Special Needs Group, Inc.

Special Needs Travel: The Most Helpful Apps

2012-01-25T15:09:00.000-05:00

Traveling, especially with a member of the family who has special needs, can be an overwhelming experience. Luckily, in today’s world, there are a number of gadgets, gizmos and smart phone apps that can help alleviate some of this stress. If you’re planning a trip with a friend or member of the family who has special needs, we’ve compiled a list of the most helpful apps to make your trip a little smoother.

CitiRollers & Wheelmap: Specifically developed for wheelchair users, these useful apps provide information for navigating cities/towns on wheels. CitiRollers, developed in conjunction with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, provides locations of wheelchair-accessible restrooms, restaurants, trains/subways, and wheelchair repair and supply shops. For iPhone. www.citiroller.com. Price: Free.

Wheelmap utilizes a Wikipedia-style, user-generated “tagging” process to map out wheelchair-accessible locations. Available in English, German and Japanese. For iPhone, Android, and available on the web. www.wheelmap.org. Price: Free.

iSign: This useful app provides an animated phrase book of over 800 ASL gestures. Available for iPhone. “Lite” version is available for free. Price: $4.99.

Trippo VoiceMagix: Helpful for any traveler, and particularly for those who cannot use their voices, this app provides a virtual phrase book with over 30 different languages. Type what you want to say and input the language you would like for translation. For Android & iPhone. www.cellictica.com. Price: $4.99

Pillbox Alert: Because who wants to worry about remembering medications while on vacation? Keep track of your pills, dosage, and set reminders throughout the day with this app. For Android. www.pillboxalert.com. Price: $1.99.

The Americans with Disabilities Act Reference: A helpful app that easily outlines stipulations of The Americans with Disabilities Act. For Android & iPhone. $0.99.

smart-ICE: This “In Case of Emergency” app gives EMS personnel instant access to medical records, emergency contact info, current medications, allergies, etc. For Android, iPhone & Blackberry. www.ems-options.com. Price: $0.99.

Trip-it: When traveling with those with special needs, the last thing you want to worry about is keeping track of a file cabinet’s worth of documents. De-clutter and cut down the “things to keep track of” list. For Android, iPhone & Blackberry. www.tripit.com. Price: Free.

Know of a useful app or other gadget that we haven’t mentioned here? Feel free to tell us about it in our “comments” section, or post on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SpecialNeedsGroupInc. Happy and safe travels!

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

Why It’s Important for Travelers, Especially Those with Special Needs, to Use a Travel Agent

2011-09-08T16:47:00.001-04:00

Traveling can be a wonderful experience, filled with new places and cultures to discover. However, the experience can be much more enjoyable when working with a travel agent, who can plan every aspect of the trip ahead of time, eliminating a great deal of stress for the traveler. This especially holds true for travelers with special needs.

Individuals with special needs have more travel planning to do than others, to ensure that their trip is not only enjoyable, but also safe and hassle-free. Using a travel professional to do all the legwork can result in a positive experience – before, during and after a vacation. Many agents now offer special travel plans and information for those with special needs.

What are some specific ways that travel agents can help travelers with special needs?

• They know which locations, ships, hotels, museums, historic landmarks, etc. are more accessible than others. This is very important when it comes to everything from dining to beds, restrooms to excursions, hearing/vision impaired equipment availability, and much more.

• They can arrange accessible transportation, as well as vehicle insurance, for their clients ahead of time. Having an accessible van, RV, minivan, or other handicap vehicle readily available upon arrival at a destination can make the beginning and duration of a trip much more enjoyable and stress-free.

• They can make pre-arrangements with airlines/airports for clients with special needs. Travel agents can arrange for wheelchair assistance to the terminals. For travelers who are blind, they can find out where the designated Animal Relief Areas are in the airport. And for travelers with hearing impairments, they can see which gates have Visual Paging Systems.

• They have resources to obtain special needs rental equipment that is reliable, reasonably-priced and readily available. Agents have the know-how to easily arrange for a wheelchair, motorized scooter, oxygen or other special needs equipment to be waiting at their travel destination.

South Florida-based Special Needs Group (954 585-0575), the leading global provider of special needs equipment rentals, makes it easy for agents to book a variety of equipment for their clients. With the help of Special Needs Group, agents can ensure that equipment is delivered directly to cruise ship staterooms, hotels, resorts, theme parks, convention centers and other global locations.

• They can often get better deals on travel insurance than the consumer. Oftentimes they have deals worked out with insurance carriers to get you a special price that might not otherwise be available. Because individuals with special needs are more apt to cancel their vacations than others, travel insurance is very important.

• They can give tips to travelers with special needs about how to best travel – for example, safety measures for using a power scooter while on vacation, what time to arrive at shows to ensure they receive the best possible seating, how to best maneuver around a cruise ship, what to discuss with flight attendants before boarding an airplane, what to take on a trip (medical cards, copies of prescriptions, medications, emergency contact numbers), etc.

• They have the resources to help their clients, whether they have special needs or not, to find cheap airfare, tickets, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more. Agents can ask about reduced fares for a companion or caregiver if appropriate.

While many travelers today are opting to go with online travel booking services, there is much value to working with an agent. Contrary to what travelers might think, oftentimes a travel agent will end up saving you money. Their experience will lead them to the deals and more economical suppliers that you would not be aware of on your own.

For any traveler, and notably travelers with special needs, agents can save time, provide knowledge that might not be able to be found online, and solve problems that can pop up. In addition, a travel agent will have more pull when it comes to extra perks like complimentary upgrades, that little something extra in your room, and other benefits exclusive to agents. Most importantly, an agent can give personalized, customized service, as well as peace of mind, especially when there is a great deal of planning involved for individuals with special needs.

Theme Parks in the Off-Season: Easier Navigation for Individuals with Special Needs

2011-08-15T10:13:00.000-04:00

Summer is almost over, the lines are shorter, and it’s a great time to visit a theme park. For individuals with special needs, the off-season is a prime time to enjoy theme parks to the fullest, as smaller crowds equal easier navigation.

Whereas in the past, even in the off-season, many individuals and families with children with special needs skipped theme park vacations because they didn’t feel comfortable with the facilities and services; today, there are many more options for them. Thanks to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) passed in 1990, many theme parks around the country are more accessible than ever, and just as fun for individuals with special needs as they are for everyone else. In fact, the major parks such as Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in California, Universal Studios, etc., are very accessible.

Although many attractions do provide exceptional facilities and services for those with special needs, it’s very important for individuals and families to properly prepare and ask many questions to ensure they experience a pleasurable trip. Following are a few tips:

• Bring a doctor’s note or certificate of medical necessity. At some parks, it’s required to have this to acquire special assistance passes. Even though a wheelchair often demonstrates that someone has a special need, some of the parks are getting stricter as guests without disabilities have abused the system. Additionally, if you don’t use a wheelchair but have a hidden disability, having the note will inform the staff of your special needs.

• It’s wise to have the names and contact information of your doctors on hand in case of an emergency. Also, locate a local pharmacy and emergency room in advance, just in case.

• Plan out your trip beforehand as much as possible. Several parks have online maps that indicate which rides are accessible, where the accessible bathrooms are, where the first aid office is located, etc. If you plan in advance, you can save time and ensure that you can go on all the rides you desire.

• Upon arrival to the park, it’s always best to first visit Guest Relations and find out what additional assistance they provide for guests with special needs. Disney parks have a Guest Assistance Card (GAC), which allows visitors to bypass lines for some rides due to a disability, or provides alternative entrances. Also ask for their “Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities,” which provides excellent information about navigating the park.

• If you are traveling with a service animal, find out ahead of time if there are any restrictions regarding where service animals are allowed within the park, which rides they are not allowed to accompany you on and where they may relieve themselves.

• Get there early. Many shows, parades, etc. have wheelchair accessible seating, but it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. If you really want to see something, be sure to plan to arrive early.

• Remember a disabled parking hang tag. This will allow you to park in disabled parking spots/areas.

• If you have visual or hearing impairments, it’s important to check on what services are available beforehand. Many parks offer Braille guidebooks, cassette tapes, portable tape players, assisted listening devices, hand-held wireless receivers, etc.

• Hydrate. Many medications require water. You don’t want a problem, especially in the heat. Many parks enable you to bring in your own water. Place them in the wheelchairs or basket of the scooter.

• Rent motorized equipment. Many guests are concerned about the stamina to stand in lines, balance, and mobility to get around the very large theme parks, and don’t want to be left behind. Renting motorized equipment from a company such as Special Needs Group (954 585-0575), can make your theme park visit much more enjoyable and stress-free.

• Ask for help. Many theme parks take great pride in helping guests. Don’t be afraid to ask for something, as the staff typically makes every possible effort to ensure that you have an enjoyable visit.

The off-season can make visiting theme parks even more enjoyable for those with special needs. Not only are there fewer crowds, but with some preparation and knowledge about how to enjoy their vacation to the fullest, individuals with special needs can have a wonderful, stress-free experience.

Cruise Lines’ Smoking Bans Help Passengers Traveling with Oxygen Breathe More Easily and Safely

2011-07-21T15:01:00.000-04:00

More and more cruise lines are now enforcing smoking policies that prohibit smoking in staterooms. Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines and Holland America Line recently announced that smoking will soon be banned in all of their ships’ staterooms. The three companies join other cruise lines including Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania and Azamara in banning passengers from lighting up in staterooms.

Officials from the three companies stated that the change is a reflection of guest preferences. Studies show that smokers are a small percentage of the lines’ total passengers, and that the large majority of passengers wish to enjoy a smoke-free onboard living space.

However, for oxygen users, the smoking ban is also a great safety improvement. It’s a universal restriction for passengers using oxygen to stay away from areas where others are smoking, and of course, to avoid smoking themselves.

Pure oxygen is extremely flammable. Striking a match or holding a lit cigarette anywhere near the oxygen can start a fire. Every year, many people are seriously injured or killed due to burns suffered from smoking while on oxygen.

According to the Massachusetts General Hospital, even when the oxygen delivery system is turned off, oxygen molecules can still cling to the hair, skin and clothing, and ignite upon contact with any source of flame. Burns typically affect the face, ears, and neck. Some injuries are serious enough to require skin grafts.

