I will be posting Press Releases pertaining to the accessible travel industry in the form of comments on this page starting November 28, 2007.
DisabledTravelers.com Travel Blog
Interesting information, reviews, and pictures in the world of accessible travel…Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on November 28th, 2007I Need A Holiday Too opens it doors this year to disabled people to provide a fully inclusive holiday environment, in the beautiful area of Côtes d’Armor in Brittany, France, for all disabled people. Jacqui Alban, a disabled woman herself, and her husband Carl are meeting a need that has been overlooked for years by the “regular” tourist industry.
Offering a fully compliant AAA validated, accessible website, accessible accommodation all with level access showers, accessible transport and personal support workers, there is now no reason as to why any disabled traveller can’t actually have all the information required to have control and choice over their holiday.
As far as Jacqui and Carl are aware, this is a unique venture into an unknown territory, as no one has offered so much in one package previously.
Jacqui says “There are companies that offer holiday packages, but they don’t appear to be all encompassing, it is still up to the individual to ensure all the pieces tie in together, and that is stressful enough, without having to worry about if the holiday will actually be accessible when you get there, if the equipment you hired online will actually turn up when requested, for example”.
The company, which arose from an idea, after the couple had been on an “accessible” holiday, only to find steps in to the bathroom, has had a great demand from disabled people to date. With six new apartments available from July 2006, in a former cotton mill on the banks of the River Jaudy, in La Roche Derrien, they are doubling the amount of accessible accommodation available in the area.
Jacqui, herself, has visited up to 150 properties in the area, reputed and labelled to be accessible. “The majority of properties that I visited, including large hotel chains, bed and breakfast and self catering properties are not accessible, whether they have baths, steps or whatever, I went in with tape measures, open mind and found out of 150 advertised accessible properties, there were 6 that I considered to be truly accessible”.
With, Jacqui understanding the needs of a disabled traveller, understanding the worries and problems that they may face, it is welcoming that she is willing to discuss what needs have to be met, how a person can pay for support services through their direct payment and/or ILF, and how ultimately they truly can have the “hassle free” holiday that everyone dreams of!
I Need A Holiday Too
21 rue St Jean
22450
La Roche Derrien
Brittany, FRANCE
Website: http://www.ineedaholidaytoo.com
Email: jacqui at ineedaholidaytoo.com
FREEPHONE (from UK): 0800 949 6801
Tel: 0033 (0)2 96 91 55 97
Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on November 28th, 2007Decthird is a company specialized exclusively in Accessible Tourism in Argentina.
Decthird has visited personally the tourist centers of Argentina determining the degree of accessibility in the offerings of lodging, transportation and excursions.
This allows to offer a service of quality based on a solid and updated knowledge of which are the difficulties or barriers which the passenger might find.
Decthird provides customized packages for each passenger with special capacities according to its needs, as thus also for groups of passengers.
The offering of activities is extensive. From winter or summer sports, passing for contemplation of the Nature, to visit of cities or to rest in estancias.
Decthird has established agreements with suppliers of services and products linked to Accessible Tourism, adding experience in the contact with people with special capacities.
Finally, Argentina is executing the Strategic Federal Plan of Sustainable Tourism, that among others things contemplates “To eliminate the physical barriers in order to compare opportunities of the tourist enjoyment”. This effort will increase even more the availability of the offering of accessibility inside the country.
Marcelo de Arrechea
Director
Decthird December 3rd
Ladislao Martinez 1066 (B1640EZP) Martinez
Pcia. Bs. As. Argentina
Cellular: (15) 4182 – 5469
Web: http://www.decthird.com
Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on November 28th, 2007For Immediate Release
Media contact:
Candy Harrington
phone: 209-599-9409
fax: 209-599-9482
e-mail: candy at EmergingHorizons.com
New Resource Helps Disabled Travelers
Ripon, CA June 15, 2005 –Need help in planning a wheelchair-accessible vacation? Then pick up the newly released second edition of Barrier-Free Travel; A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. Billed as the definitive guide to accessible travel, this indispensable resource contains detailed information about the logistics of planning accessible travel by plane, train, bus and ship.
