Barrier Free Travels

Well, I just did a last minute weather check and it appears that the weather Gods may smile upon me for my trip back to Mystic (as in "usually very cold this time of year") Connecticut. Those of you who know me, know that I don't do cold very well at all. That's why I live in California.

So then why in the heck am I going to back to Mystic in December? Suffice it to say that I just ran out of time this year. I've put Mystic on the Emerging Horizons editorial calendar for next year, and if I don't go now, then I just won't be able to work it into my schedule.

It should be an interesting trip. Mystic Seaport is of course a historic site, so it's not completely accessible; however the powers that be have worked hard to inform visitors of the most accessible routes and buildings. Plus, I've got a full itinerary of other accessible area attractions, a great inn and several restaurants. As long as it doesn't snow I'll be happy.  And if it does, I may just spend more time warming myself by the fire.

And who knows I may even stop in at Mystic Pizza.

I wonder it it's accessible?

If you use canister oxygen, and have a US Airways fight scheduled after November 2, take notice of their new oxygen policy. It's kind of a good-news, bad-news deal.

First the bad news. As of October 1, 2005 US Airways no longer provides supplemental in-flight oxygen.

The good news? As of November 2, 2005 US Airways became the second airline to allow the use of two portable oxygen concentrators (POC) aboard their aircraft.

Realizing that many people make their holiday flight arrangements in advance, this could possibly put a kink in some holiday travel plans. I'm assuming US Airways already notified passengers who this may affect; however you know what they say about people who assume things.

In any case, take heart. If this applies you, you may be able to rent one of the approved POCs for your trip. I can't image that costing any more than the oxygen service that most airlines provide, so you will probably break even financially. Plus, you'll be able to use the POC in the terminal, which will result in more savings.

For more information on the approved POC models visit
FAA Approves Two Oxygen Concentrators

And if this affects you, contact US Airways to verify their new POC rules and regulations.

The times, they are a changing.

As I was doing my monthly resource update, I stumbled across a great Genoa access resource.  

Access in Genoa

Produced by Coop Sociale La Cruna, this on-line access guide contains access information on museums, theaters and cinemas throughout Liguria. The sites are rated as accessible, non-accessible or partially accessible, with the criteria clearly defined in the facilities section. There's also a comprehensive section about accessible transportation.

Information on accessible hotels can be obtained by contacting Coop Sociale La Cruna directly. They can even make reservations for you. What more could you want?

So, if a trip to Italy is in your future, don't leave home without checking out this great resource.

And no matter where you travel, be sure and check out the Emerging Horizons searchable database of accessible travel resourses.

http://emerginghorizons.com/resources

It's updated monthly by yours truly, so new resources are constantly added.

In the last week I've spent over 20 hours in airports across the US; and as an avid people watcher, I noticed that a lot of slow walkers just don't take advantage of airport wheelchair assistance.

There they were, walking very slowly with canes and walkers or just on the arm of a companion. To be honest, I wanted to stop a few of them and encourage them to request an airport wheelchair; however I thought that would be too intrusive. So instead I'll post my recommendations here, in hopes it will get to the masses.

The fact is, airports are very large. Indeed, you can put on several miles just making connections and getting to and from the parking lot. And it's even worse during the holiday season, when long lines make things even more uncomfortable for people who cannot stand for long periods of time.

But the good news is, travel doesn't have to be painful!! You don't have to arrive at your destination fatigued. All you have to do is request wheelchair assistance when you make your reservation, and an airport wheelchair (and a pusher) will be provided to you at check-in. It's free!! You won't have to stand in long lines, and in most cases you'll get through security with a minimum of muss and fuss.

And in the larger airports, you'll get electric cart service between your connecting gates.

Now I know from talking to travelers that many slow walkers don't like to use airport wheelchairs because they want to leave them for "somebody more disabled." The truth is, those wheelchairs are for you. Full-time wheelchair-users travel with their own wheelchairs, and they stay in them until they reach the gate.

And when the gate agent asks if anybody needs extra time to preboard; take advantage of that offer too. Even if you don't use an assistive device; if you walk slow and need extra time to get down the jetway, you are entitled to preboard the aircraft. In the long run it makes the boarding process go faster for everyone.

So before you take to the friendly skies this holiday season, remember these helpful tips. You'll arrive at your destination more rested, and ready to really enjoy the holidays with your friends and family.

Have a good trip! And don't forget to listen to the redhead!!

Do you use medical oxygen, a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), a CPAP machine, a ventilator or a respirator? Then it's time to let your voice be heard regarding the proposed rule changes in the Air Carrier Access Act.

Under the current rule, airlines can prohibit passengers from bringing aboard their own respiratory assistive devices and they can also charge for airline-supplied medical oxygen. Additionally, airlines are not required to supply in-flight medical oxygen, except on an emergency basis. As you can imagine, this can severely limit the travel options for people with respiratory disabilities.

The proposed rule could change all that.

The proposed rule is divided into two parts. One part proposes that passengers be allowed to carry their own ventilators, respirators, CPAP machines and portable oxygen concentrators abroad aircraft, provided they are first tested and approved by the airline. Devices will most likely be submitted or supplied by the manufacturer and be tested for each aircraft type; so for example, the Acme X device could be approved by Flyme Airlines for use on the Airbus A-320, but not on the Boeing 747-400. This rule would also apply to foreign airlines with direct flights to the US, providing  foreign governments don't have safety regulations restricting the carriage of such devices.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking comments on whether they should limit coverage of this section to US carriers operating aircraft with over 60 seats (thereby excluding small commuter carriers). What do you think? How will that effect you?

The second part of the rule proposes that airlines be required to provide in-flight compressed oxygen to passengers upon advance request. The DOT is also considering allowing the airlines to provide portable (or full-sized) oxygen concentrators in lieu of compressed oxygen. The DOT is seeking comments from medical professionals regarding if POCs provide the same purity level and flow rate as compressed oxygen.

It should be noted that these is no provision for passengers bringing their own compressed oxygen aboard aircraft. This will still not be allowed under the proposed rule. Additionally, passengers who use compressed oxygen canisters will still have to make arrangements for in-terminal oxygen, as the rule does not require the airlines to provide that service.

The DOT is seeking public comments on whether they should require the airlines to provide this service for free, or perhaps limit or cap the amount the airlines can charge passengers for medical oxygen. The DOT notes in the proposed rule that it fully realizes the financial impact this could have on the airlines, so they will carefully evaluate this proposal before approving it. Expect the airlines to weigh in heavily on this issue, and plead financial hardship (after all several are already in bankruptcy), so it's far from a done deal.

The bottom lines is, your comments are important. The public comment period has been extended to January 30, 2006, so you have plenty of time. If this effects you, send you comments to:

Docket Clerk
Department of Transportation
400 7th Street, SW
Room PL-401
Washington DC 20590

Be sure to include the docket number (OST-2005-22298) in all or your correspondence. And if you'd like to read the proposed rule in its entirety, here's a link to it in the Federal Register:

Federal Register

Remember, this is your opportunity to have a voice in the rulemaking process. Let you voice be heard! You'll breathe a little easier for it!