Not only can smoking around oxygen equipment result in personal injury, but it can also cause damage to personal property.

While most cruise lines still allow smoking in areas such as discos, casinos, open decks, cigar lounges, and stateroom balconies, the ban is a great step forward in making cruising safer for those using oxygen.

All cruise lines allow oxygen on board. However, each line has specific guidelines or requirements for guests to follow.

Cruise line policy states that passengers cannot pack oxygen equipment in, or with, their luggage. Therefore, they must bring it onboard themselves. Cruise lines will not be held responsible for any missing equipment or damages, and passengers can be held liable if anyone is injured by the equipment.

Instead of worrying about the possibility that their oxygen equipment won’t make it on board in one piece, many passengers are opting to rent it from Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea. The company delivers directly to cruise ships at ports around the world and works closely with almost every major cruise line. Special Needs Group delivers the equipment directly to the stateroom before sailing, and picks it up at disembarkation. The company handles all the details regarding the equipment, and the oxygen will be delivered in accordance with the line's requirements.

Special Needs Group is certified and licensed to carry all types of oxygen delivering systems from traditional gaseous oxygen cylinders in a variety of types and sizes, to liquid oxygen systems, to the newest Personal Oxygen Concentrators (POCs). Additionally, the company’s staff is trained to ask the right questions up front to ensure passengers get the oxygen they need and, most importantly, delivered using a method they know and understand.

Due to the fact that all oxygen orders require a doctor's prescription, all respiratory oxygen rentals must be ordered over the phone, and prescriptions must be faxed or mailed. Contact Special Needs Group at 1-954-585-0575 or 1-800-513-4515, or visit http://www.specialneedgroup.com/ for more information.

The smoking bans that many cruise lines are now putting into place are not only improving many passengers’ cruise experiences, but also the safety of those who travel with oxygen and those around them.

How Travel Agents Can Increase Business by Becoming a Lifestyle Specialist

2011-07-11T20:26:00.000-04:00

Today, people not only want not only to travel, but they want to enjoy itineraries that fit their specific lifestyles. For travel agents, specializing in several niches and being lifestyle specialists is almost essential to success. Travel agents who specialize in various lifestyle travel niches such as accessible (special needs), book club travel, spa destinations, sports tours, food and wine tours and more have more power to compete in the increasingly complex and quickly-changing travel industry. When focusing on special niches, agents can provide more value, differentiate themselves from other agents, and ultimately grow their business.

By specializing, travel agents provide something that cannot be found on the Internet: expertise. Specializing gives an agent a unique identity and position in the market.

Many agents are choosing to specialize in lifestyle travel niches that they are personally interested in or passionate about. Ultimately, these agents need to understand the “language” of the niches, find out who their target clients are and how to reach them, and research if the specific niche market is large enough to make it profitable for them. They need to figure out how to successfully develop their new niches, and at the same time, handle their current clients. Also, agents have to look at where they can find legitimate companies with which they can do business.

It’s important to avoid concentrating on just one niche. Why? The world and consumers are constantly changing. To remain successful, agents need to look at trends and try to stay ahead of them. Plus, getting involved with only one niche may decrease repeat business.

From honeymoons and destination weddings to accessible and sustainable travel, courses, webinars and certification in many lifestyle specialties are available. Organizations like The Travel Institute and the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), teach courses about different lifestyle niches, the types of travelers to whom that lifestyle appeals, destinations that cater to those travelers, and even marketing plans of action to help agents make their specialty travel business a success.

What are some of the many benefits of being a lifestyle specialist? Agents can:

• Build a strong client list, and experience more referrals. Those who enjoy a particular lifestyle will most likely “spread the word” to their friends with similar interests about the agent’s savvy.

• More easily meet their clients’ needs. They have the pride, confidence, knowledge and resources to quickly and efficiently provide clients with specific information about their desired type of travel. Lifestyle specialists can provide value-added features for their clients, such as arranging special tours or booking hidden restaurants that aren’t available to the general traveler.

• Increase sales, and increase overall and per-sale earnings. As a lifestyle specialist, agents have the ability to appeal to more groups and individuals who are looking for their ideal vacation. Many lifestyle specialists charge a service fee in addition to their regular commission earnings.

• Avoid discounting their products, because they are selling their expertise.

Accessible travel (special needs) lifestyle specialists have a great advantage. Considering that people with disabilities represent the largest minority market in the U.S., that 20 percent of the U.S. population has some form of disability, and one in five families is touched, agents specializing in accessible travel can greatly increase their business by catering to individuals with special needs. Additionally, as the baby boomers age, more travelers than ever before require help when planning their travel arrangements.

From arranging special needs equipment, to ensuring that accommodations are safe and easily accessible, to educating clients about traveling with a disability, accessible travel lifestyle specialists appeal to a very large population of individuals with special needs.

It’s common that health organizations such as the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, American Diabetes Association or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society book group vacations, and seek out the expertise of a lifestyle specialist.

No matter what lifestyle specialties travel agents choose to pursue, they are certain to give them an edge, increase their business, and help them survive in today’s competitive travel industry.

For more information, visit http://www.specialneedsgroup.com/.

How the Rise of Obesity in America is Increasing Demand for Bariatric Equipment for Travel and More

2011-05-18T14:15:00.000-04:00

It’s a fact: 93 million Americans are overweight. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in three Americans is overweight. Another one-third is obese, meaning they are at least 20 percent heavier than their ideal body weight. Approximately one in 20 people is morbidly obese, or 50 to 100 percent above his/her ideal body weight.

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of acquiring serious medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, and much more. Carrying extra weight puts increased stress on the body, especially the bones/joints of the legs, making it difficult to walk. In addition, breathing problems such as sleep apnea and asthma can result from being overweight or obese.

In recent years, bariatric equipment has been further developed to accommodate the growing number of individuals who are overweight or obese, whether for medical and emergency services, everyday life mobility, or to enjoy travel.

What are hospitals, fire departments and other emergency services doing to accommodate individuals who are overweight or obese? They’re investing in bigger, stronger, bariatric equipment. Across the country, more and more hospitals are offering bigger wheelchairs, electronic lifts, stretchers, walkers, and patient privacy curtains; sturdier beds, floor-mounted toilets, larger bathrooms, and double wide chairs. They’re increasing the weight limit on CT scanners. Ambulances are being retrofitted with sturdier floorboards, automated stretchers that hold more weight, wider beds, ramps, removable hoists and more.

Regardless of their weight, or health problems they may have stemming from their weight, individuals who are overweight or obese need and want to travel, and require special equipment to do so. Maneuvering around a large cruise ship, theme park, convention center, or even the grocery store can be a great challenge for individuals who are overweight or obese. Plus, it’s very likely that they require special needs equipment for travel for other health issues, such as asthma, sleep apnea, etc.

To accommodate individuals who are overweight or obese and allow them to travel without barriers, Special Needs Group offers a wide range of high-quality, reliable bariatric and special needs equipment. This includes:

• Wheelchair rentals accommodating individuals weighing up to 750 pounds

• Scooter rentals for those weighing up to 500 pounds

• Extra wide rollator rentals (walkers with a seat)

• Oxygen and oxygen equipment rentals

Everyone, regardless of their weight, should and does have the right to travel. Special Needs Group is making great strides in helping thousands of individuals with special needs, including those who are overweight or obese, realize their travel dreams. By offering bariatric equipment rentals, the company is allowing these individuals to comfortably enjoy exploring the world, without travel barriers.

Booking Group Cruises/Vacations: How Affiliating With Organizations Including Persons With Disabilities Can Increase Travel Agents’ Business

2011-04-20T14:29:00.000-04:00

When organizations book a group cruise or vacation, it’s very common that some or many of those wanting to participate have some type of special need. Individuals with special needs and their family/friends are most likely involved with one or more organizations or special need oriented groups such as the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, American Diabetes Association or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Many are affiliated with church and senior organizations, the Lions Club, Optimist Club, Rotary Club, etc., groups which may have only one or a few members with special needs. These people should, and do, have every travel opportunity as those who don’t have special needs.

One in seven persons in the U.S. has some form of disability; one in five families is touched. These individuals need and want to travel. Therefore, travel agents specializing in the special needs niche have an advantage when booking group travel. Agents can not only enjoy personal gratification by partnering with groups to help individuals with special needs realize their travel dreams, but they can also increase their profits.

Frequently, if group leaders think that one or more of their members can’t travel because of a group member’s special need, they’ll forgo planning a vacation for the entire group. By providing groups with the knowledge about how travel is possible and accessible for these individuals, agents can increase their chances of booking more trips.

To market group bookings to various organizations and share their knowledge of special needs travel, agents can take actions including:

Attend meetings and networking events. Get to know the group and their specific travel needs. This includes activities for the over 60 markets, and events for people with diabetes, arthritis and other conditions that impact physical ability. Retirement communities’ activity directors are an excellent resource. Take a booth at key events.
Serve as a board member or trustee. This allows you to understand the inner workings of the organization and how/why members want to travel.
Do volunteer work. By volunteering your time, you can not only help a worthy cause, but also meet others in the organization to promote the benefits of group travel for individuals with special needs.
Make presentations. Many members of organizations may not have knowledge about the many ways travel barriers are being broken for individuals with special needs. You can share a wealth of information and even change lives by informing them how travel is possible.
Suggest organizing a group cruise/vacation as a fundraiser. You can help raise money for a good cause, as well as give many people the opportunity to enjoy travel.
Have an online presence. Tout your special needs specialty on your Web site with a dedicated section. Through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and others, connect with special needs individuals and organizations.

Kristy Lacroix, president of Wheelchair Escapes, a travel agency based in Newton, New Hampshire specializing in assisting the mobility challenged traveler, organizes one or two group cruises for persons with disabilities per year. “Travel can be scary for those with disabilities,” she said. “By specializing in special needs travel, I have the ability to book more groups, and give people the confidence to travel. I walk my clients through the entire process, ensure that everything is taken care of, and allow them to enjoy traveling, which many of them thought was unattainable.”

Agents like Dolores Samms, Director of the Outside Sales Support Network’s Miami Area Chapter, who work with the general public can increase group bookings, simply by having the knowledge of how to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

“It’s very important for persons with special needs to enjoy equal access to travel, and explore different cultures,” said Samms. “I have booked many group tours for organizations that included members with special needs, and I’m happy to have the knowledge to help them enjoy their trip just as much as everyone else.”

