australia by wheelchair. While many tourist facilities have promoted 'disabled facilities' available, Mr Baldwin found there was no accepted standards for the extent or the variety of facilities available. "The QAI Reservation system " will make this information readily available to both the travel industry and consumers worldwide" explained Mr Balsiger.

Research conducted by the Centre for Leisure and Tourism Studies which was commissioned by Tourism New South Wales identified nationally travellers with conditions and their travelling companions/helpers spend in excess of $600 million per year in Australia alone. For further information, please contact: Werner Balsiger on Tel (61)411 860 252 or Fax:(61-2) 9 360 1085 or email: wbch@midcoast.com.au

Italy

I am a spinal cord injured quadriplegic who is exploring the possibilities of visiting Italy this spring. I use a wheelchair and can only transfer with great difficulty. My height is 57 inches. I am interested in finding a source for a van with an interior height at least 58 inches and, less importantly, a wheelchair lift. Do you know the source of such a vehicle or other means of travel? At present I can't answer how I can get from the airport much less across the country. I would very much like to talk about other travel concerns but must first solve this travel problem.
Arthur

European Cruises

Do you know if or where I could get information on wheelchair accessible cruises on rivers in Europe?
Sara

Paris

Hello: I am 23 and have spinal muscular atrophy. I use a wheelchair and a ventilator. I am thinking of taking a trip to Paris this June with a friend and my brother. I would like any advice or information on whether this is possible - Specifically, airfare, hotel accommodations, and getting around Paris. I would appreciate any help you can offer.
Sincerely,
Mark

British Travel Links

We are currently setting up a disabled travel information page on our site at http://www.traveldex.co.uk and we would like to include a link to your site. Is this OK? Also, do you know of any good UK based disabled tour companies or organizations for disabled travelers who we could also add to the site?
Robert

Handi-Capable Reporter

We're the Handi-Capable Reporter and we have a new website at: http://www.mhcr.com. Take a look, we have over 100,000 readers every month from the San Fernando valley to San Diego County, and from the Pacific Ocean to San Bernardino county. (hard copy only) Now with the Internet the skies are the limit.
Ron Boehm, Publisher

DAMACO wheelchairs

In your Trip Tips section, I just read about a motor add-on device that fits a lightweight wheelchair made by Damaco that attaches to a Quickie frame. I would really appreciate more information regarding specifications, vendors, cost, pros and cons, personal experiences etc. I will be taking a cruise in a month. I am newly disabled and am going to be buying some type of equipment soon so would appreciate the info as soon as possible.
Thanks,
Moe

More Vegas Access

My wife and I have been to Las Vegas about half a dozen times and I can say without any reservations that the whole town has treated us very well during our stays. We have stayed at Circus Circus, Fitzgerald's, and the now demolished Dunes. We both seem to like it downtown (off the strip) because things are close enough that she can walk and I can roll to just about anything we want to see or do. We have traveled Southwest Airlines and they have always treated me with the greatest respect and tried to handle our every need.
Ronnie

Netherlands to West Africa

I'm Klaas from the Netherlands and I sitting in a wheelchair for almost 25 years. This was because of a bike-accident. In 1993, I and my girlfriend traveled with a four-wheeled drive car from the Netherlands to West-Africa, and stayed there for almost a year. If anybody needs information about this trip, where to stay, where to go and what kind of preparation you need to do, you can e-mail me at: klaas.burg@pi.net

Klaas

Oahu Access

I use a wheelchair when the pain is bad, but I don't use it every day. I will be traveling to Oahu, Waikiki and Honolulu in December. Can anyone give me advice on how accessible Oahu is? Am I crazy to want to get to the top of Diamond Head? Is it possible by horseback? If you have any advice, or have been there, please write to me because I have more questions for you.
Cyndi

Accessible Spanish Villa

My wife and I have a favorite place in Spain. It's wheelchair accessible... maybe the most accessible lodging in the country. It's 800 meters from the Med... and an accessible 7 kilometer beach. THIS IS ONE OF THE GREAT PLACES IN EUROPE FOR WHEELCHAIR TRAVELLERS! Contact: La Esperanza, Apartado 311, Calpe E03710, Spain, TEL/FAX 34-6-583-3279.

Fred

Barging Through France

I Am trying to find out for a friend some information on barge cruises on the French waterways/canals which have good facilities for wheelchair users.
Margaret
Cape Town, South Africa

Don England of Travelac, Inc. suggested contacting Helen Jones of Anglo Travel in San Jose, CA. She recently took a group of disabled people to tour the Burgundy area of France by barge. A similar 14-day trip is in the works for Spring 1997. The tour will include 4 days on a wheelchair accessible barge, followed by 5 days in an accessible chateau and 4 days in Paris. Contact Anglo travel, 4250 Williams Rd., San Jose, CA 95129 U.S.A.

