10 tips for travellers with disabilities

 

Taking a trip can be frustrating even at the best of times, but many people face challenges beyond the usual hassles. Millions of travellers around the world who have a disability or special need can face obstacles that others take for granted — like using self-serve kiosks, standing in long lines, finding facilities and boarding transportation.

How can you deal with it? Travel providers are getting better at accommodating those with special needs, but the system is far from perfect. It’s up to the traveller to plan ahead to make sure their needs are met. If you or your travelling companion has special needs, here are some tips from the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) to help you plan:

Determine your needs

It may sound obvious, but the best place to start is making a list of accommodations you might need throughout the travel process. For example:

- Do you need special seating, like additional leg room or a tie-down for a wheelchair?

- Is a shuttle or transportation required at the station?

- Do you require someone to lift and carry luggage?

- What medication and equipment do you need — and is medical clearance to travel?)

- Is an attendant required to help with meals, administer medication or help you board?

Need a little help? Try this Reservation Checklist.

Talk to your travel provider

Once you’ve got a good idea of what you’ll require, get the information you will need to help you make decisions before you book. Travel providers are required by government regulations to have some services and accommodations in place, and many companies have their own standards in addition.

The services that companies offer will depend on the mode of transportation (i.e. bus, plane, ship or train) and what equipment the company has available. Even in developed countries like Canada, not all train cars, buses or airplanes have the same accessibility features on board, and services might not extent to all locations (like local airports or train stations in remote areas). There might not be staff on hand 24 hours a day to help out. It might take a little shopping around to find a good.

Where can you find this information? Travel company websites have a “travellers with special needs” section, or you can speak with a customer service representative directly. (Or start with the CTA’s list of accessible transportation services.)

A word of warning: Every country has its own regulations, and company standards aren’t necessarily service guarantees, according to the CTA. Companies may differ in their definition of “special needs”, which may include pregnant women, families with young children, seniors and people who are obese.

Consider all the steps

If you’re crossing borders or switching providers, don’t forget to consider what happens before you leave and when you arrive. For instance, an airline may have to coordinate with the airport at your destination to ensure that services and staff are available — like a wheelchair lift, accessible airport security screening procedures or transportation for you or your luggage. You should be able to find assistance at every step of your journey from checking in to customs and immigration.

When in doubt, look at the website for your arrival and departure points — like any airports, train stations, ferry terminals, etc. — or cover the details with your travel agent or company. Look for maps online that show you the layout of the terminal, where washrooms and elevators are located and where information desks can be found.

Check out the local scene

All travellers should get to know their destinations before booking, and this advice is especially important for people with special needs. Unfortunately, some countries don’t have the infrastructure or facilities to integrate their own population, let alone independent travellers with disabilities. Local transportation options might be limited, or the physical features of a historic or natural site might prohibit mobility aids.

But don’t fall into the trap of making assumptions. In the past couple of decades, many companies and attractions have found new ways to include travellers of all abilities. For instance, many institutions like the Louvre offer priority admission (i.e. no waiting in line) and make manual wheelchairs available for guests. Many ski resorts and national parks offer special vehicles so that everyone can enjoy the slopes and sites.

Museum and attraction websites should outline their accessibility information on their websites and in guides — like which entrances to use, where accessible washrooms and elevators are located and discounts for attendants. Travel guidebooks and government travel advice can also fill you in on the culture, expectations and resources at your destination.

Plan ahead

Most companies require advance notice in order to make accommodations like scheduling extra staff or working with partner carriers and airports to meet requests. Find out how far in advance you need to make (and confirm) arrangements and note it in your itinerary. Most companies request at least 48 hours notice, but it may take a little extra time to get plans organized. Allow extra time if you need medical approval from a health care professional.

In some cases, accommodations like extra seating or removable armrests are only available on certain flights or trains, so you may need to allow for some extra room in your itinerary if you have to attend a special event like a meeting or a wedding.

Consider your companion

If you’re travelling with a service animal, you will be able to bring them onboard. Carriers are required to make accommodations — like an extra seat or extra floor space. However, it’s up to the traveller to meet the providers’ requirements, like making sure your dog wears a harness at all times.

In addition, proper paperwork may be required when you enter a new country — such as a letter from a veterinarian or proof of vaccinations. Some destinations may require a special permit, or may quarantine animals.

Get it in writing

When you’re making arrangements, get the details in writing from the company and carry that information with you when you travel. You’ll have proof of your requests, and you can show it directly to staff to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

In addition to requesting written documentation, take your own notes. Write down the names of any staff and companies with whom you spoke, when you spoke with them and what arrangements were promised. Make sure you know about any steps you’re responsible for — like getting medical approval and providing any documents or identification.

Allow extra time

Rushing or leaving things to the last minute can spell trouble for any traveller, but extra assistance may take some extra time. In general, transportation carriers recommend arriving early and immediately identifying yourself to staff. Don’t assume they’ll automatically know who you are and what you need — let the personnel know what assistance you have requested and have your confirmation handy.

Know where to turn for help

Even the best made plans can go awry. If you face any issues in your travel, your first step should be addressing them with the transportation or travel provider. If that doesn’t work, the Canadian Transportation Agency can join the dialogue to help resolve disputes or investigate, if needed. Add their contact information to your list of essential phone numbers to carry with you when you travel. (For contact information, click here.)

Get involved

Our transportation system is far from perfect, but advocates are working to remove barriers. The Council of Canadians with Disabilities’ Transportation Committee monitors transportation services and contributes to legislative reform. The organization works to make sure that accessibility is a priority for administrators and to promote barrier-free travel.

For more information about the organization and current issues, visit the CCD website .

ON THE WEB
Need more advice? Try these sources:
Take Charge of Your Travel: A Guide for Persons with Disabilities — it can be viewed online or downloaded in PDF or DAISY (digital talking book) format from the Canadian Transportation Agency .
Access to Travel — information on accessible transportation carriers from the Government of Canada.
Special Needs Travelers — travel health advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Ivy O. Lam