To make booking equipment easier for agents, South Florida-based Special Needs Group, the leading global provider of special needs equipment rentals, recently introduced an online wheelchair and power scooter booking tool. The tool is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for travel agents. Once booked online, the equipment is delivered directly to the traveler’s cruise ship stateroom upon his/her arrival. The service is available to any travel agent registered with Special Needs Group’s Agent Affiliate Program. The program offers free registration, and provides agents with a 10 percent commission for all rentals. To register, simply logon to http://www.specialneedsgroup.com/ and click on the “Agents” tab.

Special Needs Group also has icons available for agents to place on their Web sites. Through this tool, clients can easily and directly book equipment from Special Needs Group directly through their agent’s site.

MOBILITY SCOOTER ETIQUETTE / TIPS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

2011-02-17T11:19:00.000-05:00

As baby boomers are now in or reaching their mature years, a record number of people are driving around in mobility scooters, whether it be on vacation, in a supermarket, at a convention, etc. While those driving scooters deserve the respect of others in order to smoothly operate their equipment, driving a scooter is a two-way street. If scooter drivers are conscious and courteous of those around them, they make it safer and more pleasurable for pedestrians and others.

Surprisingly, even with the large number of individuals using scooters today, there isn’t much guidance about how to courteously operate the equipment. Here are a few tips and etiquette suggestions from Special Needs Group for scooter drivers to ensure that their trips are safe and enjoyable for themselves and those around them:

Operate your mobility scooter or power chair in a careful and considerate manner.
Use a footpath or sidewalk when one is accessible. In most jurisdictions, you are considered a pedestrian and should avoid driving on the road.
Move off a shared path if you have stopped so others can pass.
Travel at a speed that doesn’t endanger others.
Similar to how you drive a car, keep right, and pass on the left.
Warn others when you approach them from behind, around a hidden turn or on a covered driveway. If you have a horn, use it. Some scooters are silent and might not be heard by the hearing impaired.
Always look behind you, including before you overtake someone who is slower than you (you may hit someone on the side.)
If you get a call on your cell phone, pull over. Your driving ability becomes five times worse when your attention is on a phone call, and when you’re using one hand instead of two to steer.
When you are in a dining room or restaurant, if you are physically able to get out of your scooter, park it to the side in the dining area.
It is illegal for you to ride, or let any person ride, in a way that may cause you or the other person injury.

When traveling:

When planning your vacation, know the policy and procedures for bringing equipment onboard all the transport vehicles included in your itinerary, from planes to taxis to cruise ships. Check on the access to public rooms, restaurants, bars, toilets, swimming pools, hot tubs, beach areas and other amenities.
Check ahead to make sure a suitable vehicle will be available for your travel dates.
While U.S. regulations mandate that U.S. air carriers cannot refuse transportation on the basis of disability (except in extreme cases), these rules may not cover foreign air carriers serving the U.S. Check with all airlines you will be connecting with.
On a plane, if you are not able to transfer yourself to your seat, in a lavatory, etc., it is recommended to travel with an attendant.

Hauling personal special needs equipment across the ocean or around the world is inconvenient and not always trouble-free. It can be easily damaged or even lost in transit, and it’s extremely difficult to repair your equipment abroad. A better option is to lease the equipment for travel from a specialty firm dedicated to providing special needs equipment for travelers.

Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has created significant changes within the travel industry, and there has been deepening respect and higher level of acceptance for all forms of ability differences, there are still more improvements that can be implemented. By practicing proper etiquette and being courteous, scooter drivers can make life safer and more enjoyable for themselves and those around them.

TIPS FOR TRAVELING HEALTHY FOR TRAVELERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

2011-01-11T12:14:00.000-05:00

The New Year is here. Whether your journeys are to foreign lands or to visit family and friends, Special Needs Group offers these tips to help you stay healthy while away from home.

Be Informed
Before traveling, check with the Center for Disease Control for updates on any outbreaks or health warning for the countries on your itinerary. The recent outbreak of Cholera in Haiti is an example. The CDC will also recommend any shots or vaccinations required to protect against diseases such as malaria or Dengue Fever, especially if you are traveling to tropical or sub-tropical regions.

Be Prepared
Carry an updated personal medication and vaccination record with you with a list of all the medications you take. If you unexpectedly fall ill and are taken to a hospital, or must see a healthcare provider while traveling, the list can help medical teams understand your situation and current treatments.

The TSA recently created a new disability / medical condition ID Card that travelers can show discreetly to airport security screeners describing any disability, medical condition or medical device that could affect a screening. Although the cards do not exempt passengers from screening, bringing the card may speed up the screening process and keep health issues private.

Have a plan for adjusting your medication regimen if your travel itinerary conflicts with your usual medication regimen. Your regular pharmacist can help devise a medication schedule that is in synch with your travel schedule.

You may encounter unfamiliar foods when traveling to foreign countries, so ask your pharmacist about foods or beverages that conflict with your medication. Let’s face it, travel often upsets the gastrointestinal tract. So pack some soothing medications for your stomach, such as Pepto-Bismol and antacid. And don’t forget essentials such as cold medications, motion sickness pills, pain killers and lubricating eye drops. You’ll also want to include sunscreen and insect repellant if you are traveling to warm climates.

Stay Supplied
Bring more medication than you expect to use---at least one extra week’s worth--- and store your medications in their original labeled containers. Some medications may require extra equipment such as needles or pumps, so remember to bring all the components. Bring extra batteries for hearing aids.

Play it Safe
When flying, keep your medications with you. Don’t pack them in your checked baggage. Your medications will be subject to temperature variations in transit and may also be lost or damaged. Replacing medications is not always easy away from home. Keeping your medications with you ensures you will always have access.

When placing your medication in your carry-on luggage, pack them in a separate pouch to facilitate TSA inspections at airports. This also makes it easier for you to access as needed. To satisfy the TSA, see that containers holding medications are not too densely filled, and that each medication is clearly identified. As a safeguard, bring your prescriptions with you.

You should also make sure each of your carry-on items including all special needs equipment, mobility aids, and devices have an identification tag attached.

Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water while traveling and be cautious about drinking alcohol, especially when flying or visiting cities in higher altitudes. Depending on the destination, it may be safer to drink only bottled water. You can also keep a bottle of rehydrating liquid with electrolytes in your bags, just in case you do become dehydrated.

Practice Good Hygiene
Get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods and wash your hands frequently. Most cruise lines and hotels have hand sanitizers available throughout their venues; still, we suggest keeping a personal bottle of hand sanitizer with you.

Carry Insurance
Travel insurance will cover the costs of a medical emergency and even provide medical evacuation back to the U.S. if needed. It’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance whenever you travel out of the country.

Happy travels, and if you do need to rent a wheelchair, scooter, portable oxygen or other special needs equipment while traveling, contact Special Needs Group. We deliver directly to cruise ship staterooms, hotel rooms, spas, resorts and other venues around the world. For more details, visit www.specialneedsgroup.com or call toll-free 1-800-513-4515 and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Cruise Line Accessibility Scorecard

2010-10-11T13:37:00.001-04:00

With the cruise industry’s recent building “boom”---52 NEW vessels delivered or on order between 2009 and 2012---the pace for inspecting the industry fleet can get hectic. While there are similarities between ships in the same class (i.e. Holland America Line’s Vista Class), the job of inspecting so many ships is daunting, especially with the diversity of passengers you must accommodate.

For example, the Special Needs cruiser is among the fastest growing segments of the cruise population, encompassing baby boomers and slow walking elders. At roughly 20 percent of the population, the special needs market equals almost 3 million of the 14.3 million consumers who plan to cruise in 2010.

Here are simple guidelines for inspecting cruise ships with an eye to accessibility for your special needs customers. If you are already working with clients who have special needs, use their feedback as a guide for your ship tour. Take thorough notes, or better yet, photos (or video) to keep details fresh.

Mobility ImpairedDoes the line have wheelchair accessible staterooms? If so, how wide are the doorways? What is provided in the accessible staterooms? Are the closet hanger rods at an accessible level? Are the shelves lowered? What other features are noticeable in the main cabin? What about plug-in access for recharging power chairs and scooters?

Do bathrooms have a roll-in shower with a fold-down shower stool and handheld showerhead? Are there grab bars? Are wash basins positioned to accommodate wheelchairs? Are toilets raised and are thresholds between the sleeping area and bath area ramped?

What size wheelchairs or scooters can fit through the doors of the public areas? Are there spaces for wheelchairs to make 360-degree turns? Are all decks accessible through automatic doors? How easy will it be for wheelchairs to access public rooms? Do entrances have gradual inclines? In the Casino, are there tables at wheelchair height for Black Jack, Roulette and other games?

Please note: Most standard and Heavy Duty wheelchairs and scooters fit through a regular stateroom entryway and an accessible stateroom is not necessary. Additionally, travelers who request a wheelchair for their cruise only and do not rely on mobility equipment full-time would not require an accessible stateroom either.

Hearing impaired
Does the line or ship have portable room kits for alerting to a knock on the door, a phone ringing, an emergency alarm or smoke detector? Are there closed captioned TVs, TTY text phones and other assist devices onboard? Will your special needs cruisers be able to enjoy shows in the lounge via hearing kits?

Visually impaired
What is the line’s policy for service animals? Are there Braille markers on elevators, stateroom doors, menus, daily itineraries, stairwells and other areas?

If you are looking at multiple ships from one line, are any of the ships more accessible than others? Note the ships with the highest percentage of accessible staterooms to overall staterooms---they may be easier for booking large groups. Does the line, class of ship or specific ship have accessible staterooms across a spectrum of cabin categories and locations or are accessible cabins limited to a particular category or position on the ship.

Once you’ve identified the accessibility features of the ship’s “hardware”, check into the softer issues such as the attitude of the staff, reservation policies (i.e. how far in advance must the line be notified about a passenger’s special need and is there is an active Accessibility Department. Does the line, or the individual ship, allow for early embarkation / priority debarkation for guests with special needs? Do they provide assistance for boarding tenders in destinations where the ship must anchor offshore?

For more information about cruise ship accessibility and Special Needs cruising visit the Special Needs Group Travel Agent Website for a printable Ship Inspection Check List or contact Special Needs Group toll-free 1-800- 513-4515.