Travel Trauma

My husband, his assistant and I are planning travel to South East Florida in November of this year. My husband Olaf is a quadriplegic and has ALS or motor neuron disease. He has been on a ventilator for the past seven years.

We live in the most southern province of the Netherlands. The intl airport for NL is in Amsterdam which is a good 3 hour drive from our home. Fortunately, we are closer to Dusseldorf International and Brussels International airports. They are only one hour away. Travel time to the airport is a consideration since we will be flying for 10 hours. We have already travelled to FL in 1990 with ventilator, power chair, suction units, etc. Then, we travelled with Martinair a charter company which flies non-stop Amsterdam - Miami. Our experience with them was excellent. They were extremely helpful and did everything they could to make us feel at ease. It was a new experience for them and us. They had never had a passenger like Olaf before and we had never had to travel under those circumstances. At the time Olaf thought it best if he travelled in a stretcher as sitting for long periods of time in the wheelchair was new to him. So we booked 9 seats, six for the stretcher one for me, one for the assistant. The airline claimed that they could not sell the ninth seat so we paid that one as well. What Olaf found out was that the stretcher was a very expensive, uncomfortable and hard piece of wood and he decided then that he would undertake any future travel using the airplane seat.

The future is now. Having learned from our past experience we have looked into flying out of the airports that are nearer to us. Just last week we visited Brussels airport where the special assistance staff was kind enough to let us use their airplane mock-up so Olaf could try out an airplane seat. Obviously, we prefer to fly from Brussels, for their friendly and helpful staff, and close proximity to us, but there aren't any non-stop flights to Miami and airplane hopping is always necessary, so we checked Dusseldorf out. We had our doctor contact the airlines medical advisor and explain the situation. This seems to work best as most people panic when they hear the word ventilator. This lateral communication, doctor to doctor, proved to be much less the we expected. The airline doctor expressed that they would only do this if Olaf travelled in a stretcher and purchased nine seats. They stated the following reasons:

In the event of an emergency it would be easier to move the stretcher than a disabled person. They expressed concern about having to use a urinal on board, and that feeding through the G-tube might be offensive to other passengers.

My remarks on their reasoning: Are all person who are not ambulant required to use a stretcher on board? Have they ever heard of a blanket to cover the use of urinal on board? Or better yet, use of a uritip or similar device? How is feeding someone through a G-tube offensive when the airline supplies each passenger with an air sickness bag to be used at the seat?

I am enraged at this gross form of discrimination. Basically what they saying is, if you buy enough seats we are not offended. I am pursuing this but doubt that even if they concede we'll take their flight. All of this means added expense and inconvenience. The flight out of Dusseldorf is about $500 cheaper per person and if we have to fly out of Amsterdam we'll need to book a room for three for the night before departure, good for another $150. There are anti-discriminatory laws in Europe and I suppose I could take this to the European Court for the Protection of Human Rights, but all we want right now is to book a flight. Well I just had to unload that! I feel better now.

Does anyone know of a taxi service in Miami that handles power wheelchairs?
Miriam & Olaf

Alaska Access

Hi:

I operate a tour company in Alaska that designs getaways for travelers with disabilities. You can find me on the web in two locations: One is strictly advertising our getaways: http://alaskan.com/vendors/welcome.html The second is an on-line newsletter, with a little bit of advertising about us: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/alaskaupdate. Check out both locations. Send your mailing address, and we will mail you some of our hard copy newsletters. 1-800-349-6301 USA only; 1-907-349-6301; Fax: 1-907-344-3259.
Paul

New York Tips

We leave for New York City Sept. 13 and would appreciate info re: reasonably priced, accessible hotels (husband in wheelchair, but can take a step or two). Price range about $100 (or less) per night, possibly? I understand the buses are fine for transportation. But hotels, restaurants and theaters might be a challenge. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Betty

Editor's note: Betty,  I'm told the words reasonably priced shouldn't ever be used while discussing NYC - especially midtown Manhattan. Try the Days Hotel 49th St, and 8th Ave. for $156 per night for a double, or the Wyndham on 58th & Lexington. Each hotel reportedly has several wheelchair rooms. I too have heard that NYC buses are accessible. Please stay in touch and let us know how your trip went.

