Travel Tips

This chapter deals with the issues faced by those who are afflicted with "Mobility Disabilities." A mobility disability is one that makes walking difficult such as emphysema or a post-stroke condition. Parkinson's disease not only affects gait but the tremors, the slowness and rigidity of the muscle tissue make it difficult to stow carry-on luggage and get settled in the seat. Passengers who walk with assistive devices such as cane, crutches or walkers are classified as mobility impaired; as well as those who utilize wheelchairs, the very symbol of international accessibility.

Some countries are better than others are far as accessibility, some even have laws that help protect the disabled traveler. In the United States there is the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 prohibits discrimination by air carriers on the basis of disability.

Let's begin with air travel and start with some tips that can help make the traveling process an easy, more enjoyable one for you.

Before you go:
*Give advance notice to your airline that you require assistance through the airport.

*If you need someone to assist you through security to get you to your gate make sure you secure a gate pass with the airline prior to going through security.

*If possible, try to wear comfortable, easy to remove clothing and shoes. This will be beneficial going through the security process

*The limit of 1 carry-on and 1 personal item does not apply to the medical supplies, assistive devices, equipment required by the disabled traveler.

*Make sure all medications are in the proper prescription bottle clearly marked with the travler's name and make sure the date for the prescription has not expired.

*Make sure that any medical documentation you have regarding your condition is readily available prior to going through the security checkpoint. The documentation will not exempt you from the screening process.

* Make sure that all assistive devices and equipment are marked with an ID tag.

*Ask the security screener to assist you with your assistive device and carry-on items.

*Let the screener know your level of ability: can you walk, can you stand, can you remove your own shoes.

*Inform the screener if your shoes cannot be removed because of your disablity. They can implement different security screening measures to screen your shoes. Also let the screener know if you need assistance taking off or putting on your shoes.

*If a personal search is required you have the right to ask for a private area for your screening. Your companion has the right to come with you to that area.

This chapter honors those who have gone above and beyond in accomodating disabled tourists:

Medical Travel "To help disabled and older people lead independent lives by enhancing their ability to travel" This is an excellent resource for travelers with pulmonary issues, wheelchair users (motorized & non notorized), Handicap vans are just to name a few.

United Airlines

Air Canada

I am going to be traveling internationally with a diabetic this summer so I wanted to educate myself on the ramifications of traveling with diabetic supplies and what to do with the medical waste it creates.

Let's begin with security screening.

*Notify the screener that you are a diabetic and you have supplies with you.

*You must REQUEST a visual inspection of all supplies before the screening process begins otherwise your kit will be x-rayed.

*Separate your medication and supplies in a bag or travel box

*Any item that cannot be visually cleared will be submitted for x-ray screening. Be aware if you refuse you will not be able to take the item with you on board.

*Clearly label and identify all Insulin and insulin loaded products (eg: pens, pre-loaded syringes)

*Clearly label and identify your Sharps disposal container as medical waste.

*Clearly label and identify your Glucagon emergency kit.

*Clearly label and identify all lancets, glucose meters, test strips & alcohol swabs.

Airport Bathrooms
Recently I was at the Edmonton airport in Canada. In the women's bathroom they had a syringe disposal unit on the wall! I found this interesting because in the US it is highly unlikely you would find this type of convenience.

I am very fortunate to have found a fellow VT member who has a similar interest in writing tips for disabled travelers. VT member masc4s has spent 30 years in the airline industry and shares his knowledge for both able and disabled persons.

With his kind permission I am able to publish some hyperlinks for international disabled travel. Thank you, Michael!

http://www.allgohere.com This website is the only accessible airline guide and a directory of U.K. disability friendly hotels. It also offers other hospitality related services.

Here is a link to masc4s England page: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/3b5e6/f7/3/

Accompanying photo here is the Hoyer Lift at the Mauna Lani Pool on the Big Island of Hawai'i. This device enables those with mobility disabilities to be able to use the pool safely. Big kudos to this wonderful hotel!

%L[http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/7600f/40883/1/mustertal%L* a nice tip for the Canary Islands.