TIPS FOR FLYING ABROAD FOR TRAVELERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

2010-09-17T09:55:00.000-04:00

September and October, the traditional “shoulder season” between summer’s high season and winter’s low season are good months for slow walkers and individuals with special needs to travel. There are fewer tourists overall, meaning more space on walkways, fewer lines for museums and other attractions. Prices drop too, especially for international destinations.

If you are planning to take advantage of shoulder season to travel abroad, here are a few facts you should know before embarking on an international trip.

Booking an International Flight: While U.S. regulations mandate that U.S. air carriers cannot refuse transportation on the basis of disability (except in extreme cases) these rules may not cover foreign air carriers serving the U.S. Non-U.S. airlines belonging to IATA (International Air Transport Association) voluntarily adhere to rules similar to those of the U.S., however smaller overseas airlines may not be IATA members. Check with all airlines you will be connecting with. U.S. Airlines are required to provide information concerning accessible facilities and services.

Only wide-body aircraft with two aisles are required to have fully accessible lavatories. Aircrafts with 60 or more seats must also have an on-board wheelchair and personnel must assist with moving the wheelchair from the seat to the area outside the lavatory.

Flying Alone: U.S. airlines are required to accept your declaration that you are self-reliant enough to travel. However, if you require oxygen in-flight, they may deny booking/boarding you. If you request mobility assistance, U.S. airlines with 30 seats or more must provide access to the aircraft door (preferably by a level entry bridge), an aisle wheelchair, and a seat with removable armrests.

Airline personnel are not required to transfer passengers from wheelchair to wheelchair, wheelchair to aircraft seat, or wheelchair to lavatory seat. If you are not able to transfer yourself, you should travel with an attendant. However, airlines cannot, require you to travel with an attendant except in special cases (i.e. you can neither hear nor see). If you have doubts regarding accessibility, contact the Department of Transportation Hotline 1-800-778-4838/1-800-435-9880 (TTY).

Traveling with a Service or Companion Animal: If you are taking your companion animal abroad, your animal must comply with quarantine regulations in countries you travel in or through. Verify their requirements. On return, your animal will also be subject to U.S. Animal Import Regulations.

Bringing vs. Renting Special Needs Equipment: If you are considering bringing your personal special needs equipment, whether wheelchair, scooter or oxygen equipment, to use during your trip, remember, these items may be subject to restrictions or special handling and advance notice requirements. For example, oxygen concentrators must meet specific requirements, and wet-acid batteries in electric wheelchairs are often stowed in a separate compartment.

Hauling your special needs equipment across the ocean or around the world is inconvenient and not always trouble-free. The equipment can be easily damaged or even lost in transit and it is not always easy to find the correct replacement parts for your wheelchair, oxygen concentrator or other special needs equipment abroad. A better option is to lease the equipment you require for travel from a specialty firm dedicated to providing special needs equipment for travelers.

Special Needs Group is a full service resource for travelers with disabilities, delivering wheelchairs, scooters, oxygen, listening devices, hospital beds, baby cribs and other special needs equipment directly to cruise ships, hotels, resorts and convention centers around the world. One phone call solves any special needs problem quickly.

Don’t be Fooled. Are Your Service Providers Really Competitors in Disguise—And Pursuing Your Clients

2010-08-10T10:06:00.000-04:00

A July Travel Pulse article headlined this warning for travel professionals, “Don’t be Fooled”, cautioning against competitors disguised as “partners” or service providers. A recent online discussion spoke to the same issue, alerting agents to a well-known firm that on the surface provides services for travel agencies, but covertly solicits the agency’s clients directly—to sell travel.

If this has happened to you, we’d like to hear about your experience. If you’re not sure it has happened— or may be happening— here are a few red flags to help you determine if your service provider or vendor is a dedicated provider or a travel agency with a sideline, pursuing the same clients you are.

1. Do the provider’s brochures list their contact information and phone number prominently with small, or no space at all for “Call Your Travel Agent”? You expect your service providers to distribute brochures. However, if they showcase only the service providers contact information without a prompt for contacting a travel agent, you may be unknowingly promoting a competitive travel seller. One travel agent reported that a service provider’s brochure listed the provider’s number four times in large type (22 point font size) while listing “or call your travel agent” once —on the back, in small type (6 point font). And the brochure was designed to sell cruise vacations. As professionals within the travel industry, we all expect the competition to be forthright and honest, not hiding behind a disguise.

2. Is the provider requesting your client list, and then reaching out to your clients without going through you or including you in the solicitation? Even more egregious, is the provider tapping into your client list without your knowledge using the data you’ve supplied for delivery of their services or products to compete with you? For example, if you contract a gift basket company to deliver bon voyage or thank you gifts to your clients, you do not expect that company to “thank you” by using client contact information to solicit your clients with travel offers. Listen for indications from your clients that you have been bypassed and your trust in the provider violated.

3. Is the provider advertising or listing special offers to entice consumers to call direct, bypassing travel agents? In one documented instance, a service provider was offering their services “free” to travelers who booked direct. Because you sell travel, and not the services provided by outside vendors, chances are you cannot match the service provider’s “free” or discounted promotional offers for booking a trip. This gives the service provider an unfair advantage in covertly competing for your business.

4. Does the provider routinely participate in travel or cruise nights with travel, rather than service related marketing materials? As the leading provider of wheelchairs, oxygen, scooters and other special needs equipment for travelers, Special Needs Group regularly attends trade events and exhibits at travel trade shows to promote the range of services we provide for travel agents and their clients. However, we do not sell travel, and in no way compete with travel agents. Our sole business function is providing wheelchairs, oxygen, scooters and other special needs equipment for travelers with disabilities. We are dedicated to that single business format and goal. We are experts in the field of special needs equipment and are passionate about what we do. At your next trade event, visit the exhibit booths for the companies you contract with for services or products to stay updated, but also to see what they are promoting. It may be travel.

Special Needs Group understands what it means to be a true partner to travel agents, and remains committed to adding value for our agent partners through dedicated service and core business values that include integrity and honesty. We never compete with travel agents, on any level, and engage in only one business----serving as a one-stop resource for special needs equipment for travelers with disabilities.

Additionally, we work hard to keep the travel agent community informed of ways to expand their business by reaching out to the dynamic special needs marketplace; a marketplace that invests more than $13.5 billion a year in travel.

Visit the Travel Agent pages of our website http://www.specialneedsgroup.com/ to learn more about how we can help YOU sell more travel.

The Americans With Disability Act, 20 Years of Progress As World Continues to Welcome Slow Walkers and Travelers with Special Needs

2010-07-14T09:49:00.000-04:00

This year, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Since the ADA’s inception, we have seen significant changes within the travel industry including accessibility across the fleet for cruise ships, including foreign-flagged vessels carrying U.S. passengers and more ramps, railings and grab bars in public venues. We have also seen a deepening respect and higher level of acceptance for all forms of ability differences.

Looking ahead, there are new provisions being implemented that will bring even more positive changes for the slow walker and special needs traveler. For example, new rulings will bring over 100 state and local governments into ADA compliance, making it easier for you to access almost any facility or venue in even the most remote, rural location. Additionally, the guidelines for what constitutes a “disability” have been expanded to include temporary conditions as well as conditions that can be controlled with medications.

Even though the ADA has made significant strides, there are still more improvements that can be implemented. For example, we’d like to see booking features relating to accessible accommodations on online booking sites and more universal accessibility standards around the globe. Foreshadowing future advances, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, Anne Duncan, commented in a recent address that students with disabilities who graduated in 2010 are members of the “ADA Generation,” ---a new generation of Americans with disabilities growing up with the expectation of “no barriers”; of differences no longer being an issue, or even noticed. This is an important advance for inclusive and accessible travel throughout the U.S. and around the world.

Today, travel for slow walkers, individuals with disabilities, the elderly or those with chronic illness is no longer as unusual, intimidating or difficult as it was 20 years ago. In the words of one traveler, the new world of travel is “curb-less and obstacle free.”

Underscoring the fact that ability diversity is well-integrated into the fabric of travel, the Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH) was chosen to be inducted into the Cruise Industry Hall of Fame as a 2010 honoree beside industry luminaries such as Mickey Arison, CEO of Carnival Corporation. We should note, SATH participated in the writing of the regulations for the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as the Air Carriers Access Act. The work of SATH, the impact of the ADA and the rise in the numbers of persons with physical challenges who enthusiastically travel has dramatically changed.

America’s sensitivity to persons with disabilities and this sensitivity, and pro-active concern, has traveled to other cultures. In China, for example, the China Wheelchair foundation in Shanghai, sponsored a ‘Wheelchair Experience and Accessibility Facility Survey' in which able-bodied citizens volunteered to try navigating the city of Shanghai in wheelchairs. The goal was to gain a better understanding of what persons with limitations experience “seeing the world one meter high.” After learning how to use the chairs, the volunteers had to navigate sidewalks, take public transportation, find usable bathrooms and go shopping. Their experiences resulted in a new guidebook (in Chinese) titled “Operation Mobility”. The guidebook, the first of its kind for China, provides information on access to city bathrooms, public transit, wheelchair friendly shopping malls, education, dining, entertainment and libraries. It will be distributed free. Plans are underway to make this type of access effort a nationwide project, making China an “obstacle-free” destination.

More is happening worldwide--- and more needs to happen. But for now, for the progress that has been made so far at home, on the seas and abroad, happy 20th Anniversary ADA, and thanks.

BUILDING YOUR PRESENCE WITHIN THE SPECIAL NEEDS AND SLOW WALKER GROUP TRAVEL MARKETS

2010-07-06T12:04:00.000-04:00

With more than 50 million individuals spending an estimated $13.6 billion on travel annually, the Special Needs travel market is a lucrative segment to develop. Add in an additional $192 billion spent by the Mature Adult / Slow Walker market and you have an even greater segment of group travel opportunities. Partnering with a special needs organization such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society of America, the National Diabetes Foundation or others can help launch your special needs group business with big results.

How do you get started? Following are six easy steps to help you build partnerships within the dynamic special needs niche.

