MAKING WORLD MORE ACCESS-ABLE

Until recently, the world was a very small place for the estimated 35 million Americans who have severe disabilities. For anyone confined to a wheelchair or suffering from chronic heart, lung or kidney problems, blindness, deafness and a long list of other ailments, the difficulties and risks of traveling independently once meant a life sentence of house arrest.  Yet it is now possible for many disabled individuals to not only travel for both business and pleasure, but also to enjoy quality travel experiences. Disabled travelers can fly overseas, enjoy ocean cruises and take part in all manner of special tours, from skin-diving to exploring national parks.

Congressional edicts such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and Air Carriers Access Act have opened doors for people with spe cial physical needs. In addition to spelling out the rights of disabled travelers, these acts have forced public and private concerns to implement a variety of accessibility issues. In essence, these laws mandate that so long as a traveler's disability is stable and not liable to deteriorate during a trip, he or she has the right to be treated like any other passenger.  But the reality is another matter. While commercial airliners, cruise ships, trains, buses and hotels are supposed to accommodate disabled travelers, that's not always the case. As a recent Justice Department settlement with the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza chain demonstrated, enforcement of these laws is still spotty in this country and, of course, no help at all once a traveler leaves the United States.  The truth is although disabled travelers are freer than ever before to travel, they never know what problems they'll have to deal with until they get there. Until that distant day when all artificial barriers to the handicapped have been eliminated, the best planned dream trip can still turn into a nightmare for a disabled individual. Of course, the same can be said for any traveler. But an inconvenience for some can be life-threatening for someone with a disability.  Until then, however, advance planning and advocacy are the best ways to avoid problems.  If you're a disabled traveler, the first step in planning a trip is to visit your physician. Your doctor can make recommendations about precautions, immunizations or other medical needs. Next, look for a good travel agent, ideally one who understands disabled travel and any special needs you may have. In addition to helping select a destination and itinerary suitable to your condition, the travel agent can inform the airline of your requirements.  Each U.S. airline has a Special Services officer to expedite these requests and provide assistance and advice. Any special requests should be filed at the time of making the reservation and double-checked the day before departure.  Other general prescriptions: be prepared to be separated from your luggage or carry-on bags. Make sure you always carry several day's worth of medication with you. Also, carry an extra written prescription, should you need to request a refill. If you travel abroad, be prepared for the possibility that your medications may be sold under a different brand name or may not even be available.  Do you have a battery-powered wheelchair or scooter? Airlines often make you check them as baggage and provide a chair without pusher rims. That makes it necessary for unaccompanied travelers to rely on skycaps or airline personnel. Units with acid batteries have to be disassembled and the batteries shipped in special containers. If your wheelchair is shipped as baggage, ask that it be put on the plane last and taken off first.  Every disability is different, and this information only skims the surface of a very complicated subject. And although any travel agent is capable of providing some assistance, it's difficult to find experienced, knowledgeable experts on disability travel in the area.  Occupational therapist/travel agent Michele Ellis has begun a company called Accessible Vaca tions, located in Westmoreland County. Call 724-523-5181.  Several organizations maintain Internet sites which can provide some assistance for disabled travelers. The Society for the Advancement of Travel for the Handicapped (SATH) is one (212-447-7284 or www.sath.org). Another clearinghouse is Access-Able (303-232-2979 or www.access-able.com). A third site, www.geocities.com/Paris/1502, has good information, as well as a chat room where disabled travelers can share insights and advice.  Finally, Mobility International has assembled a long list of resources for disabled travelers. If you'd like a copy, send a request to my attention at the Post-Gazette, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and I'll forward you one.

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