Have Access, Will Travel

For most people, the prospect of traveling is both exciting and overwhelming. From having to decide where to stay, making reservations and travel plans to packing and finding someone to take care of the house or pets, the experience can be quite cumbersome. But imagine doing that and having the added concern of making sure that every hotel, every bus, and/or every flight taken will assure accessibly.

For most people with disabilities, traveling can add extra burdens to the list. However, taking a vacation doesn't always have to entail more problems.

One of the greatest perks of having the Internet is being able to study about prospective travel sites before hand. And even more so, it allows you to find some great places close by that have a lot to offer, in terms of both fun and accessibility.

In the spirit of summer and the spirit of vacation, I have taken some time to find a few valuable resources on the web that just may save you some time when planning this year's vacation.

Travel Tips

• Make reservations in advance!!! And make sure that wherever you go (park, hotel, etc) you will be able to effectively and easily access the place.


• Inform reservation clerks, airline officials, etc ahead of time of any accessibility needs that you may require. Get the name of anyone you talk to about your specific traveling needs.


• Give yourself extra time: from boarding planes to checking in at hotels, it is important to plan for any unpredicted obstacles.


• Make sure your name and address is on all equipment you may be traveling with.


• Tape any assembly and disassembly instructions onto power wheelchairs and scooters that may be put in cargo.


• If you are using an electric wheelchair or scooter, know what batteries it requires so that you can inform airline personnel. If it is an acid battery, it will need to be removed and packed separately from the chair.