Says author Candy Harrington, “Due to popular demand, the second edition has an expanded cruise chapter, a chapter on traveling with kids, information on airport security and tons of new resources. More and more wheelers and slow walkers are hitting the road these days, and I’ve done my best to include useful information, resources and tips to help them out.”
The book also includes important details about air travel with a wheelchair, traveling with oxygen, accessible ground transportation, choosing a travel agent, on-line booking, accessible recreation and budget travel. Also included is a comprehensive chapter devoted to self-advocacy, consumer-rights and what to do when things go wrong.
Candy Harrington is widely known for her no-nonsense approach to access issues. As the editor of Emerging Horizons she strives to provide her readers with accurate information about accessible travel options. Candy continues this same no-nonsense approach in Barrier-Free Travel.
Ms. Harrington is also a strong proponent of self advocacy. “Knowing your rights not only helps you get the services you need, but it can also save you money,” she says. “For example, many people don’t realize that if a hotel in the U.S. operates a courtesy airport shuttle, they also have to provide an accessible shuttle free of charge. It’s important to note that they can’t charge their disabled guests for this service, even if it costs extra to provide it.”
Published by Demos Publishing, Barrier-Free Travel is a must-have resource for wheelchair- or scooter-users, slow walkers, travel agents, CILs and libraries. It’s available at bookstores, through the publisher (800-532-8663) or on-line at EmergingHorizons.com/book. Visit EmergingHorizons.com/book to read a sample chapter, see the complete table of contents, or for more information about Barrier-Free Travel, Emerging Horizons or Candy Harrington.
Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on November 28th, 2007We are Orange Badge Machine S.L. established for over 10 years here in Los Cristianos, Tenerife.
We hire and sell wheelchairs, electric scooters and other disability aids to both holidaymakers and residents of all nationalities here in South Tenerife. Our 10 years experience allows us to know which of our wide range of equipment equipment we can put into which hotels and complexes.Our recently reduced rental prices make us amongst the least expensive in Europe.
We are constantly being told by holidaymakers that they did not know it was possible to hire this sort of equipment. Both Las Americas and Los Cristianos in particular are very wheelchair friendly and is now the premier European destination for those with walking difficulties or needing to use a wheelchair. We work very closely with the local authorities as well as local specialist hotels such as the Mar y Sol complex.
We also offer trips, airport transfers and adapted apartments for sale or rent here in Tenerife. As we are a company with mostly British customers we are an associate member of ABTA.
Please visit our website http://www.orangebadge.com for more information or fax or call us. Any help you can give us would be gratefully received. If possible we would like to be included on your website links or any other info you send out please.
Regards
Jeremy Mills
Orange Badge
Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on November 28th, 2007Dating4Disabled.com – This site is aimed at helping disabled individuals develop their social, personal and romantic life in a supportive and understanding environment. We offer forums, private chats, a dating service and blogs, among other features, to facilitate personal expression and connection via an on-line community. We feel it is important for persons with disabilities to have more opportunities for social and romantic interaction. Our site is totally free and non-committal. Dating4Disabled is also a great way for travelers to keep in touch after they return home!
Our goal is to create a community which offers great resources for persons with disabilities and we are looking for organizations who are interested in helping us provide more resources to persons with disabilities who are internet users.
The link to our site is Dating4Disabled.com. You can see all the features without becoming a member. Just click on the orange feature buttons on the left hand side of your screen.
Thanks for your time and consideration.
Best Wishes,
Erin Shamberg (201) 984-5912
erin at dating4disabled.com
The Dating4Disabled Team
http://www.dating4disabled.com
Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on November 28th, 2007Hello,
I’m Nelson Hooker and the owner of TioTaxi Tours. TioTaxi is a transportation company which is wheelchair accessible. We are located on the beautiful island of Curacao. I have a Bluebird bus which is wheelchair accessible, actually the only wheelchair accessible bus in Curacao.
