In Case of Fire

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Emergency evacuation instructions in the right place — at wheelchair height.

Imagine the following scenario. It’s the middle of the night and you are sound asleep. Then you hear a loud noise – a fire alarm. You jump to attention and sit up in bed, and then you realize that you are not at home. You are in a hotel. You think you are on the second floor but you are not sure – you’ve been on the road for a week and all the rooms kind of meld together.

Oh yes, did I also mention that you are in a wheelchair and traveling alone? Continue reading →

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Discounts at Accessible National Park Lodges at this Post-Thanksgiving Sale

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Lake Yellowstone Hotel

Lake Yellowstone Hotel

If a national park visit is in your future, than check out these post Thanksgiving deals at Xanterra properties. Although these deals can only be booked on November 29 to December 2 you can preview the savings at https://www.xanterra.com/thankful/.

 

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Accessible Travel Netherlands Announces 2020 River Cruises

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Accessible Travel Netherlands recently announced the dates for their 2020 accessible river cruises aboard the accessible Prins Willem Alexander. This former hospital ship has 25 accessible cabins which are each equipped with two hospital beds, a wash basin, an emergency call button, and plenty of room for even the largest wheelchair or scooter. Continue reading →

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DOT Updates ACAA Service Animal Regulations

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In August 8, 2019 the Department of Transportation issued a “Final Statement of Enforcement Policies Regarding Service Animals on Flights”. This document, which clarifies some points in the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) in regards to service animals and emotional support animals, is the result of a public process which began in May 2018. This process was initiated after the DOT received a number of airline complaints about passengers who were skirting the rules and evading pet carrier fees by falsely claiming that their pets were needed for emotional support. Over 4,500 public comments were received after the Preliminary Rule was posted. Continue reading →

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Excellent Virginia Road Trip Book

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If a Virginia road trip is in your future, be sure and pick up a copy of Virginia Off the Beaten Path, by Judy Colbert. Although the book doesn’t specifically list access (see judy’s reply to my first question below) it’s a great idea book. And if you like to find those off-the-beaten-path gems like I do, then this is the book for you. Continue reading →

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Is This Really an Accessible Room?

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A low-step shower in a standard — not accessible — hotel room

Thanks to modern technology it’s now possible to share your travel photos with friends and family with just a few swipes and a tap or two. And I absolutely love seeing those smiling faces enjoying cruises, beaches and  luxury resorts. But lately I’ve also been seeing another kind of travel post – it usually features a photo of an obviously inaccessible room, with the caption “Really? This is an accessible room?”

And the truth is, well, maybe it isn’t. Continue reading →

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Get Your Free Tickets to Smithsonian Museum Day

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Mark your calendar – Smithsonian magazine’s 15th Annual Museum Day – which offers free admission at participating museums — is coming up on Saturday September 21, 2019. And the good news is, you don’t have to visit Washington D.C. to take advantage of this free offer, as over 1,300 museums across the country are participating in this annual event. Continue reading →

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Come on DOT – Let’s Talk ESAs!

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airplane window

Well it happened again last month – another emotional support animal (ESA) misbehaved on a flight. This isn’t news, as it seems to be the norm these days. Pretty much anyone can go online and purchase “ESA credentials” so they can fly free with their pets. Just google “emotional support animal credentials” and you’ll get a listing of what I call “card mills” that – for a price — provide certificates, vests and other accessories that will allow your dog to accompany you anywhere. Continue reading →

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