1. Leverage personal connections. Do you have clients, friends, acquaintances or even relatives with a physical disability? Tap into their networks. Let them know you are interested in developing a specialty in this niche, and ask for suggestions. What local organizations do you belong to? How can you participate or help? Ask about opportunities for donating prizes for events or raffles. Take every opportunity to network within their sphere of influence. Sign-up for mailing lists for the organizations; get the organization onto yours. Suggest organizing a small fund-raising cruise or trip. With some nurturing, the small group trips can expand into larger one, and these individuals may become “ambassadors” for your agency.

2. Be seen and heard. Attend networking events targeting or involving the special needs niche. This includes activities for the “Silver” or over 60 markets, events for people with diabetes, arthritis and other conditions that impact physical ability. The activity directors for retirement communities are an excellent resource with the potential to become group travel partners.

3. Be seen and heard in cyberspace also. If you have a website, tout your special needs specialty on the site with a dedicated section. Engage the special needs community through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and others. We’ve found it easy to connect with special needs individuals and organizations via both Facebook and Twitter. Simply input keywords such as “special needs”, “Multiple Sclerosis” or “senior” into the search window on these sites. Becoming a fan of Special Needs Group or following us on Twitter (@SpeclNeedsAtSea) will help you network within the special needs cyber universe.

4. Identify and connect to special needs events and organizations via Google. Rather than diluting your efforts by attempting to cover multiple organizations at once, choose one or two organizations and events you feel passionate about, and commit for the long term. This allows time to understand the specific market in depth, helping you become the travel “expert” for this market.

5. You’ve identified the organizations and events that interest you most, now invest the time and money to participate in order to increase visibility and advanced networking opportunities with that organization. Begin by taking a booth at key events, such as the annual Diabetes, Cerebral Palsy or MS Walk or the MS Gala & Fashion Show. You might look for volunteer opportunities within the organization, including serving as a board member or trustee.

6. Maintain a database. Ask the organizations to help you build your database. Then work that database.

Why wait? The time to get started is now. There are dozens of excellent organizations to tap into, and we are always here to assist with you and your clients with the quality wheelchairs, scooters, oxygen equipment and other items they might need to make travel more accessible and more enjoyable.

Wheelchair Accessories for Safety, Comfort and Individuality

2010-05-27T12:48:00.000-04:00

When driving a car, car owners make sure their cars provide safety and comfort. Many also like to add personality to their cars by decorating them with bumper stickers, license plate frames, detailing and more. Just like a car, wheelchair owners look for safety, comfort and individuality when using their wheelchair. Thanks to our readers, we recently learned about three products that are lesser known but significantly enhance a wheelchair user’s experience. Although Special Needs Group does not sell or rent these items, we thought they were worthy of passing along the information.

Motorized and manual wheelchairs are frequently hit by vehicles due to them being so low to the ground and drivers not paying attention to them. As wheelchairs have no reflectors or lights, they are especially vulnerable to accidents at night. One great product on the market is spoke reflectors. The reflectors clip onto the spokes of the wheelchair wheel and make the wheelchair more visible. The spoke reflectors are lightweight and can be placed in interesting patterns to express one’s individuality.

Another product we learned about is the FreeWheel™ Wheelchair attachment. This durable, lightweight wheel attachment clamps to existing wheelchairs and enables users to push over surfaces that would typically be impossible like grass, curbs, rough road and other terrains. The product is lightweight (under 5 lbs), easily clamps on to existing wheelchair’s footrest and is made from strong, aircraft quality aluminum material.

And finally, for those who don’t like tracking dirt, leaves or other outdoor contaminates from outside into your home, a great option is to use wheelchair tire covers. When entering your home, you simply need to slip on the covers to keep the floors clean and dirt-free. They are designed to come on and off easily, so many wheelchair users can place them on and remove them without any help. Made out of foam and fabric, they are machine washable.

There are many other great wheelchair accessories out there – lights, backpacks, drink holders, umbrellas and more. Whether it’s transporting your favorite items along, providing you with safety or just adding personal flare – we encourage you to check out accessories to make your wheelchair experience more enjoyable, safe and fun.

Planning Excursions and Tours for Special Needs Groups

2010-05-04T12:28:00.004-04:00

Creating trips for persons with special needs is a niche with untapped potential. Travelers with disabilities spend an average of $13.6 billion a year on travel, so working within the special needs niche is rewarding in every way.

The key difference for planning special needs excursion and tours is that persons with disabilities or physical limitations often request slower paced groups, accessible transportation and accessible destinations. Here are a few tips from Special Needs Group and other special needs travel professionals for getting started:

Kristy Lacroix of Wheelchair Escapes, recommends taking Accessibility Travel courses through the Travel Institute to learn the basics. “Joining SATH, the Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality, is a great next step,” she says.

Focus on a specific needs group (e.g., wheelchair users, slow walkers, individuals with hearing impairments) to become an expert faster. Alana Mizowicki of Fun Cruises and Travel has been developing trips for slow walkers and wheelchair users since 2001 in partnership with the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. She says specialization leads to stronger partnerships and resources.

Experience and verify every aspect of the trip to ensure it is tailored to the abilities of your group. Lacroix plans customized travel for individuals and small groups and suggests taking photographs to review “the whole process.” Issues such as entry ramps to buildings, accessible bathrooms, wheelchair vans and benches for slow walkers are all critical. If you cannot visit a destination, ask the right questions. For destinations, are sidewalks wheelchair friendly? What are the requirements for service animals? For transportation, do vans have straps for securing wheelchairs? How many wheelchairs can be accommodated? For venues, are there entry ramps and elevators? What are the doorway widths? Are bathrooms accessible?

Don’t assume other countries have the same accessibility standards as the United States. Some ports are not suitable for excursions, so warn your group they may not be going ashore at these ports or may experience limitations if they do. As the leading global provider of special needs equipment, Special Needs Group, works constantly with cruise lines to solve challenges, including what to do when a ship cannot dock portside and tender transfers are required.

Build a reliable team

It takes teamwork to put all the pieces in place. According to Mizowicki, her team consists of the cruise line staff, her agency associates, the partnering foundation and service providers such as Special Needs Group. She also brings experts onboard for physical therapy, acupuncture and exercise classes. One key aspect of special needs travel is the opportunity to help people explore new possibilities; going beyond the diagnosis of their disease to become the most they can be. That takes teamwork.

Team members can keep you prepared. Occasionally, travel agents or special needs groups underestimate the quantities of wheelchairs and oxygen required for a trip. Special Needs Group works with agents and planners to recommend different quantities of supplies to help ensure that the group has all of special needs equipment each person will require for the duration of the trip. “We make sure no one runs out of oxygen or is without audio aides or a power chair when they need it,” says Andrew Garnett, founder and CEO of Special Needs Group.

“Always expect and be prepared for the unexpected. On every trip I learn something new that helps me with my next group,” adds Mizowicki.

“Everyone wants to travel,” says Lacroix. “Just because they are in a wheelchair does not mean they cannot travel the world with dignity.”

Cruising for a Cause - The Rewards of Booking Special Needs Groups

2010-04-09T11:44:00.006-04:00

The average size for Sandra Cline’s group cruises is 300. She has 360 passengers booked for Alaska this season and her 2011 Alaska voyage—just announced—is already selling out. Sandra owns Palm Beach Country Cruise & Travel in Palm Beach, Florida. Her specialty is booking group travel for persons with Multiple Sclerosis—MS. Sandra is one of the growing numbers of travel professionals who have discovered the benefits of arranging group travel for persons with special needs.

Special Needs group travel is an underserved market niche. According to census figures, approximately 51.2 million persons in the U.S. ---18 percent of the population---have some form of disability and be helped by those who understand the unique requirements for special needs travelers. That’s a marketplace larger than Canada. And it makes sense that persons with special needs want to travel with others who share their disability.

Booking special needs groups is a rewarding and profitable niche. Here are tips for getting started.

Understand your market. Organizations such as SATH (Society for Accessible Travel and Tourism) have resources to help you transition into this specialty. Talk with agents experienced in this niche. Connie George of Connie George Travel has 15-years experience in group travel for wheelchair travelers and slow walkers. She advises that you must be comfortable asking personal questions that you might never ask a non-disabled client. “It’s the only way to ensure you are providing for everyone’s needs.”

Choose your trip carefully. We recommend cruise vacations. Today’s cruise ships are highly accessible, and cruising takes your group to multiple destinations while providing a variety of onboard dining and entertainment experiences. With transportation, accommodations, meals and entertainment in one fee, pricing is easier. Ms. George points out that cruise ships have a higher percentage of accessible accommodations than land-based hotels and resorts and provide overall friendlier service.

Celeste Belyea of CruisePlanners/Get Up and Go2 plans group travel for persons with respiratory problems. She finds cruise lines easy to work with. “I travel with lots of equipment including concentrators and enough oxygen to go to the moon,” she says. “Cruising offers flexibility and space.”

Select the ship that best fits your group. Generally, newer (and bigger) ships have more accessibility features built in. Visit the ship before booking to check the number of elevators, layout of the dining venues and location of accessible cabins. Ship visits help identify issues early ----such as fitting lots of service animals into the dining room at mealtime—so ship staff can help find solutions.

Plan for the unexpected. According to Ms. Cline, “There are challenges at every corner.” When she first began booking MS groups, stateroom doors on ships were not always wide enough for wheelchairs creating a problem. “Where do we put all these wheelchairs at night?” Although rarely an issue on modern ships, there are concerns such as boarding 300 wheelchair passengers at once or overly steep embarkation ramps. To solve embarkation challenges at the Port of Seattle, Royal Caribbean International arranged for groups to bypass the ramp and board directly through the loading dock gangway.

Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and other lines have a large percentage of accessible cabins fleet-wide. Still, placing a large group onboard a ship with 46 accessible cabins requires forethought. Here’s where we can help. It’s easy to make any stateroom more accessible by renting commode chairs, shower stools, patient lifts and other specialty equipment, including hospital beds and full size cribs from Special Needs Group. Keep in mind, 70 percent of wheelchair users book non-accessible cabins when traveling on their own according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

If your cruise includes shore excursions, be aware that most tour vans accommodate a limited number of wheelchairs. CruisePlanners/Get Up and Go2 arranges their own land tours. “Our group members travel at a slower pace. We need to stop whenever someone wants to.”

