No matter your challenge, I believe EVERYONE deserves to travel and enjoy life. Let me plan a trip that will not only be safe but fun, with lifelong memories made. Accessible travel refers to the ability for individuals with disabilities to move around and access transportation and other travel-related services without barriers. This can include things like ramps, elevators, and other accessibility features in airports, train stations, and other transportation hubs, as well as accessible vehicles such as buses and trains. It also includes services like transportation to and from airports and train stations, as well as accessible accommodation options such as hotels and vacation rentals. The goal of accessible travel is to make travel possible for everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.
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MOBILITY
When curating an accessible itinerary, I take many things into consideration:
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Level of mobility challenge (slow walker, use of walker/crutches, wheelchair, etc.)
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Prior barriers to travel that you experienced, concerns for travel that you have.
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Accessible transportation options, such as buses, trains, and taxis that are equipped with ramps or lifts.
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Destination infrastructure, such as sidewalks and buildings without ramps or elevators.
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Accessibility in lodging and tourist destinations.
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Accessibility of ports for cruises.
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Accessibility of excursions/tours.
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Regulations and enforcements for accessibility internationally.
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Accessible equipment rentals such as wheelchairs, scooters, etc.
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Getting around unfamiliar places with limited mobility.
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Availability of personal assistance services or caregivers during travel.
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COGNITIVE/AUTISM
When curating travel for your loved one(s) with a cognitive challenge/autism, I consider:
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Sensory input in unfamiliar environments, such as loud noises and bright lights.
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The difficulty with social interactions and communication, making it hard to navigate unfamiliar places and interact with people.
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Resources for understanding and following instructions, such as reading maps or using transportation systems.
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Information and communication, such as websites and signage that are not as accessible to individuals with cognitive impairments.
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How change impacts behavior, making it hard to adapt to new and unfamiliar environments.
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Attitudinal barriers, such as a lack of awareness or understanding about the needs of individuals with cognitive challenges and autism.
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Time management, making it easier to plan and schedule travel.
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Availability of specialized support services, such as personal care attendants or travel companions, during travel.
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Availability of specialized accommodations, such as quiet rooms or sensory-friendly spaces.
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Availability of resources such as social stories, visual schedules, etc. to help prepare and familiarize with the travel itinerary.
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VISION
When curating an itinerary for someone with a vision challenge, I take into consideration many things such as:
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Accessibility of transportation, finding options that are equipped with audio announcements or braille signage. This can include public transportation such as buses and trains, as well as ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Additionally, many airlines have policies in place to accommodate passengers with vision impairments, such as providing assistance with boarding, deplaning, and connecting flights.
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When it comes to accommodations, I look for hotels or vacation rentals that have accessible features such as braille or audio signage, roll-in showers, and tactile room numbers. Additionally, I communicate any specific needs or requests to the hotel or vacation rental ahead of time, such as requesting a room on a lower floor or near an elevator.
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For tourist destinations, we research the accessibility of the attractions you plan to visit. Many popular tourist destinations, such as museums and national parks, have accessibility information available on their websites. Many attractions offer audio descriptions or tactile exhibits for individuals with vision impairments.
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I also personal assistance services or caregivers during travel, as well as specialized equipment rentals such as white canes, magnifiers, etc. It is also helpful to have audio descriptions, audio guides and other assistive technologies to enhance travel experience.
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HEARING
When curating an itinerary for individuals with hearing challenges, I consider many things to help make the trip easier and more enjoyable:
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Accessibility of transportation; I look for options that are equipped with visual announcements or captioning. This can include public transportation such as buses and trains, as well as ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Many airlines have policies in place to accommodate passengers with hearing impairments, such as providing assistance with boarding, deplaning, and connecting flights.
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Accessibility of accommodations; I look for hotels or vacation rentals that have accessible features such as visual announcements, visual alarm clocks and visual doorbells. Additionally, it is important to communicate any specific needs or requests to the hotel or vacation rental ahead of time, such as requesting a room on a lower floor or near an elevator.
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I research the accessibility of the attractions you plan to visit. Many popular tourist destinations, such as museums and national parks, have accessibility information available on their websites. Many attractions offer sign language interpretation or captioning for individuals with hearing impairments.
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I consider specialized equipment rentals such as hearing loops, Personal Amplification Devices etc. It is also helpful to have captioning, sign language interpretation and other assistive technologies to enhance travel experience. Most cruise lines offer sign language interpreters with at least 60-90 days notice.
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FOOD ALLERGIES
When curating itineraries for individuals with life-threatening food allergies, I take the utmost care and caution considering many issues:
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Researching the availability of safe food options. This means taking into account things like the availability of allergen-free menu options at restaurants, or at grocery stores, and the availability of allergen-free options at tourist destinations.
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I communicate your food allergies to hotel staff, restaurant staff, cruise directors and tour operators, in order to ensure that they are aware of your needs and can make appropriate accommodations. This can include requesting allergen-free options when making reservations, or requesting that a kitchen avoid cross-contamination when preparing a meal.
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When traveling internationally, I research the availability of allergen-free options and offer resources to familiarize yourself with the local language to communicate your food allergies.
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I help you find cards in the local language that lists your food allergies and emergency contact information.
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I have you check expiration dates of emergency supplies, and suggest bringing extra, such as two epinephrine auto-injectors, in case of an allergic reaction.
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Depending on the length of the trip and the destination, I also advise you to bring your own non-perishable allergen-free products, such as granola bars or crackers, in case safe food.
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SERVICE ANIMAL
Some ways we help you prepare for traveling with a service animal:
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Research the transportation provider's policies: It is important to find out what documentation and requirements are necessary to bring your service animal with you on your trip. Some transportation providers may require a letter from a healthcare professional stating that you have a disability and that the service animal is necessary to assist you with your disability. Others may require that you show that your service animal is trained and well-behaved.
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Make arrangements in advance: I contact the transportation provider ahead of time to make arrangements for your service animal. This will ensure that you have everything you need for your trip and that there are no surprises when you arrive at the airport or train station.
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I research the destination's rules and regulations for bringing animals into their territories.
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I research the hotel, vacation rental or cruise regulations for service animals as well as any additional deposits that may be required.
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Bring identification for your service animal: It is a good idea to bring identification for your service animal, such as a vest or identification card. This will help others to identify your service animal as a legitimate service animal and not a pet.
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Know your rights: Under the Air Carrier Access Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities have the right to travel with their service animal in the cabin of an aircraft at no additional cost. Service animals are not considered pets, so they are not subject to the same restrictions as pets.
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Be prepared for the journey: Make sure that your service animal is well-trained and well-behaved before traveling.
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Consider the needs of the service animal during the trip, such as providing food, water, and rest breaks, as well as maintaining their vaccinations and training.
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