While getting a wheelchair-accessible hotel room was once a challenge, in recent years, there’s been a proliferation of resources to help the disabled make the most out of traveling.
In part, this is due to the fact that the market for disability travel has risen sharply in recent years–in the past few years alone, more than 21 million adults with disabilities traveled for pleasure, and the number of leisure travelers with special needs is up nearly 50% from 2002.
The travel industry is finally getting the message. With more companies popping up that cater to people traveling with special needs, vacations from safaris to adventure excursions are now accessible to travelers who need a little extra help.
The following are some helpful resources for travelers with accessibility needs:
Access Able
This website offers lists of resources for special needs travelers in cities around the globe, which includes wheelchair-friendly accommodations such as the Thistle Marble Arch in London. Just pick the region, country and town of your destination, and the site will pull up a listing of members of the travel industry in the area that are particularly suited for physically challenged travelers. For example, click on Australia and find nearly 150 listings for hotels, car rentals, attractions, tours and adventure excursions, like the disABLE Eco Tour and the Holiday Cabin for Wheelchair travelers, both in New South Wales. www.Access-able.com
Disabled Travelers
With a special section devoted to Adventure Travel, listing adventure tours in scuba diving, horseback riding, fishing, sailing and more, this site links disabled travelers to resource sites worldwide. You can also find home exchanges geared to folks with disabilities through companies like the Independent Living Institute, Matchinghouses.com and UK-based Special Families Home Swap. www.disabledtravelers.com
Endeavour Safaris
Leading African safaris for people with a wide range of physical challenges, including mobility impairment, hearing and visual disabilities, oxygen-users and travelers with kidney problems, this company works out the logistical problems such as arranging for special equipment like oxygen tanks or dialysis treatments, as well as ensuring that travelers with hearing or vision difficulties have “interpreters” available to them to ensure that everyone gets the most out of the trip as possible. Prices and costs vary greatly, however, depending on the particular needs and preferred itinerary, both of which are customized according to your preferences. www.Endeavour-safaris.com
Disability Travel
This company focuses primarily on wheelchair travel. They arrange tours and cruises that are accessible for all disabled travelers and their family members, such as a ten day Accessible cruise to Mexico, a fourteen day cruise to Alaska, or a three to fourteen day cruise in the Caribbean. They also help globetrotters with special physical needs arrange individual trips all over the world, from Italy to Thailand, and will help with anything from providing accessible van rentals to foreign language assistance to medical supplies and products. www.Disabilitytravel.com
Mobility International USA
Mobility International USA works with disabled individuals worldwide, offering international exchanges, international development, and accessible volunteer and intern opportunities. The short-term international exchange programs provide activities such as disability rights and leadership seminars, living with home stay families, international community service projects and cross-cultural learning. Participants gain confidence, leadership skills and knowledge of what they can do to change local and global communities. www.miusa.org
For access to more Accessibility in travel, click Ask Peter: Accessibility, Egypt and Around the World.
Check out great travel ideas for travelers with mobility needs in America’s Accessible Heritage.
And get plenty of advice in our Accessible Travel section.
