Domestic Life & Travel With Special Needs: Know Your Rights

Planning a trip with a special needs traveler requires a bit of extra preparation. When traveling within the US, it can come in handy to be aware of your rights! If you plan to travel with medical equipment or a service animal, be sure to do some research beforehand.

Medical Equipment:

If you’ll be traveling with medical equipment such as oxygen, medications, or disability-related aids and devices, be aware that some items may have to be declared to a TSA officer to facilitate a quick and efficient screening process. For a full list of equipment and devices that are allowed on domestic flights, visit www.tsa.gov. If you plan to cruise or travel by train/other public transportation, it is a good idea to contact in advance your specific cruise line or customer service center to inquire about your special needs equipment.

Service Animals:

If you are traveling within the US, you are almost always permitted to travel with a service dog. The Department of Transportation recently amended it's definition of a service animal to mean "any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability." By law, airlines are required to accommodate your service dog. Additionally, travel with a service animal is not subject to additional fees.

In terms of public transportation, restaurants, stores, public buildings, etc., regulations about service animals and where they are allowed differ from state to state. Most states allow service animals in all public areas, including buses, trains, elevators, hotels, places of recreation, etc. To view a complete list of regulations for your state, check out this informative site.

The Americans with Disabilities Act

The American with Disabilities Act, signed into law in 1990, is an extensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities. If you or a loved one has special needs, it’s a great idea to review this legislation! www.ada.gov is also a fantastic place to begin your research.

Be aware that the regulations mentioned above are only applicable to domestic US travel. When traveling outside of the States, be sure to inquire about your destinations’ local laws.

About Special Needs Group: Special Needs at Sea, a Special Needs Group, Inc. company, is the leading global provider of wheelchair rentals, scooter rentals, oxygen rentals and other special needs equipment rentals. Recommended by the world's major cruise lines for superior service and value, Special Needs Group also services guests visiting hotels, resorts, theme parks and convention centers. For additional information, visit www.specialneedsatsea.com.

“I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within.” –Lillian Smith

Solutions for Special Needs at Home

Recently, we read a truly heartwarming article on npr.org entitled “Building Better Houses For Wounded Soldiers,” which detailed an innovative military experiment dubbed the “Wounded Warrior Home.” Located at the Army’s Fort Belvoir in Virginia, Wounded Warrior Home is an attempt to accommodate injured or handicapped soldiers who wish to reside close to the army base. The initiative provides housing for soldiers with special needs or injuries, particularly for those who are full-time wheelchair users. 
 

The Wounded Warrior Home accommodations feature some unique modifications that make life for special needs soldiers more comfortable: examples include hallways that are wide enough to turn around in a wheelchair and stovetops with adjustable heights for easy access. Another novel feature of the home is key card entry, so that soldiers who cannot manage traditional lock & key entry systems can come and go with ease. 

Photo credit courtesy of washingtonpost.com

 The article quotes Casey Nolen of Clark Realty Capitol, "When you're in a wheelchair, it is a game of inches. Whether it's the width of the doorway, or it's the height of the counter — [it's] how far you can reach."

While our primary focus at Special Needs Group is special needs equipment and services for travelers, note that much of what we provide also assists in everyday home life and/or hosting a special needs visitor at your own home. Below, we’ve outlined a few particularly helpful devices:

Mobility Scooters & Power Chairs: These state-of-the-art mobility products are revolutionary and allow for more comfortable travel options than traditional wheelchairs. Choose from a variety of products that pertain to your specific needs.

Joy on the Beach Wheelchair: As mentioned in last week’s post, the Neatech “Joy on the Beach” Wheelchair is a great product for wheelchair uses who live close to the beach or are planning a beach vacation. Portable, lightweight and perfect for travel!

Home and Bath Safety Products: SNG offers a variety of useful tools to assist with bathing, cooking, getting dressed, other everyday tasks, and home safety. For additional information, feel free to give us a call at 1.800.513.4515.

To read the full “Wounded Warrior Home” story, click here, and don’t hesitate to give us a call at Special Needs Group if you’re interested in more information about the equipment mentioned in this post! We are certified distributors of many brands and products. Please feel free to contact us and inquire if we carry your brand!

About Special Needs Group: Special Needs at Sea, a Special Needs Group, Inc. company, is the leading global provider of wheelchair rentals, scooter rentals, oxygen rentals and other special needs equipment rentals. Recommended by the world's major cruise lines for superior service and value, Special Needs Group also services guests visiting hotels, resorts, theme parks and convention centers. For additional information, visit www.specialneedsatsea.com.

