The National
Spinal Cord
Injury Association

SCI Life Archive
Spring/Summer 1997

Traveling With A Disability:
Are You Ready to Travel?

For travelers with a spinal cord injury, or other disability, there is much to consider when planning a trip. Wondering whether your wheelchair will arrive safe and sound, if accommodatons and transportation will be accessible, or what attitudinal barriers you may face can be formidable extra "baggage" for the novice traveler. But don't give up! These issues can be minimized and often avoided.

Planning
The key to successful travel is proper planning. Make sure you have each step in your journey formulated and carefully arranged. It is a good idea to keep a copy of your travel itinerary with contact telephone and confirmation numbers with you and to give copies to your family or friends who may need to contact you if an emergency arises.

To help plan your travel appropriately and with the minimum hassle, use the Internet, or contact a few travel agencies to identify one experienced in working with individuals traveling with disabilites and SCI. Ask questions such as how they determine accessibility of the destination and any in-between ground transportation. Do they know airline procedure for requesting passenger assistance or proper storage of a power wheelchair?

An experienced disability travel agency will have readily available, fully-researched sources on accessible accommodations. Determining accessibility by telephone is risky unless performed by an individual who specializes in such site evaluations. A reputable agency will ask about such specifications as door width, bathroom design, ramping, etc.

Insurance
Check your medical insurance. Lots of companies may say they provide coverage and then you get a surprise when you read the small print in the policy. Sometimes pre-existing health conditions are not included. Look for a carrier that offers travel insurance regardless of pre-existing conditions. Contact your insurance agent or travel agency for more information. Make sure that any medical equipment, such as an electric wheelchair, is insured for theft or loss.

Be Aware of Applicable Laws And Your Rights
Spend some time educating yourself abut how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA) affect the traveler with a SCI in the United States and US territories.

The ADA, passed in 1990, gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities. It guarantees equal opportunity in imployment, transportation, public accomodations, telecommunications, and state and local governments. For travelers with SCI, this means travel related services such as lodging, dining, entertainment, bus and rail stations, cruise ship terminals, and airports should be in compliance with the law.

The ACAA, passed in 1986, guarantees that people with disabilities receive consistent and nondiscrininatory treatment when traveling by air. An experienced travel agency will provide SCI travelers with a copy of the ACAA. It is recommended that travelers with SCI carry a copy when flying. This can help both the passenger with a SCI and airline personnel clarify any misunderstanding about what is covered.

Going By Rail
For years, access to train travel for persons with disabilities was an area of substantial dissatisfaction. But that has changed in recent years, and travel by rail can be a rewarding, scenic excursion for passengers with disabilities.

• Provide 24-hour advance notice;
• Arrive at least one hour prior to departure; and
• At large stations, check in with the Customer Service Office; at other stations, with the ticket agent.

Wheelchair lifts are available at many staffed stations and Superliner trains are accessible via an onboard ramp. Wheelchairs may be used within accessible sleeping accommodations and restrooms, however, capacity is limited.

Accessible seating -- Accessible coach seating can be reserved on a space-available basis for passengers with wheelchairs that can be stored next to the seat. Availability is guaranteed at the time of the reservation and confirmed at the time of sale.

Special meal services -- At-seat or in-room service is available for passengers with disabilities. Special menu selections, including kosher, low sodium and low fat/low cholesterol menus are available if you give 72-hour notice.

Medication -- Include all necessary medications in your carry-on luggage. Checked baggage are not accessible en route. Bring a cooler or container along for medications requiring refrigeration. Amtrak will provide ice for containers.

Travel By Bus
Currently Greyhound Lines, Inc. is the only nation wide intercity bus company. Buses are not yet lift-equipped but they are required to carry passengers with disabilities including wheelchair users. Those who require help to remain seated or with personal care attendants, may bring a companion free of charge.

Cruising The Seas
Some travel agents who handle disabled traveler needs also specialize in booking cruises. Remember, you are not only concerned about the boat and your cabin's accessibity but also the shore excursion trips as well.

Check months in advance to make sure your passport is current. Renewals cost $55 and a new one can be issued within three days for an additional $30.

Also check to ensure that your tickets have the correct names, sailing dates and airline flight details for any errors in dates and names. If you find any errors, contact your travel agent and/or the cruise line immediately.

Flying The Skies
Airlines have customer service offices which handle special service requests. Most airlines are familiar with special needs.

Book your flight early! There is a better chance of getting a bulk-head or accessible seat. While the Air Carriers Act mandates that all new aircraft have accessible seating, the law does not require that those seats be saved for a person with a disability.

Most airport delays experienced by travelers with disabilities are caused by ignorance of the Air Carriers Act. Obtain a copy of the ACA and carry it with you. If someone tells you NO when they should have said YES, you can show them the appropriate regulation -- in print.

While all the major airlines are committed to easing air travel for people with disabilities, getting that information down to the front-line often is a problem. If you are not getting what you need from the gate or ticket agent, calmly ask to speak to the supervisor/manager. Often this extra step will end your frustration with an unresponsive employee.

Public bathrooms in airports must be accessible to you per Americans With Disabilities Act regulations. However, airplane lavatories do not have the same requirements under the law. If you do not use external means and cannot use the rest room while onboard, you will need to work out how to maintain your personal needs while in flight. Check with your rehab or support group for an appropriate solution.

Successful and stress free air travel is largely a matter of attitude. There are some things you will have no control over, such as the weather, late takeoffs, or missed connections. Expect the unexpected and take it with a grain of salt. Be calm and firm about the things you can control -- your rights as a traveler and your requirements. And remember:

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