First of all, I want to offer my services to the wheelchair travelers who are traveling to Curacao, either via air for hotel stays or cruise passengers.
We do airport and hotel transfers, sightseeing tours. Anything that the client request regarding transportation can be arranged.
Our bus carries 30 passengers normally, but the seating can be set up to accommodate both the handicap clients and their family.
At this link you can see some pictures and a clip of the wheelchair lift.www.tiotaxi.com/accessible/
I have a couple of other products also that are very interesting for the clients. You can visit my site: http://www.tiotaxitours.com which at the moment only has the eastern highlights tour on it. Other products are on brochures, which I can send you. We have multilingual staffs who speak English, Dutch, Spanish, German, French and of course the local tongue Papiamento.
Sincerely,
Nelson Hooker
Executive Director
Tel: (599) 9 560-5491 767-6113
Kaya Brassavola #22
Sta. Catharina
Curacao, LP-28
Netherlands Antilles
Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on November 28th, 2007Hi mi name is Goran Mihajlovic,
I live since 1994 in the Colombian Amazon. I am owner of a travel agency in Leticia specialized in adventure tours and expeditions. Years ago i started thinking of a way to show the amazon jungle to people with physical disabilities. I found a way and i am not talking about the commune tourist trails. if you want to know more about than take a look at my web page
http://www.extrem-amazonas.com
greetings from the amazon, goran mihajlovic
Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on November 28th, 2007Dear Jeremy,
My husband and I have written the only adventure travel guide on the market for travelers with disabilities, titled Access Anything: Colorado. We’d love to trade links with you, as we have a growing database and mailing list ourselves. If you can post our guidebook, the information is as follows:
Access Anything: Colorado, Adventuring with Disabilities (Fulcrum Press, July 2005)
This 200+ page guidebook includes all recreation and travel information on Colorado for people traveling with a disability. This unique guide offers more information that any other guidebook on adventure, including state and national park information, resorts, scenic drives, and dozens of activities such as skiing, water skiing, rock climbing, and rafting to name just a few. Lodging and dining information is also included. Written by two Colorado residents who have been traveling with a wheelchair for over 6 years, the experience and knowledge passed on through Craig and Andrea Kennedy is invaluable.
See http://www.accessanything.net for more information on their future guidebooks and ski camps, or to sign up for their monthly adventure newsletter.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Best,
Andrea & Craig Kennedy
Access Anything, LLC
Adventure Travel for People with Disabilities
“Go Anywhere, Do Anything!”
(970) 846-9859
Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on November 28th, 2007For Immediate Release
Media Contacts:
Craig Kennedy, (970) 846-9859, craig at accessanything.net
Andrea Kennedy, (970) 846-9256, andy at accessanything.net
Brand new, must-have guide book for travelers with disabilities, travel agents, and anyone in the industry: Access Anything: I Can Do That!™, released April 21.
Authors, Nationally renowned experts on traveling and adventuring with a disability, and founders of Access Anything™, Andrea and Craig Kennedy, are set to release their much-anticipated second book in the unique Access Anything™ guidebook series.
Steamboat Springs, CO (April 5, 2007): Beginning April 21, 2007, Access Anything: I Can Do That!, the next book in a series of travel guides for people and adventurers with disabilities will hit bookstore shelves all over the country and set a precedent for travel writers everywhere.
An inspirational guide to traveling, adventuring, and sporting with a disability, Access Anything: I Can Do That! dives into the incredible world of adaptive sports and recreation by showcasing 45 different sports that have been adapted for people with disabilities. This one-of-a-kind guide also features essential disability travel information and tips for traveling by airplane, car/rental car, charter bus, cruise ship, and train, essential information for not only travelers with disabilities but all those seeking to market to them and provide travel for them.