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Best Accessible Travel Destinations

We had an inspirational comment on our Facebook wall last week from one of our fans, Sheryl, who writes: “I’m partially disabled, but I take that word and divide it into two different meanings. ‘Dis’ is for whatever…physical ailment and ‘Abilities’ is the Bucket List of what I can do.”

This is truly the backbone of our philosophy! At Special Needs Group, we firmly believe that everybody deserves the right to travel. Below, we’ve outlined some of the best destinations and programs for special needs travelers.

For the family:

Morgan’s Wonderland: This theme park, located in San Antonio, TX, is the first of its kind, specifically designed for families and children with special needs. Learn more at www.morganswonderland.com.

Walt Disney World: Every five-year-old should have the chance to meet Mickey & Minnie! The popular theme park ranks high for their special needs accommodations: Everything from accessible hotel rooms to special assistance with attractions. They even provide a “Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities” for special needs families. Visit disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-needs-request.

For travelers with limited mobility:

Neatech Beach Wheelchairs: Enjoy a relaxing vacation on the beach with these specially designed wheelchairs. The “Joy on the Beach” chairs can move easily from sand to water, and are collapsible for easy transportation. Special Needs Group is a certified distributor of these amazing chairs! Give us a call at 1.800.513.4515 for more information and to inquire about rentals.

Guided Special Needs Tours: For the more adventurous, there are a variety of organizations that offer tours in some fairly wild locations. Always wanted to go on an African safari? Check out Endeavour Safaris, for an amazing travel experience: www.endeavour-safaris.com.

Another incredible program, Ecuador for All, provides accessible tours around the Galapagos and the Amazon, as well and the Highlands and Coast of Ecuador. As part of the guided tours, Ecuador for All personally selects accessible destinations, activities, attractions & transportation for their special needs guests. Learn more at www.ecuadorforall.com.

Special Needs Group partners with many travel agents who specialize in various types of accessible travel around the world.  So, if you are looking for an expert on travel for people with mobility issues, hearing issues, vision difficulties, etc. we can help.  Please call us with any questions on finding the right agent for you.

We implore you to adopt our philosophy and take on your travel plans, however adventurous they may be! As Sheryl attests, “It will bring a ray of sunshine into your life.”

About Special Needs Group: Special Needs at Sea, a Special Needs Group, Inc. company, is the leading global provider of wheelchair rentals, scooter rentals, oxygen rentals and other special needs equipment rentals. Recommended by the world's major cruise lines for superior service and value, Special Needs Group also services guests visiting hotels, resorts, theme parks and convention centers. For additional information, visit www.specialneedsatsea.com.

"Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." -Miriam Beard

Is Cruising Right For You?

If you’re planning a vacation sometime this year and struggling to find the perfect option that the whole family will enjoy, you may want to consider booking a cruise. Below, we’ve outlined some of the benefits of cruising to help you decide if a cruise is the right option for you.

Benefits of Cruising:

One of the top benefits of cruising is that it’s a great “bang for your buck” option. Entertainment and onboard activities/performances are typically included in the price and provide endless options for amusement. All-inclusive, on-board dining is also a huge plus (who can turn down free food?).

Another benefit of cruising is pure convenience. It is a fantastic way to visit a variety of destinations without the hassle of flying, packing and unpacking, worrying about hotel accommodations, etc. Depending on the length and destination of your cruise, you may visit quite a few ports! Some of the most popular cruise destinations include Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Bahamas, and Central/South America.

Cruising also offers an eclectic assortment of activities and amenities. Most lines have everything from sunbathing and swimming to ping pong, shuffleboard, casinos, spa services, hot tubs, comedy clubs, dance clubs, bars and more. There is literally something for everyone! Many cruise lines offer special activities or clubs just for children: A great way to keep the kids entertained while at sea. Shore excursions are typically available for a fee and provide safe, guided experiences such as scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding or zip lining, among other things.

Cruising With Special Needs:

With a friendly staff to assist you and easily accessible elevators, ramps and hallways, cruising can be a wonderful option for those with limited mobility or other special needs. Many popular cruise lines such as Holland America, Celebrity, Norwegian, Carnival, Princess, and Royal Caribbean offer accessible cabins specifically for special needs passengers. Find a great link with a comprehensive list of cruise lines and specific ships that offer accessible travel options HERE.

Be sure to thoroughly research your itinerary and specific ship accommodations before booking your cruise. Some ships are better equipped with medical facilities and trained medical staff than others, and some ports and destinations are more appropriate than others for special needs travelers. Do not hesitate to directly contact the cruise line if you have questions or concerns.

Book Your Cruise:

Want to find a SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocate^tm to help you book your vacation? Visit us on our website and type in your zip code to locate an agent near you!

Happy cruising, travelers!

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” –Henry Miller