Accessible Travel information: 6 articles

[Guest guest]

--ACCESS INFORMATION - AIRLINE WEB SITES

--TRAVELING " BARE " : Insurance liabilities

--SATH Announces Microtel Inns & Suites as New Sponsor

--HOW TO TRAVEL WITH MOBILITY IMPAIRMENTS

--HOW TO TRAVEL WITH ARTHRITIS

--HOW TO TRAVEL BY AIR WITH A WHEELCHAIR

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ACCESS INFORMATION - AIRLINE WEB SITES

This page connects you to the access info for each of the airlines:

http://www.sath.org/index.html?section=Travel%20Tips%20and%20Access%20Informatio\

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TRAVELING " BARE " : Insurance liabilities

By , MBA, MCC

Going " bare " is an insurance slang for having a potential liability that is not

covered by insurance. In today's world, insurance is something that we purchase

routinely for our cars, home and business. However, sometimes we don't realize

exactly what type of liabilities we may encounter in our travels.

Most travelers never file an insurance claim. The ones who do have a major event

and file a claim or utilize the services of the company feel that the cost of

the insurance was inconsequential compared to the service provided.

There are several excellent travel insurance policies on the market. Travel

agents have preferred suppliers they work with on a daily basis. If there are

any questions, the major travel insurance companies have toll-free numbers

consumers can utilize for specific questions or clarifications. If a

comprehensive policy is purchased, there may not be need for additional coverage

once you verify that your exposure is adequately covered and that you have met

the pre-existing conditions coverage specifications.

In reviewing the policy you are considering there are several items that you

need to verify as included in the policy. If these are not included, ask your

travel agent to refer you to a company who can provide the type of coverage you

need or add the coverage you need through a separate policy. There may be times

that you need to purchase more than one policy or a rider to cover potential

liabilities.

Common Travel Insurance Coverages

Following are coverages that are often found in travel insurance policies.

Baggage and baggage delay

Trip cancellation or interruption

Trip delay or missed connections

Itinerary change

Death and dismemberment

Medical evacuation

Travel accident and illness

Return of mortal remains,

Travel assistance.

Generally the most financially significant liability that is encountered in

traveling is due to injury, illness or death. Most uninsured travelers are

unprepared for the huge expenditure that even a non-life threatening accident or

illness can involve, making an already stressful situation much more so.

For a US traveler who is going to Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, etc., $20,000

of emergency medical transportation coverage is recommended as a minimum. The

more exotic the destination, the higher the coverage required. Destinations in

Europe require a minimum of $50,000 in coverage, and remote and inaccessible

destinations such as the Antarctic require at least $100,000 in coverage.

Even what would be routine medical care costs in the States can quickly escalate

if a known intermediary is not available to intercede in the patient's behalf.

When combined with the refusal of many US-based health insurance plans to pay

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SATH Announces Microtel Inns & Suites as New Sponsor

ATLANTA, May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Microtel Inns & Suites -- the all newly

constructed chain of budget/economy interior corridor hotels -- in its efforts

to expand initiatives to better serve travelers with disabilities, has become

a sponsor of The Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH).

Commented Steve Mydanick, director of corporate affairs for SATH, " We are

excited about Microtel's dedication to our project and welcome them into our

family of sponsors who recognize the growing importance of the market for

travelers with disabilities. "

Roy E. Flora, senior vice president, franchise operations of U.S.

Franchise Systems, Inc. (USFS), parent company of the franchisor of the

Microtel Inns & Suites brand, said, " Our involvement in this year's SATH World

Congress had a dramatic, positive impact on our continued commitment to

providing quality accommodations and service to travelers with disabilities.

We look forward to Microtel's active participation with SATH. "

Microtel Inns & Suites is committed to addressing the needs of all its

guests, and has made great strides in accommodating travelers with

disabilities. The brand offers three ADA-room designs (single queen, double

queen, and suite) throughout its chain, and a consistency of services that

will fit guests' needs whether a Microtel is located in New York or North

Carolina. As of March 31, 2004, there were 269 properties open or under

construction worldwide.