Arrive a day early to give the group time to unwind. Try to meet with ship staff before sailing to address any last minute glitches.

Make sure you have trip insurance. Special needs groups are at higher risk for last minute emergencies.

Be in tune with your niche. Persons with disabilities often travel with caretakers, so plan some activities that give caretakers time off. Celeste Belyea’s cruises include events exclusively for the person with disabilities—no care takers—plus seminars covering the latest advances in equipment or special needs technology.

Be honest. Connie George points out that you can’t always make travel perfect for everyone. There are limitations. Most importantly, she says, “be sincerely committed to the work.”

Beyond the monetary rewards, you will be helping people forget their disability and enjoy the pleasures of travel.

Cruising with a Special Needs Child

2010-03-22T19:02:00.004-04:00

Cruising is an excellent vacation choice for families with a special needs child. It’s a chance to visit multiple destinations without flying or driving from city to city and the family only has to unpack once--important plus for your special needs child. Once settled into your stateroom, there are few disruptions to routine.

Today’s passenger cruise ships are very accommodating to persons with special needs, and more kid-friendly than ever. Almost all ships offer supervised, age-appropriate activities for children plus menu options that appeal to young people, from pizza and hot dogs to ice cream and cupcakes. Flexible dining hours and multiple venues make it easier for families to dine together, or for parents to feed the children early and enjoy a quiet dinner alone later. Importantly, there are activities for your child throughout the day, and often into the evening.

If you are considering a cruise with your special needs child, here are a few tips to ensure smooth sailing.

Book early
Most lines have a designated number of accessible staterooms located through the ship. Book early for the best choice of cabin location and configuration. Whether you want to be near the elevator, or need a bathroom with safety rails on the right, booking early presents the most options.

Alert the line

Ships with designated youth programs are prepared to accommodate children with disabilities, and often employ staff experienced in working with special needs children. Lines, such as Carnival Cruises even have children’s staff trained in sign language. It’s essential that you contact the line in advance to let them know your child will be onboard, outlining the specific disability. Some of the lines will add extra staff if they know a special needs child will be attending activities, and all lines will ensure your child is placed in the most appropriate programs. Royal Caribbean International, for example, groups children in their popular Adventure Ocean program by ability rather than age and provides pagers for parents.

Boarding
An advance call also facilitates boarding and disembarking assistance. Rather than waiting in line, you may be eligible for priority boarding.

Shore excursions

Evaluate the itinerary to see how often the ship docks portside—the easiest on and off—or anchors out, using a tender to bring passengers ashore. You may want to select a cruise requiring the least tender use, and check in advance for accessibility ashore. Disney Cruise Line provides a limited number of beach wheel chairs for children, at no charge, on its private island, Castaway Cay, on a first-come basis. Ask your cruise line what’s available.

Arrive the day before
Flight delays and last minute “dashes” to the port are stressful. Arrive early. Relax.

Rent the equipment you need
Why haul a wheelchair, oxygen or other special needs equipment from home when it’s easy to have everything waiting for you in your stateroom? Special Needs Group provides pediatric wheelchairs, pediatric oxygen concentrators and flow meters, bed rails meant for children, and more, including beach wheelchairs. Make-A-Wish calls frequently to arrange for their traveling children. In addition to the equipment, we can also deliver baby formula, diapers, nutritional supplements such as PediaSure, and specific baby food directly to the ship.

Let your travel agent know precisely what your child will require while on the cruise---or call Special Needs Group direct. As a Preferred Supplier for the cruise lines and the only Preferred Accessibility Partner for Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry organization, Special Needs Group / Special Needs at Sea can make your cruise easier and more enjoyable.

We deliver the full range of special needs equipment to staterooms and cruise ships at ports around the world. We can even arrange equipment for your pre or post cruise land stay.

There are several organizations to help you learn more about cruising with special needs including the Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality (www.sath.org) and CLIA (www.cruising.org). Look for travel agents who specialize in special needs travel, and start planning your cruise.

Which Mobility Equipment is Right for Me - Scooter, Wheelchair or Powerchair?

2010-02-16T15:34:00.004-05:00

As 2009 closed, several new ships made a huge splash within the cruise industry, foreshadowing the future of cruising, including Disney Cruise Lines’ 4,000-passenger Dream and Royal Caribbean Cruises’ 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas, the largest passenger cruise ship ever floated. Within the next twelve months, several more behemoth vessels will enter the waters including Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, sister ship to the Oasis; and the largest ship ever for Norwegian Cruise Line, the 4,200-passenger Epic. With increased ship lengths—1,184 feet from bow to stern for Oasis and Allure—more and more cruisers are requiring wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and other mobility aides to navigate these newer ships.

For the customer who has never rented mobility equipment before, the differences between renting a scooter, wheelchair or powerchair can be quite confusing. Customers frequently ask us, “What is the best mobility equipment for my needs?” Below are simple differences and descriptions about scooters, wheelchairs, and powerchairs.

Scooters
Scooters can benefit anyone who gets tired after walking or has pain when walking. When renting through Special Needs Group, customers have an option of three types of scooters: standard, heavy duty, or bariatric. All scooters have three wheels due to easier navigation although four wheel scooters are available upon request and on limited availability. Standard and heavy duty scooters can fit through most standard cruise staterooms and hotel rooms; the bariatric scooters can only fit in wheelchair accessible cabins. All scooters are steered using a bicycle-style handlebar (or tiller). Scooters may be used indoors or outdoors and can generally travel easily over different surfaces. The maximum weight capacity for scooters is as follows: standard scooters - 250 lbs.; heavy duty scooters - 350 lbs.; bariatric scooters - 500 lbs.

Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs require human power for movement. They are light, maneuverable and collapsible. If you are on one of the smaller ships or if you are traveling with a companion who is willing to push the wheelchair, manual wheelchairs may be the best option. When cruising, there are times when a passenger must use the ship’s tenders (small boats) to visit ships’ ports of call. Because situations may occur where mobility scooters may not be carried off-board, such as sea conditions, we encourage guests to ask about ordering a manual wheelchair in addition to their mobility scooter. We generally recommend mobility scooters when you are on a larger ship, have not used a wheelchair before and when you want your independence.

When renting through Special Needs Group, customers have an option of four types of wheelchairs: transport, standard, heavy duty or bariatric. The maximum weight capacity for the wheelchairs is as follows: transport wheelchairs - 450 lbs.; standard wheelchairs - 250 lbs.; heavy duty wheelchairs - 350 lbs.; bariatric wheelchairs - 500 lbs.

Powerchairs
Powerchairs operate by using a joystick controller on the armrest. They are often used by individuals who do not have the dexterity or mobility to use a mobility scooter. Due to the complicated nature of using the joystick, we do not recommend ordering a powerchair unless you have previously used one and feel comfortable as cruise ship hallways are more narrow and more difficult to use in that environment.

When renting through Special Needs Group, customers have an option of three types of powerchairs: standard, heavy duty or bariatric. The maximum weight capacity for powerchairs is as follows: standard powerchairs - 250 lbs.; heavy duty powerchairs - 350 lbs.; and bariatric powerchairs - 500 lbs. Powerchairs may be used indoors or outdoors.

Should you still have questions about the differences between the equipment, you may always talk to one of our customer service reps by calling 954 585-0575 or toll free 800 513-4515.

Ride the 2010 Wave of Travel Trends for More Sales

2010-02-15T10:02:00.016-05:00

Just in time to help you sell more cruises during Wave Season, the convergence of specific travel industry trends can give a selling edge to agents who understand the fast-growing special needs market and know how to effectively service cruisers with special needs.

Already, one in five families has a family member with a disability. These individuals spend an average of $13.6 billion a year on trips and cruises, representing a large and underserviced pool of potential clients to tap into. As 2010 Wave Season kicks off, the trend curves of aging populations in the U.S. and Europe and increasingly larger cruise ships are boosting the numbers of persons who require special needs equipment for cruising. Understanding this market can transform your cruise selling experience for Wave Season and beyond.

Aging Populations in U.S. and Europe

By 2015, the percentage of persons 65 or over is expected to jump to nearly 25 percent of the population in Europe and 20 percent in the U.S. This so called “Silver Segment” of the population has the time and resources to travel. They also tend to have special needs relating to hearing loss, diminished vision, limited mobility, breathing problems and other consequences of aging.

Larger Ships

As 2009 closed, several new ships made a huge splash within the cruise industry, foreshadowing the future of cruising, including Disney Cruise Lines’ 4,000-passenger Dream and Royal Caribbean Cruises’ 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas, the largest passenger cruise ship ever floated. Within the next twelve months, several more behemoth vessels will enter the waters including RCI’s Allure of the Seas, sister ship to the Oasis; and the largest ship ever for Norwegian Cruise Line, the 4,200-passenger Epic. With increased ship lengths—1,184 feet from bow to stern for Oasis and Allure—more and more cruisers are requiring wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and other mobility aides to navigate these newer ships.

All of this translates to increased sales and added profits for agents who know how to accommodate the lucrative special needs and slow walker market. Special Needs Group / Special Needs at Sea makes it easy for you. We work closely with the travel community to help you earn more by providing everything you need to service the accessible travel/special needs niche. Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea is a “one stop shop” for all the special needs equipment your clients might want, from wheelchairs and scooters to oxygen cylinders, patient lifts, hospital beds, baby cribs, equipment for individuals who have hearing impairments, service animal relief materials, and more.

In addition to making your job as an agent much easier by placing the full range of special needs equipment at your fingertips, we also pay a commission on each piece of equipment rented, providing you with an additional profit center. Special Needs Group has delivery and pick-up capability within most of the world’s travel destinations like Ft. Lauderdale, Barcelona, Vancouver, and Sydney to mention a few-- and can even accommodate “one-way” travel.

“Our goal at Special Needs Group is to remove all barriers to travel and to ensure that no one misses an opportunity to see the world or participate in a family vacation because of a permanent or temporary physical impairment,” says Andrew Garnett, founder and CEO.

For more details about Special Needs Group / Special Needs at Sea or to request a brochure, call Special Needs Group toll free 1.800.513.4515, email info@specialneedsgroup.com or log onto http://www.specialneedsgroup.com/.