For added inspiration, Access Anything: I Can Do That! includes six inspirational interviews with world-class adaptive athletes who have helped change the face of adaptive sports. From Mark Wellman’s heroic first ascent of the granite cliffs of 3,300-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, to Erik Weihenmayer’s inspiring first-ever summit of Mt Everest by a blind man in 2001, these are the heroes that are paving the way for a more accessible future. “I want young people who are involved in accidents and even those who are getting older to understand [living with a disability is] not the end of the world, it’s the beginning of a new world,” stated Dr. Grover Evans, U.S. Paralympic swimmer and motivational speaker, featured in the I Can Do That! interview section.
Their first book, Access Anything: Colorado, Adventuring with Disabilities (Fulcrum Press, 2005), was a breakthrough for travel guides, encouraging people with disabilities not just to travel, but to have a sense of adventure and to try activities that may seem out of their ability level, and this series provides them with the tools to do so.
The authors will be on book tour for most of the 2007 summer, NY and DC in April/May, California in June/July, and the southern states in August.
About Access Anything: http://www.accessanything.net
The mission of Access Anything is to improve the quality of life for millions of people living with disabilities in the United States and around the world by encouraging them to enjoy life to its fullest through the sense of freedom provided by travel, adventure, and a “never give up” attitude. It is our vision to spread awareness concerning the need for better accessibility by writing a series of adventure travel guides for people with disabilities and to establish a common ground where people and information can come together and work to expand the rapidly growing adaptive travel industry.
Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on November 28th, 2007For Release 9 a.m. EST
January 5, 2007
New Horizon Solutions | Transportation Services Announces Wheelchair Limousine Service wLimo™ Coming late 2007
Washington, DC — January 5, 2007 — A new transportation service that will change the idea of luxury transportation for the physically challenged. New Horizon Solutions | Transportation Services is pleased to introduce a new wheelchair limousine called wLimo™. The wLimo™ service will provide the wheelchair community the option of being driven in style in a luxurious limousine where ever and whenever they need.
With an estimated two million individuals confined to wheelchairs in the United States, transportation can present some unique challenges. Limousine transportation is almost obsolete for the physically challenged individual…until now.
New Horizon Solutions | Transportation Services is extremely pleased to offer a handicapped-accessible limousine service that will fill a void in the special needs community. We believe being disabled or disable bodied should not prevent one from enjoying the luxury of a limousine.
wLimo™, the brainchild of New Horizon Solutions’ owner, Anthony & LaChelle Parker was noticed when the lack of luxury transportation options were available for people who use wheelchairs without personally being removed from the wheelchair. This limousine will allow the wheelchair guest to remain in their wheelchair while riding inside the limousine.
In creating wLimo™, we plan to incorporate the same indulgence that all other limousines offer with a bold styling statement, a redesign interior cabin to include raised roofs; seating to allow 2-wheelchair passengers along with leather seating for non-wheelchair passengers. The production model is set to make its first public appearance by late 2007.
“We are always looking for innovative ways to support those who are physically disabled and wheelchair bound.” says LaChelle Parker, founder of New Horizon Solutions | Transportation Services. She goes on to say,” This is an excellent start toward expanding the availability of luxury transportation”.
New Horizon Solutions| Transportation Service was founded in 2004, with the idea of providing a transportation service serving the general public and specialized services that focus on the needs of the disadvantaged, elderly and disabled. For additional information please visit: http://www.newhorizonsolutions.org.
Contact:
LaChelle Parker, President
New Horizon Solutions | Transportation Services
PHONE:(301) 523-8488
EMAIL: lparker at newhorizonsolutions.org
WEBSITE:http://www.newhorizonsolutions.org
Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on November 28th, 2007Dear Sir or Madam,
We are into car rentals and have started Accessible car rentals for wheelchair users. Our website is http://www.samarthatravels.com and link of Wheelchair Accessible vehicle is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qaj3cs6SRM
We would be pleased to provide services to tourist on wheelchair planning to visit Mumbai.- India. At present this is the only wheelchair accessible vehicle in city. This is our first step and we plan to expand our services with user feedbacks and requirements.
