| -> | | | | for a handicapped room, ask for a wheelchair |
| Not long ago, traveling from point A to B might be a | | | | accessible room. For some reason, many |
| tedious task not to mention traveling abroad. Today, | | | | establishments assume handicapped people do not |
| wheelchair bound individuals have the opportunity to | | | | have families. Make sure the rooms are big enough. |
| travel abroad, set sail on a cruise, or take a drive | | | | Unbelievably, many businesses will try to cut corners |
| cross-country to Grandma's house. | | | | and try to rent an unacceptable room, rather than |
| However, handicapped vacationers must realize that | | | | admit the motel does not have the necessary |
| there will still be extra challenges, even in travel. So, | | | | accommodations. Nor will the staff helpfully suggest a |
| take some advice, avoid a few pitfalls, seek | | | | competitor with a suitable room. Do not place the |
| assistance from the professionals, and do a little | | | | reservation online. Talk directly to a person, and get |
| research before beginning to explore the world on | | | | a name. |
| wheels. | | | | Seek some advice, and seek help from professionals, |
| Life is full of pitfalls, and traveling is no exception. | | | | especially when taking a cruise or traveling abroad. |
| Unfortunately, many people are in the tourism | | | | For instance, companies like Access Network |
| business are working for the money, and meeting | | | | specialize in assuring the customer's special needs are |
| customer needs is not always on the priority in their | | | | met. Travel around the world, and know the |
| minds. | | | | establishments cater to physically handicapped guests. |
| Two summers ago, Tina's personal experience taught | | | | Whether going to Egypt, Africa, or anywhere else, |
| a hard lesson. They were looking forward to a family | | | | travel agencies, with the disabled in mind, can tell a |
| weekend in a neighboring city, and reservations were | | | | person the best places to stay, the nicest places to |
| placed at a local motel chain. Specifically told to the | | | | eat, and the handicapped accessible tourist |
| hotel staff, the travelers needed handicapped | | | | attractions. That's what you need. |
| accommodations for three. Upon entering the room, | | | | However, even with the help of a travel agent, a |
| to their surprise, one queen-sized bed was not what | | | | little research can also prevent an inaccessibility |
| they thought they saw. The clerk has the audacity | | | | problem from ruining a wonderful vacation. For |
| to suggest the room was rebooked without the | | | | instance Apparalyzed is an online support organization |
| children. | | | | for paralyzed people. In giving support and advice, |
| Demanding different accommodations, the clerk | | | | Apparalyzed also has travel recommendations |
| immediately provided a room suitable for three, with | | | | including shelter, food, and fun. |
| one exception - no handicapped shower. Oh well, | | | | So, before you kennel the dog, lock up the house, |
| compromises can be made for two days. No such | | | | and starts exploring the world, listen to some sage |
| luck! Returning to the room at night, a big problem | | | | advice. When looking for accommodations, be specific |
| became very apparent. The bathroom door is not | | | | as to any special needs, such as a bigger room, |
| wide enough for a wheelchair to enter. | | | | wheelchair accessible shower bathroom. Speak to a |
| Lesson learnt: Do not allow travel nightmares to | | | | real person, not a computer. Seek professional |
| plague an already challenged life. Learn from the | | | | assistance before traveling abroad, and do a little |
| mistakes of another, and ask specifically for the | | | | homework before signing on the dotted line. |
| disabled person's needs to be met. Instead of asking | | | | |