10 Tips For Travellers With Disabilities

Zoomer | August 25th, 2011

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 have special needs, here are some tips from the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) to help you plan:

1. 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?

-Do you need 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.

2. Talk to your travel provider

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 extend 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. This all means that you might have to shop around a little for something that meets your needs.

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.

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.

3. 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 and your luggage. You should be able to find assistance at every step of your journey.

When in doubt, check the websites of your arrival and departure points for accessibility services. Your travel agent can do some of the leg work for you too. Also, 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.

4. Check out the local scene

Getting to know your destination before booking is especially important for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, some countries don’t have the infrastructure or facilities to integrate their own disabled 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.

5. 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.

Next: 5 more tips and some helpful recourses for travellers with a disability

6. 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 for service animals. However, it’s up to the traveller to meet the provider’s 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.

7. 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.

8. Allow for extra time

Rushing or leaving things to the last minute can spell trouble for any traveller, but extra assistance may take more time. In general, transportation carriers recommend that you arrive early and immediately identify 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.

9. 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 (1-888-222-2592) to your list of essential phone numbers to carry with you when you travel.

10. 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 promotes barrier-free travel.

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

Need more advice? Take a look at these recourses:

Take Charge of Your Travel: A Guide for Persons with Disabilities: CTA’s comprehensive guide for travellers with disabilities.

Flying Wheels Travel: The most experienced travel agency for people with physical disabilities, chronic illness or difficulty walking.

Full Service Agents: A list of travel agents from around the world that provide specialized services to people with disabilities.