Below is information regarding Accessible hotels, places in Mumbai and nearby. Hotel Orchid 5Star Rs.15000/- day and offering 20% discount. Hotel Renaissance 5Star is 310$/day. Hotel Emerald 4 Star are semi accessible and in price range of 3000-5000 Rs/ Day.
Siddhivinayak Temple
Imax theatre
Essel World
Gateway of India
In orbit mall,Lifestyle, Hypercity -Malad
Nirmal lifestyle Mulund
Raghuleela mall
Murud Janjira (Beach) 200kms from Mumbai
Mahabaleshwar (Hill Station) 350kms from Mumbai
Goa – 600kms from Mumbai
Feel free to email or call me on +91-9821501718
Regards,
Prasad
http://www.samarthatravels.com
Call +91-9821501718
Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on December 4th, 2007For Immediate Release
For more information (Media Only) contact:
Candy Harrington
phone: (209) 599-9409 (not for publication)
e-mail: candy@EmergingHorizons.com
New Guidebook Filled with Wheelchair-Accessible Vacation Ideas
Ripon, CA December 2, 2007 — Need help finding a wheelchair-accessible vacation destination? Then pick up a copy of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers, the first guidebook dedicated exclusively to wheelchair-accessible destinations, lodgings and recreational opportunities. Penned by Candy Harrington, the editor of Emerging Horizons, this new title focuses on the vacation planning needs of wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Billed as an accessible vacation idea book with substance, 101 Accessible Vacations contains destination information on over 101 cities, lodging options, national parks, tourist attractions and recreational activities around the world.
As the editor of Emerging Horizons, Candy Harrington has spent the past 14 years traveling the world to cover accessible travel. Says Harrington, “Readers are always asking me for vacation ideas, but to be honest it’s hard to give somebody a suggestion if you don’t know what they like to do. For example, if you like museum hopping, my suggestion to visit the Everglades would be pretty useless to you.”
To that end, 101 Accessible Vacations is organized so readers can search for a holiday based on their specific interests or travel styles. Unlike other guidebooks that are organized geographically, 101 Accessible Vacations includes sections ranging from Road Trips and The Great Outdoors to Historic Haunts and Cruisin’. The A Place to Rest Your Head section features some fun lodging choices, while the Active Holidays section includes choices for people who like specific recreational activities such as skiing, sailing or scuba. And last but not least, there is Candy’s Picks, which includes a collection of some of the author’s favorite trips, destinations and activities.
Says Harrington, “There’s a world of travel choices out there for wheelers and slow walkers. And this book contains many of those choices; along with updated resources, information and access details to make them a reality.”
As is the case in Emerging Horizons, Candy describes the access of all attractions, lodging options and tourist sights, rather than just stating that something is or isn’t accessible. After all, accessibility is in the eye of the beholder; and what may be accessible to one person can be filled with obstacles to someone else. “I certainly recognize there are a wide range of access preferences and needs,” says Harrington. “That’s why describing the access is so important — so people can make appropriate choices.”
Published by Demos Publishing, 101 Accessible Vacations is the first book of its kind and it’s a must-have resource for wheelchair- or scooter-users, slow walkers, travel agents, CILs and libraries. It’s a great follow-up to Harrington’s other accessible travel titles, Barrier-Free Travel; A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers and There is Room at the Inn; Inns and B&Bs for Wheelers and Slow Walkers.
101 Accessible Vacations is available at bookstores, through the publisher (800-532-8663) or on-line at http://www.101AccessibleVacations.com. Visit http://www.101AccessibleVacations.com to read a sample chapter, see the table of contents or for more information about 101 Accessible Vacations or Candy Harrington
Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on January 22nd, 2008International Conference on Diverse Abilities & Innovative Supports 2008
Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Community – August 11-13, 2008
Dole Ballrooms – Historic Dole Cannery – Honolulu, Hawaii
Join your peers, colleagues and friends as together we explore topics such as:
Dual Diagnosis • Direct Support Worker Issues & Solutions
Supervision & Management • Clinical Issues ? International Best Practices
Self-Advocacy/Independent Living ? Autism/Aspergers • Employment • Caregiving
Presenters Scheduled to Appear Include
(Subject to Change)
Michael Mayer • Derrick Dufresne • Sandee Yoro ? Karen Simmons
Stephen Shore • Stan Kurtz • Julia Berle • Al Condeluci • Doreen Rosimos • Sue Gabriel
With More to be Announced!