Hi:

New York has a book called "Access for All" which gives the lowdown we need on cultural institutions - info on concerts, theater, who (and tel. number) to call at the institution for details, restrooms, parking, loading area, telephones, etc. It is published by Hospital Audiences, Inc., 220 West 42nd St., NY, NY 10036 (pub. 1992). It was not expensive, and we used it on another trip there.

Another helpful book is "Traveling like Everybody Else - A Practical Guide for Disabled Travelers" by J. Freedman and Susan Gersten, pub. by Adama Books 1987.

Milford Plaza, owned by Ramada Inn, normally has disabled rooms.

Access to the Nederlander Theatre (where "Rent" is playing): Entry: Passenger loading zone: Front. Curb 1.5". Entrance: Far left door. One step to double doors in series. 1st set (each 28") to lobby, 2nd set (each 27") to orchestra. Restrooms upper lounge, up 17 steps. HOWEVER, Unisex restroom orch. level. Door 27". Stall 32" x 16" clear space. Commode 17". Grab bars.

Check also "Big Apple Greeters" in Manhattan, 212-669-2896. They'll find someone with interests similar to yours, and that person will come to your hotel and take you to a place of interest you indicate. My husband met a teacher that way who took the morning showing him how to get on buses so he could get to Greenwich Village and New York University. He had a wonderful adventure.

We leave NY Sept. 17 for Frankfurt airport (trapped there from 6 am to 9:30 pm when our plane for South Africa takes off). Any info as to where one can rest in that place? Lufthansa used to have a resting room, but it is no longer available.
Nice to have this interchange.

Betty

Easy Access Australia

Hi guys:

I was told about your site by a friend so I checked it out and it is an excellent resource for disabled people. I have researched and written Australia's first travel guide for people with disabilities and thought you would like to know about it. Easy Access Australia is available by mail order in Australia and I am looking for someone/organisation to handle mail order sales in North America. Do you have any suggestions? I understand New Mobility is reviewing the guide in its November edition so that will generate some interest I hope. I have a site at http://www.vicnet.net.au/~bruceeaa and will put in a link to your site if that is OK? Keep up the good work and I hope you can help me out.

Thanks and cheers,
Bruce
Editor's note: Wonderful site, Bruce! We just added it to the Disability Links.

Access Thailand

Hi:

I was really surprised when I saw this site today. In my opinion it is best to travel alone or with a friend/helper. The times I chose to have company with another disabled person, people showed fear to make contact and it was very easy to stick together and, therefore, miss a lot of challenges.

My disability is caused by the the medicine, thalidomide. In Sweden,  it sold under the name, neurosedyn. There are 102 survivors of it in my country.

The worst places I have been to are Israel and Greece. Thailand was absolutely the best country to visit. The people were, of course, curious but in an almost childish way. It was a little bit hard to to get on the transportation system. Me and my friend usually took the cheapest ride and that's the tuk-tuk. I am going back to Phuket, Thailand this time to look for the possibility to stay for a longer time or even emigrate. If there is anyone out there who has any good ideas about housing and employing a helper, please post here. Maybe I ought to describe my disability a bit. I have very short arms and legs, so there will be trouble with personal hygiene and to drive the wheelchair. Keep on pushing the limits!

Peter

Jamaica

Do you have any ideas for a place to stay in Jamaica? My brother (who has MS and is in a wheelchair)  wants to hang out in Jamaica or some other warm,  interesting spot where there is some snorkeling opportunities.
Thanks for your help.
Lynn

Editor's note: Check out our Archives Section for Tracy Mankin's report on Jamaica's Sandals Resort.

Access to Florida & Kauai

Hi:

What a wonderful web page. Fifteen years ago I met my husband. I was his nurse in ICU. He is a paraplegic, a graphic designer and a very active man. We traveled to the Caribbean on our honeymoon 10 years ago and found so many challenges in traveling that we haven't tried it since. This November we plan to make a trip to Sarasota and Orlando, Florida to take in Disney World. If you have any specific information about this area that can warn us about, or prepare us for, we would appreciate the help. Also in Feb., we have a trip to Hawaii, the isle of Kauai, at Poipou( sp) beach. Any information for wheelchair accessibility would be appreciated. Thank you.
Gloria

Gloria:

For Florida: write for Access Florida, a free guidebook. It's available from the Disability Services and Independent Living, 1335 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL 33125. Also write: Florida Division of Tourism, 126 W. Van Buren St., Tallahassee, FL 32301. They publish a directory for disabled people. Most of the U.S. tourist bureaus will happily deluge you with information that often notes accessible hotels, etc.