It’s Big, Wide Accessible World, Go Explore and Enjoy

2010-01-08T11:22:00.005-05:00

Did you ever cancel a trip because of a bad knee or other mobility impairment? Have you avoided cruises and family events that require travel for fear you’ll need oxygen mid-trip? Relax. Today’s world is more accessible than ever, and for anyone with special requirements for traveling, there’s a world of information and help waiting for you.

It’s disappointing to be left behind or to have to leave a loved one behind because of a physical limitation or special travel need. Not having everyone around diminishes the fun for those who do make the trip, especially if the trip is a family event. Out of town weddings, family celebrations, reunions and multi-generational trips are simply more fun and more memorable for everyone, when every member of the family or group can participate.

Here are a few tips to ensure that when the next travel opportunity arises, you are ready to go.

Outline your travel needs

Take time to evaluate the logistics of the trip in relationship to your ability to keep pace. What modes of transportation will you be using? Airplane, motor coach, train, ship, transit vans for ground transfers? Make a list, referring to relevant brochures, your trip organizer or travel agent to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Now, make a list of your specific requirements. Be honest, what types of special needs equipment do you depend on at home? What do you use or need (or wish you had!) when shopping, sightseeing locally, dining out or going to the movies, attending concerts, the theatre, street fairs or sporting events at home?

Can you hear and see clearly without special auditory equipment or visual aides? How far can you walk without a rest break? Are stairs difficult? Can you get in and out of the tub or shower at home without handgrips or other assistance?

Travel, whether solo or in a group, is full of challenges. This is no time for being a martyr or trying to “tough it out.” If a wheelchair, scooter or portable oxygen will make your trip easier, place that item on your list. Many people who do not use wheelchairs or walkers at home feel more comfortable using these mobility aides for tour and excursions. In fact, most of our wheelchair and scooter rentals are to individuals who only use such aides when traveling.

Plan Ahead

If you already own a scooter, or portable oxygen, it’s important to know the policy and procedures for bringing that equipment onboard all the transport vehicles included in your itinerary, from planes to taxis to ferry boats. Does that transport have a way to stow your scooter or wheelchair? Is oxygen allowed on board? Some airlines prohibit certain types of batteries, such as wet cell batteries, or oxygen cylinders. Airlines operate under strict rules, so there may be packing procedures to follow if they do allow the equipment. Keep in mind, most airlines need at least 48 hours notice to make special arrangements, and be prepared to fill out forms.

Overall cruise ships are more lenient in allowing oxygen, but some disallow certain types of oxygen. All require that the oxygen be delivered to the ship, and that you have enough for the entire voyage. Oxygen may never be brought aboard in your luggage. Requirements vary, so check your cruise line for proper instructions. Again, documentation and paper work are required.

Whether you are headed for a cruise ship, hotel or all-inclusive resort, double check for wheelchair access at that venue plus any venues you will be visiting on the trip. Confirm that accessible hotel rooms, resort accommodations or ship staterooms are available for your travel dates. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing fully accessible accommodations. And early booking increases your chances of securing a ground floor hotel room or cruise stateroom near the elevator, if these issues are important.

Check on the access to public rooms, restaurants, bars, toilets, the swimming pool, hot tub, beach area and other amenities. Are there TDD phone devices? How will you get in and out of the shower or bathtub? Are there flashing lights to accommodate hearing? Braille room numbers? Knowing in advance the scope of your needs gives you time to arrange advance rentals of any necessary equipment, scheduled to arrive when you do. Everything from scooters, lifts, ramps, TDD kits and special mattresses, including special needs cribs, is available for rental.

Will road travel or car excursions be part of the trip? Many car rental companies, such as Avis Access, have vehicles that are modified for drivers or passengers with mobility limitations. Check ahead to make sure a suitable vehicle will be available for your travel dates. If you will be hiring a car or van, make sure the company is aware of your special needs.

When traveling with a limitation or disability, full travel insurance for medical coverage abroad and trip cancellation insurance are even more important and strongly advised.

Ask the Right Questions

When making the final bookings, be sure you ask the right questions, even if the accommodations or cruise stateroom are categorized as “accessible”.

For example, are doorways wide enough for the largest wheelchairs? Do the doors open outwards or into the room?

Are all the public areas of the hotel, resort or ship accessible? Do you need to make special arrangements in the dining room to accommodate the wheelchair or scooter?

Will the bathroom facilities truly fit your need? Is the bathroom large enough for the wheelchair or scooter? Is there a roll-in shower? Grab-bars?

Are there facilities for companion/assistance animals?

Are there shopping and entertainment facilities close by if you are staying at a hotel or resort?

On shore excursions or tours, does the van have a lift and method for transporting wheelchairs and scooters?

Simply stated, don’t take anything for granted. It’s easy to arrange for almost every situation, and the world is wonderfully accessible, once you know what’s needed, what’s available and how to find the necessary equipment.

Taking Accessibility to New Levels: Oasis of the Seas

2009-12-03T13:24:00.008-05:00

Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) much anticipated next generation cruise ship, the Oasis of the Seas is ready for passengers. Rising sixteen decks high, she is the largest vessel afloat---and among the most accessible.

We toured the ship recently and can report first hand that the Oasis of the Seas offers the largest number of accessible staterooms of any ship, a total of 46. For the newer ships in the fleet, RCI has consistently maintained a standard of 1.7 percent of all staterooms designated as accessible, one of the highest percentages in the industry. Wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars and other assistive features ensure barrier-free vacations for guests. We especially like the fact that on the Oasis of the Seas, accessible staterooms are distributed throughout the decks, ensuring ample choices for location and category. One of the more deluxe choices is the ultra-modern, two-story Crown Loft Suite measuring 737 square feet--substantially larger than its non-accessible counterparts—and equipped with an elevator to transport guests between the upper and lower floors of the loft.

Of the 46 accessible staterooms on the Oasis of the Seas, 33 have balconies; eight with Central Park or Boardwalk views. Since most persons with disabilities travel with others, RCI designed half of the accessible staterooms on the Oasis of the Seas to accommodate more than two people. The ample number of family suites and adjoining staterooms facilitates multi-generational travel, a growing cruise trend. Twenty-two percent of all accessible staterooms connect to an adjacent non-accessible stateroom.

There are 24 dining venues onboard the Oasis of the Seas, all designed to accommodate guests in wheelchairs. Viewing space in lounges and theatres, including the ice rink, are configured for wheelchairs, as are card gaming tables in the casino. For those using “wheels” who want to ride the first Carousel at sea, there’s a ramp to help you do just that. As on every RCI vessel, at least one pool and one whirlpool have lifts.

The ship’s ease of accessibility is inviting news for travelers with limited mobility, and even those passengers who may not use wheelchairs or scooters at home, including show walkers, may want these aides to help navigate the Oasis of the Seas —she measures 1,184 feet from bow to stern.

When the Oasis of the Seas visits port and RCI’s private islands it’s easy to roll off/roll on via the gangway ramp for those in wheelchairs or on power scooters. No tendering.

The Oasis of the Seas and her staff effectively accommodate guests with physical disabilities relating to hearing, vision, breathing problems and other limitations. Like all vessels in the Royal Caribbean International fleet, the Oasis of the Seas is outfitted for people who are blind or have low vision. Menus, daily activity schedules and ship directories are available in both Braille and large print. Braille signage, including stateroom numbers and elevator information is a standard RCI feature. Your fingertips can even identify which deck you are on via Braille deck numbers on the staircases. The ship provides a 4 x 4 foot relief box for service animals.

State-of-the art, advanced technologies for people who are deaf and hard of hearing are available in staterooms and public rooms. If you are traveling with oxygen, the Oasis of the Seas welcomes all types onboard. Just alert the cruise line in advance of the quantity and type, and the method of delivery.

“Our goal is to allow persons with disabilities to enjoy a complete vacation experience,” according to RCI spokespersons.

As a preferred supplier for Royal Caribbean International, Special Needs at Sea / Special Needs Group is proud to help support the goal of a complete vacation experience for persons with disabilities. In fact, echoing a statement by Ron Pettit, Access Manager of RCI, taking a cruise onboard the new Oasis of the Seas is a chance to take a vacation from disability.

Welcome, Oasis of the Seas. We are glad this ship has come in.

Oxygen Onboard? Clearing the Air about Cruising with Oxygen

2009-11-05T15:30:00.007-05:00

As a supplier of oxygen and other special needs equipment for travelers, I see first hand the uncertainty and confusion regarding traveling with oxygen, especially the rules and regulations for dealing with cylinders or other forms of portable oxygen on a cruise.

Like everything in life, cruising with oxygen is simple, once you know the guidelines. After almost a decade of working with cruise ships and accessibility, here’s what I’ve learned that can ensure smooth sailing for anyone traveling with oxygen.

All cruise lines welcome oxygen onboard. However, each line has specific guidelines or requirements for guests to follow.

Princess Cruises requires a prescription, or note from your doctor with a diagnosis of your breathing problem and the prescribed dosage and flow rate. You are required to have this at least 30 days prior to sailing. Some lines also require, or suggest, that you have a release form from your doctor. We think it is a good idea for anyone traveling to have medical clearance.

Complying with paperwork and meeting specification can take time, so it is always a good idea to begin planning early and to contact the medical or access/special needs department of your cruise line at least three to four weeks before your sailing date.

It is important that you have enough oxygen for the entire voyage. To help you calculate, assume you will spend 10 to 12 hours per day out of your cabin; that’s the average based on statistics and feedback from our customers. You do not want to end up confined to your stateroom because you do not have enough portable oxygen.

Keep in mind, you will not be able to “pack” your equipment in, or with, your luggage. Cruise line policy states that you are permitted to bring your own equipment with you. However, you must bring it onboard yourself. They will not be held responsible for any missing equipment or for damages. In fact, you could be held liable if anyone were to get injured by it. So, don’t try to sneak it on in your luggage.

Why worry about the possibility that your equipment won’t make it in one piece? Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea delivers directly to cruise ships at ports around the world and works closely with almost every major cruise line. We can handle all the details for you. The oxygen will be delivered in accordance with the line’s requirements, and you can then carry the oxygen with you as you navigate the ship.

Importantly, learn everything you need to know about your portable equipment before you leave on your trip. The middle of the ocean is not the place to start figuring out how things operate.