The Call for Papers is now open through 5:00pm Eastern Time Friday February 29, 2008
Exhibits • Sponsors • Advertising • Silent Auction
Information on how you can become and exhibitor, sponsor, advertiser and
silent auction contributor for this event can be found on the conference website. Exhibit Space will be limited so book early to feature your business, services and products
Conference Website: http://www.lifelibertyandthepursuitof.com
Questions? – lifelibertyandthepursuitof@craconferences.com or 1-888-542-8555
SEE YOU IN AUGUST!!!!
Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on February 10th, 2008LINCOLN CITY ADDRESSES ISSUES FOR TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES
Lincoln City, OR — The Lincoln City Visitor & Convention Bureau has added a page to their website, http://www.oregoncoast.org/ha/index.php, to assist travelers with disabilities. Many of us have or have traveled with others who have disabilities. Simply saying a business is ADA compliant doesn’t always help much, since every individual has different issues. This page addresses many of the nuances, like whether or not the openings accommodate a wheelchair but not a scooter or if there is a visual alarm system in the room.
Although the Bureau has consulted people who have those disabilities in structuring the page, it is a work in progress. Those with helpful information are encouraged to visit http://www.oregoncoast.org/ha/index.php, click on the “Accessibility Resources” icon on the home page and submit ideas and information so the page can be a useful resource for everyone.
Lincoln City, located on the central Oregon Coast, is a scenic two-hour drive from the Portland International Airport. For free visitor information, contact the Lincoln City Visitor and Convention Bureau at (800) 452-2151, (541) 996-1274, FAX (541) 994-2408, visit our web site http://www.oregoncoast.org/ha/index.php or email us at events@lincolncity.org.
Sandy Pfaff
Director, Lincoln City Visitor & Convention Bureau
801 SW Hwy 101, Suite 1
Lincoln City, OR 97367
541-996-1271
Fax: 541-994-2408
http://www.oregoncoast.org/ha/index.php
Comment by Disabled_Travelers
Posted on March 5th, 2008We are pleased to announce the birth of Webby Talents.
Post all your videos now and before the official opening*.
Webby Talents
Webbytalents.com is a forum for exchange and sharing for all disabled people in the world.
It is also a free hosting of videos made by or for people with disabilities.
It is the site of talent and entertainment for the disabled community
Take part in the creation of talent Webby
Post now your videos.
Your adventures, stories and performances interest the community.
THE NEW SOCIAL NETWORK VIDEO OF DISABLED PERSONS IS BORN
Millions of people with disabilities throughout the world will finally have their own community site
and be able to show their talents and creations.
We invite you to post all your videos online in Webby Talents.
You also invite your friends to do the same, and you will be involved in the creation of the site.
Be one of the founding members of the community Webby Talents, is for a good cause.
Click on the link: http://www.webbytalents.com/login.php?invite=5707d8d4c9
Or go to http://www.webbytalents.com / login.php then copy your
Invites Code: 5707d8d4c9 and paste it into the box Registered
Hopefully Webby Talent opens the door to many people who without this site could display their talents.
This new site has a more intelligent approach, considering the disabled person not only for himself but within its ecosystem.
Team Handicapemploi
http://www.handicapemploi.com
* official openning, end of march 2008
Comment by Mick
Posted on April 22nd, 2008A good British company on Tenerife for the hire of mobility aids, owned and run by British people, is Orange Badge http//:www.orangebadge.com and for Disabled Transfers and Excursions their sister company Orange Bus http://www.orangebus.eu British Drivers. They meet you in the baggage hall, and help you with suitcases, then escort you right out to the minibus
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