In addition, Microtel Inns & Suites is the only budget chain to implement

the training program known as Opening Doors® system-wide. Opening Doors®,

developed by W.C. Duke Associates of Woodford, Va., is a value-added training

tool used to enhance the chain's customer service initiatives, so that staff

is better able to respond to the needs of travelers with disabilities by

practicing " attitude accessibility. " Opening Doors® emphasizes disability

etiquette skills training that included interactive activities and role

playing using wheelchairs, blindfolds, earplugs and taped hands so employees

can practice how to service customers with disabilities.

Microtel's web site at http://www.microtelinn.com features a special section

dedicated to travelers with disabilities. There is a direct link from the

SATH home page to Microtel's web site, and a direct link to Opening Doors®

and other sites; frequently asked questions and travel tips, and a virtual

tour where visitors can actually view a 360-degree view of typical Microtel

ADA guest rooms and a lobby.

" We believe that Microtel is uniquely positioned to be the preferred hotel

chain for travelers with disabilities, " added Flora.

W.C. Duke Associates is an international leader in showing businesses how

to comply with the human side of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and

realize the importance of customer service training in disability etiquette.

For information, visit http://www.wcduke.com .

SATH is a nonprofit educational membership organization. Its mission is

to raise awareness of the needs of all travelers with disabilities, remove

physical and attitudinal barriers to free access, and expand travel

opportunities in the U.S. and abroad. Members include travel professionals,

consumers with disabilities and other individuals and corporations. For

information, visit http://www.sath.org .

For the second consecutive year, Microtel Inns & Suites has been ranked

highest in guest satisfaction among economy/budget hotel chains by J.D. Power

and Associates. All hotels offer complimentary continental breakfast, and

members of the free MicroPass frequent guest program earn a free night's

stay after just nine night stays at any location. Microtel will soon raise

the bar on the scope of value and amenities that hotels offer guests as all

its properties provide free local and free long distance phone calls, and free

wireless high speed Internet access in every guestroom by end-2004. For

reservations, contact 1- toll-free, or visit Microtel online

at http://www.microtelinn.com

SOURCE The Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH)

Web Site: http://www.microtelinn.com http://www.wcduke.com

http://www.sath.org

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HOW TO TRAVEL WITH MOBILITY IMPAIRMENTS

Today the wheelchair symbol is probably the best known international

accessibility symbol; however, not all those with a problem in moving around use

a wheelchair all or even part of the time. Whether you have a problem walking

and use a cane or crutches or have a medical condition which makes walking

difficult such as a heart condition or stroke (hemiplegia), you should have no

problem in traveling today.

In almost every country, transportation operators, whether bus, train, or air,

expect to assist you. Find out in advance how you can best get to the boarding

point and also ask the company to reserve suitable seating for you. Under the

provisions of the Americas With Disabilities Act (ADA), private bus companies

must provide boarding assistance to passengers with mobility problems and must

transport wheelchairs. Very few at present, however, have lift-equipped

long-distance buses. This includes Greyhound Lines. Inc., the sole remaining

nationwide intericity bus company in the U.S. For a copy of their brochure for

handicapped clients, Greyhound Travel Policies, call or (800)

345-3109 (TDD). Greyhound asks that travelers with disabilities call them 48

hours prior to departure in order to arrange assistance. If no travel companion

is required, call the above numbers. If one does require a companion, call (800)

231-2222 for reservations as well as to enquire about the discounts available

and its restrictions. For more info on the services provided by Greyhound click

here.

With regard to public buses, most cities in the U.S. and Canada currently have

accessible local service. In Europe, some tour and line buses are accessible.

