Barrier Free Travels

Flying easyJet isn't exactly easy, especially if you have a disability. I've been reporting that fact for a few years now.

First there was the case of Philip McLoughlin, who was stranded in Lourdes because easyJet refused to fly him back home. The reason? Well, Mr. McLoughlin uses a wheelchair, and according to the gate agent easyJet "does not accept disabled travelers on their own."

After posting the new Department of Justice (DOJ) definition of a service animal, I've received a number of inquiries asking if this means that emotional support animals will be banned from airplanes. Nothing could be further from the truth. As I pointed out in the previous post, these new standards were established by the DOJ and apply to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They differ drastically from the standards already established by the Department of Transportation (DOT) which apply to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). And as we all know, the ACAA, not the ADA applies to air travel.

Here's the difference between the two standards.

With the release of the updated ADAAG on July 26, 2010, the Department of Justice (DOJ) finally addressed the use of Segways as mobility devices. Well, kind of.  Let's just say it's a first step. I think the whole issue will ultimately be decided by case law, but at least the new regulations give consumers and business owners a little more guidance about what is and what isn't an assistive device.

As predicted, the revised ADAAG was released yesterday, on the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). And although the new regulations are full of new scoping requirements and a number of Title II revisions, they also include several Title III revisions, which will affect travelers. In particular, the Department of Justice (DOJ) limited the definition of a service animal to exclude all but traditional service dogs. An exception was also included for properly trained miniature horses; however the new regulations totally disallow exotic animals and those animals that solely provide emotional support.

It's seen by many as a step forward, as in some cases the ambiguity in the previous regulations left a lot of latitude fore abuse. Additionally, it gives folks in the hospitality industry a black-and-white definition of what does (and what doesn't) qualify as a service animal. Here's what the new law has to say.

As you can imagine, I get a lot of products and gadgets to review. Admittedly, some are more appropriate for travel than others. Which was why I was taken a little bit aback when I received a sandal in the mail with the message "For a pair in your size, e-mail me today" attached. The mailing was creative, the offer intrigued me, and hey I was about to set out on a long road trip, so I figured it was a good opportunity to test drive the shoes. What gal in her right mind could refuse?

Home on the range!!

Can a city slicker teddy bear like Cherrie find happiness on a Montana dude ranch?  More important, can they even begin to accommodate her special needs? Gladly the answer is a resounding yes.  To that end, here's a short report and a few photos on her recent dude ranch experience.  Look for expanded coverage in an upcoming issue of Emerging Horizons.

As a travel writer I try to be impartial when conducting my editorial research.  That said, I also realize that because of my profession, at times I receive special treatment from folks in the hospitality industry. To be honest, after a hard day on the road I really don't mind the perks and upgrades; however at the same time I realize that the average traveler probably doesn't receive that same amount of individual attention and customer service. That's why I always like to point out exemplary customer service when I'm traveling incognito. Such is the case at a property I visited yesterday.

Candy makes a new friend at Pahaska Tee Pee, just outside the Eastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

After a very relaxing stay in Yellowstone, we headed east towards Cody, Wyoming. Although we saw a good chunk of the park, an automobile accident prevented us from exploring the Mammoth Hot Springs area. No worries though, as we’ll be able to swing down and take that in after we visit a few Montana dude ranches.

Cherrie on the North Crater Flow Trail at Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho.

Craters of the Moon National Monument is appropriately named, as the volcanic rocks are somewhat reminiscent of a lunar landscape.  Not that I've been to the moon -- most likely there are access issues -- but it's the scenery I envision being up there. In any case, this Eastern Idaho National Monument is most definitely worth a visit.  Not only is it a little off the beaten path and pleasantly devoid of the tourist crowds, but there are also several accessible trails within the park.