For Hawaii try: Hawaii Visitor's Bureau: (800) 847-4844, 2770 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815. They publish the Aloha Guide to Accessibility.

Travel Grants

I am looking for information about inexpensive travel for the disabled. I have a friend who is now 80 and in a wheelchair and living on a pension and feels unable to travel. She previously spent most of her life traveling---she alternated working at British Museum with traveling in north Africa and working on 'digs' in Egypt (1930-60). She is now in a wheelchair as a result of falling through a tomb on a dig in the 1960's. I would like to find a way of getting her a chance to travel again. Low income so means finding a grant? Any suggestions?
Thank you.
Joy

Editor's note:

Joy:

We've yet to hear about any traveling grants for America's physically disabled people. In Britain, there is Project Phoenix, a charity which raises money to help disabled people take overseas study tours to Greece, Italy, etc. I don't know if you need to be British to attend. Here's their address: Project Phoenix, 56 Burnaby Rd. Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2TL.

Sounds like your friend has had a fascinating life. I wonder if she might be able to finance a trip by lecturing on her archaeological experiences? I'll bet she could get an educational grant for that. What part of the world are you from? Please let us know if you discover any tips, grants, etc, we can share with other disabled travelers.

Puerto Vallarta

I would like to know anything about the town of Puerto Vallarta for visually impaired people.
Victor

National Park Tours

Dear Global Access:
I would like to tell you that there is a company in Victor Idaho, which in the center of the Teton Mountain Range, that specializes in tours through the National Parks for the physically challenged. The name of the company is Access Tours. The Guide, Clint Grosse, is one of the most knowledgeable tour guides I have ever known. Give him a call in Victor at 208-787-2338. I hope this is helpful for someone.
Sandman

Brazil

Dear Global Access:

Glad to know about a site related to disabled people. Here in Brazil it's difficult to have this kind of information. I'm interested as I have a disabled person in my family (my mother, Paula) and we face all problems related to the difficulty on getting ways to even walk outside. I'd like you to suggest some hints for disabled people over 70-years old (my mother's case), and places with good conditions for a trip in any place of the world, and, if possible, emphasizing South America. Congrats for your work!
Suyen

Dear Suyen:

Thanks for your note regarding this site for disabled travelers. Reports are tough to locate from your part of the world, but our next issue will feature a report on Peru. I know of one book available titled The Real Guide, Able to Travel by Prentice Hall Publishers that includes trip reports on Venezuela, Honduras and Ecuador. Have you considered taking an accessible cruise with your mom? There are many available in the Caribbean that might work for you.

Dialysis

Editor's note: Traveling with dialysis is a hot topic this Fall. Global Access received the following queries regarding cruises with dialysis facilities.

Dear Global Access:

My wife is a dialysis patient (3 times per week @ 3 hours per visit). We would like to go on a cruise holiday in the Caribbean but are unaware of the availability of Cruise ships that have hemodyalysis facilities on board. I would sincerely appreciate obtaining information, including costs.
Patrick

Global Access:
I have heard there are cruises for dialysis patients. These have dialysis facilities on board, morphologists, proper foods, etc. Do you have any information?
Sue

The following groups focus on dialysis for travelers:
Loretta Powell
Dialysis at Sea
611 Barry Place
Indian Rocks Beach, FL 34635
Phone: 800-544-7604
They cruise: Alaska, Mississippi, Near/Far East, Africa, Russia, Panama Canal, Bermuda, Caribbean, Canada and New England. Most ships are wheelchair accessible.

Linda Byers McGrath
Journeys on Dialysis
65 East India Row #22G
Boston, MA 02110
Phone: 800-622-0446

For dialysis at resorts in Europe, Asia, etc. call:

Spa & Dialysis Travel
12 Colbert Rd.
Newton, MA 02165
Phone: 800-972-6020

Cruise Planners
800-801-9002
e-mail: love2cruise@msn.com

Philippines

Hi:

I write on behalf of the Flying Dog Beach Resort on Dalupiri Island. One of those places that does not exist on any tour guide or tourist route yet relatively easy to get to whilst being about as far out as one can get in terms of tourism. With all normal amenities and 25 cottages of every type on 11 hectares of park and 1km of private beach on an island with 8km of beach.

The Flying Dog specializes in three main categories of customer. 1. those who want natural eco tourism. 2. those who wish to just disappear and get away. 3. Special requirement groups.

The reason we are unknown is simply because we cannot advertise through normal media and mass tourism operators. To do so would attract the wrong type of tourist with negative results.

We attract your attention as we are about to plan a beach resort for the unsighted, designed by unsighted people. This is a small step from a full handicap beach resort.