Information on accessible train travel can be obtained from Amtrak, which runs

most of the intercity passenger trains in U.S. These are normally accessible and

have special facilities for both those with walking impairments and those using

a wheelchair. Amtrak publishes a booklet for travelers with disabilities, Access

Amtrak, available by calling (800) USA-RAIL or . They will also

advise you concerning the accessibility of your stations of departure and

arrival and what assistance you will need.

A growing number of subway and other local train services in the U.S. are also

wheelchair accessible. Air travel for both the ambulatory and the wheelchair

traveler has become much easier as a result of new regulations which provide,

among other things, for the education of both ground and in-flight personnel.

Those who are able to walk short distances should request assistance and, if

necessary, a wheelchair between the point of arrival and the airplane and vice

versa on landing at the time they book their flight. Don't forget to repeat this

information if you need to change your flight for any reason. (Code SSR). Canes

and crutches may have to be stored during take-off and landing but will be

returned to you on request during the flight. See also the information sheet,

How To Travel By Air.

Copyright © 2004 SATH

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HOW TO TRAVEL WITH ARTHRITIS

People who suffer from arthritis are not a single group, but they do have

certain characteristics in common resulting from their disease such as pain in

the areas affected, frustration due to limitations of movement, and the

inconvenience of not being able to move about freely. Some of those affected

have localized pain and inflammation in their hands, hips, knees, etc., while

others have more generalized symptoms which require them to use a wheelchair or

a scooter. However, whatever his or her condition, anyone with arthritis can

today expect to be able to travel, so long as they make practical plans well in

advance.*

*Note: Since 1990, all handicapped travelers in the United States are protected

by law from discrimination with respect to travel, accommodations, and most

other travel arrangements.

It is important for people with arthritis to come to terms with the limitations

resulting from their condition and to plan their travel so as to avoid stress

and physical fatigue. By finding a travel agent who understands their condition

and will work with them to make all arrangements, they can get the professional

help they need at a very small cost since travel agents receive commissions from

airlines, hotels, etc. However, special services, expensive phone calls, fares,

etc. will have to be paid for.

Making Travel Arrangements

First, choose your vacation destination with care, ensuring that the hotel is

accessible even if you are not in a wheelchair, so as to avoid unnecessary steps

and other obstacles. Also make sure that its environment is suitable, with

plenty of shade and pools and other outdoor facilities which are not too far for

you to get to. If you intend to take excursions, make sure that there will be

transportation available (with lifts or ramps if you are in a wheelchair) and

that there are no ...

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HOW TO TRAVEL BY AIR WITH A WHEELCHAIR

Normally you can use your own wheelchair as far as the boarding point of the

aircraft, where you will transfer to a special aisle chair. If you are able to

walk a short distance, you should request a seat near the entrance doors Your

wheelchair will then be stored conveniently for immediate availability on

arrival. The airline will probably want to preboard you, so be early at the

airport. You, however, have the choice not to preboard.

Wheelchairs fall into three classes:

) normal hand-propelled chairs;

) electric wheelchairs, including scooters, with wet acid batteries;

) electric wheelchairs, including scooters, with dry cell or sealed gel

batteries.

Those who have Type 2 wheelchairs should check with the airline, as a leaking

battery inflight can be dangerous. It will be necessary for baggage handlers to

remove the battery and place it in a special container. This requires the

passenger to be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.

Most modern power-operated wheelchairs have some form of safety battery so that

they can be carried without risk of damage to the aircraft. However, it will be

necessary for baggage handlers to disconnect the leads from the terminal and to

cap them to avoid shorting. This may take some time, so you will have to

preboard. It may be necessary to transfer you to a special aisle wheelchair in

the air terminal, and there may equally be a delay on arrival before your chair

is available.

The airlines are responsible for ensuring that your battery is reconnected and

that your chair is working on arrival at your destination. Electric scooters can

also be transported without problems; their battery requirements are the same as

for wheelchairs.

As a precaution against loss or damage, always remove all detachable parts

before your wheelchair is stored, and label the chair ...

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