In working with and talking to the major cruise lines, the only universal restriction they have for passengers using oxygen on board ships is to avoid smoking and stay away from any areas where others are smoking. There may also be limitations on taking certain quantities of oxygen on certain shore excursions. This is best confirmed and handled with your cruise line when you book.

So start planning, and get packing to enjoy your cruise.

Closing the Information Gap to Close More Sales

2009-09-30T11:17:00.005-04:00

Whenever I tell travel agents about my company, Special Needs Group, and explain that we provide wheelchair rentals, scooter rentals, oxygen and other special needs equipment for travelers, the response is often, “That’s great, but I don’t get many requests for those services.”

On the other hand, when I tell consumers about Special Needs Group and what we provide, their reaction is often, “Wow, I didn’t even know that service existed!” Then they proceed to tell me how they, or their mom/ dad/ grandfather/ grandmother/ aunt/ friend (fill in the blank) would have benefited if only they had known about our services before their last trip. Some relate how they actually cancelled a vacation or travel event because of a bad hip or knee, a broken leg or other mobility issue. Others claim that they recently went on a trip and would have brought along another companion but did not because that companion has a mobility/oxygen issue.

Most of the time, travelers fail to share with their travel agents pre-existing physical issues that might be minor in everyday life, but can interfere with the full enjoyment of a vacation. Closing that communication gap and asking appropriate questions can mean more bookings for agents and more travel opportunities with a higher quality of enjoyment for travelers.

Most travel agents have a set of questions they ask consumers, “Where would you like to go? How long do you plan to travel? Who will be traveling with you? What is your budget?” And so on…

When Special Needs Group hosts seminars for agents, we often prep them with additional questions that provide useful guidance for uncovering any special needs an individual or a group might have regarding travel. The standard questions we provide to agents often result in increased sales for the agent through the booking of additional companions as well as the “closing” of a travel deal that was on the borderline, or tilting towards cancellation. Your track of inquiry should be tailored to the customer and their specific travel goals. Some questions we recommend include:

General Shipboard/Mobility Questions

- Do you or anyone in your party have mobility issues or problems walking long distances?
- Will you or anyone in your party find it difficult to navigate a large cruise ship?
- Have you or anyone in your group cruised before? If so, were there any difficulties getting around onboard?
- Are there any physical activities you or any member of your group find difficult (e.g., negotiating stairs, standing from a seated position, climbing in or out of the pool? etc.)

Excursion-related Questions

- Are you planning to book any excursions as part of your cruise vacation?
- If so, will you or anyone in your group have trouble keeping pace on the excursions?
- What kinds of excursions are you considering/are part of your trip?

If a client answers “yes” to any of the above questions, your next question should be, “Do you think renting a scooter or wheelchair may make the trip/excursion easier and more enjoyable?”

The majority of rental requests we receive at Special Needs Group are from travelers who do not use scooters or wheelchairs at home. They are, however, concerned about walking long distances on tours or shore excursions and navigating long corridors on the newer, larger cruise vessels.

Special Needs Group is there with the right equipment for your clients, when and where your clients need it. From wheelchairs and motorized scooters to oxygen packs and audio aides, we deliver directly to cruise ports around the world.

Gently asking about a client’s mobility and health and then turning to us for assistance can result in more bookings for your agency and go a long way in increasing the client’s enjoyment of their cruise vacation. A happy client spreads the world about your agency and is more likely to return as a repeat customer.

Tapping Into the Special Needs Travel Market

2009-08-07T13:56:00.008-04:00

A wedding or conference at sea. A multi-generational family reunion. On these landmark travel occasions it’s important to have everyone booked and onboard. Leaving a loved one at home because he/she uses a wheelchair can spoil a trip for your clients and lose revenues for your agency if the entire group cancels.

There are an estimated 53 million Americans with disabilities. According to an independent survey conducted by the Open Doors Organization in partnership with TIA (Travel Industry Association) and SATH (Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality), adults with disabilities account for twenty percent of the population. A large and underserved market segment, persons with special needs want to travel. They spend $13.5 billion in travel annually and take 68 million trips a year.

Special needs travel is an excellent specialty to develop to help grow your agency. Special needs travel can also boost earnings for general travel agents who understand and service this niche because persons with special needs almost always travel with others, giving you access to exponentially increased bookings. How can you tap into this ready and waiting market?

Know your products

The basics still apply. You have to know your products and destinations thoroughly, adding the element of accessibility. For those who sell cruises, the cruise lines are making it easier with each new ship. The industry as a whole has invested substantially in ensuring accessibility features and programs onboard. Almost every line has special needs cabins and features fleet-wide and many have taken extra steps adding pool and spa lifts. Royal Caribbean even has a lift onto the ice rink on its Freedom class ships, while Holland America Line has a tender lift system on 13of its 14 ships to assist guests in getting ashore when the ships must anchor in the harbor of a port of call.

Travelers with disabilities ask a lot of questions, so you need to be prepared to provide the answers. You’ll need to know facts about the number and location of accessible cabins on specific ships and details such as doorway widths for wheelchairs, whether or not the ship allows companion animals, the height of tables in the dining room and casino, availability of audio aides in theatres—and more. The information is readily available from the cruise lines and is often in their brochure or on their website. In fact, most lines have a designate accessibility department. Request special needs brochures from your suppliers.

CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) is an excellent resource. They have a Special Interest Guide for Wheelchair Travelers on the website (www.clia.org) detailing ship information including the number of wheelchair-accessible staterooms, number of decks with ramps, whether the elevators accommodate full-size wheelchairs and whether a traveler with a disability must be accompanied by a companion. Keep in mind that accessible travel includes accommodating persons with “invisible” disabilities such as hearing loss, diabetes and blindness.

Ask the right questions

Take time to verify what’s needed. Ask questions about travel goals and expectations as well as each person’s specific requirements. Do they require a connecting cabin for family members or companions? Does the handrail in the bathroom need to be on the right or left? Will they be able to transfer to a tender if the ship anchors off-shore, or do they need itineraries that ensure pier side docking at destinations? What type of special needs equipment do they depend on at home?

Many people who do not use wheelchairs or walkers at home often feel more comfortable with these mobility aides at sea. In fact, most of our cruise wheelchair rentals and cruise scooter rentals are to individuals who only use such aides when traveling. As ships grow larger in size, many are concerned about navigating the long corridors and multiple decks as well as walking long distances on shore excursions.

Integrate special needs travel in your marketing

As with any segment you are targeting, be sure that segment is represented in the images in your brochures and mailers, and on your website. One image can send a powerful message that you’re ready—and willing—to do business with special needs travelers. And remember, a large number of persons with disabilities are children and young people. Images should reflect multiple age groups.

Enhance your on-line marketing strategies

According to the National Organization on Disability, four out of ten people with disabilities conduct business and personal activities online and spend twice the amount of time logged on than their counterparts without disabilities. People with disabilities are online researching agents, travel locations, and getting tips. Because of this, make sure your website has a separate link for special needs to demonstrate your commitment to servicing special needs clients. Create blogs that provide unique travel recommendations and tips. And look into advertising on sites aimed at travelers with special needs.

Make your place of business accessible

Validate your interest in special needs travelers by adapting your agency or office to ensure it’s accessible. The “talk” will seem half-hearted if you aren’t prepared to “walk the walk” with elements such as audio-tape brochures, TDY/TDD phone capabilities and wheelchair ramps where needed. Subscribe to disability publications such as “Emerging Horizons” and “New Mobility” and keep these visible on coffee tables or display racks. Be sure you and your staff read them.

Connect to your market

Affiliate your company with a disability organization. Organizations such as SATH (Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality) and related organizations serve as advocates and portals for accessible travel.

Partner with the right suppliers

Special Needs at Sea/Special Needs Group, Inc. (http://www.specialneedsatsea.com/) is the leading global provider for all the special needs equipment your customers might need, from wheelchair rentals and scooter rentals to oxygen and hospital beds. We deliver directly to staterooms worldwide and are available to handle all equipment arrangements, leaving you free to do what you do best—sell travel. Our new commission structure for qualified travel agents represents another profit opportunity for your agency. You can call us to reserve the equipment your clients need. We also deliver to hotels, resorts and convention centers for pre and post cruise stays.

If you’re ready, there is a large, vital pool of potential travelers waiting to be tapped. And with multi-generational travel a growing trend, there’s no need to cancel a family trip or leave anyone out because of a special need or physical limitation.

Andrew J. Garnett, President & CEO
Special Needs Group, Inc. / Special Needs at Sea

Delivering an Accessible World

2009-07-13T09:42:00.003-04:00

A few months ago, I was filling up one of our Special Needs Group delivery vans at a gas station. A woman approached me about the logo on the side of the van and wanted to know what it meant. I told her that we deliver oxygen and mobility equipment to cruises, hotels and airports around the world. The woman was amazed; she did not know that a service like this even existed. As it turned out, her mother had poor health. She said to me, “do you mean you can help mom get back out in the world?”

Since our company’s inception, we have provided services like oxygen rentals, wheelchair rentals, scooter rentals, power chair rentals, walker rentals and other specialty equipment rentals to thousands of individuals so that (1) travel can be a reality and (2) travel experiences would be more enjoyable and comfortable.

Without knowing about companies like Special Needs Group, individuals with disabilities and slow walkers (people who require assistance walking with speed or distance but do not consider themselves disabled) are often daunted by travel. We have eliminated the hassle caused by lugging devices on planes or cars. We have eased the minds of people worried that their scooters or other mobility equipment will come off airplanes broken or damaged. Our specialty equipment is waiting in cruisers staterooms, at the hotels or wherever the individual needs it.

We also make travel a reality. Travelers with disabilities and slow walkers often believe that their only option is staying at home and that traveling is no longer an option. We have made travel possible for cancer survivors, individuals with hip replacements and individuals who have been prescribed oxygen. Plus, with families now living all around the world, we have made it possible for everyone to enjoy weddings, reunions, meetings and religious gatherings.

Similar to that woman I met at the gas station, our goal is to make sure family and friends with special needs are safe, healthy and able to enjoy life. Special Needs Group delivers an accessible world.

For more information or to reserve your equipment, please visit us at http://www.specialneedsgroup.com/ or call us toll free at 1-800-513-4515 or 954 585-0575.

Andrew J. Garnett, President & CEO
Special Needs Group, Inc. / Special Needs at Sea