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Travel Tips

Travel by its very nature is unpredictable; but there are some things that you can do to help minimize the impact of the unknown. Here are some tips to help make your trip more manageable and enjoyable.

Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with the laws protecting your rights to travel in the United States.

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, in air travel. This law requires US air carriers to accommodate the needs of passengers with disabilities.

Visit www.dot.gov/airconsumer/horizons.htm to view the on-line version of "New Horizons, Information for the Air Traveler with a Disability". Published by the Department of Transportation, this booklet is usually available free of charge from the PVA Distribution Center; however, it was backordered when Access 2002 San Francisco went to print. Call the PVA Distribution Center at 888-860-7244 to see if the print version of this helpful guide is now available.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) addresses access to goods and services on the ground; at hotels, attractions and ground transportation in the US. To learn more about the ADA, visit the Department of Justice ADA page at www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm or call the ADA hotline at 800-514-0301 (voice) 800-514-0383 (TDD).

In the Air

If you are flying with a motorized wheelchair, bring documentation about the type of battery your wheelchair uses.

Tape easy-to-read instructions about how to handle your wheelchair in a very visible place on your wheelchair. Never rely on word-of-mouth instructions.

Remove or secure any loose or moveable wheelchair parts.

Pack a wheelchair repair kit. For security reasons, it's best to stow this kit in your checked luggage. Airport security personnel will confiscate anything in your carry-on luggage that looks like it could be used as a weapon.

Carry all essential personal items such as medicine and medical equipment with you in your carry-on luggage. Do not pack them in your checked luggage.

On The Ground

When you reserve an accessible room, call the property directly. Do not call the central reservation number. Make sure that the property "blocks" your accessible room upon reservation. This assures you that your accessible room will be available for you when you arrive.

If you need any specialized equipment such as a shower chair, an egg crate mattress, or a bed with extra clearance for a lift; check with the hotel in advance to see if they can make arrangements to acquire the equipment.

Make sure and verify reservations on all rental cars with hand controls. It's best to call the rental location directly on the morning of your flight, to verify your reservation.

Gather information on medical supply companies, wheelchair repair and transportation at your destination, well in advance of your trip.

Resources

For more information about accessible travel check out these web resources.

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