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Carol writes:
1. Key West,
FL
- We found Key West a tough place to get around if your disabled. The
streets are very narrow, parking is difficult, sidewalks uneven and
dangerous. Walking or in a wheelchair is difficult. We took the
Conch Train. It was very difficult getting your legs in and the ride was
terrible. It threw you all over the place and you slid along the seat as
it turned a corner. We got off when it first stopped because it felt too
unsafe for someone like me who has lost some mobility. This was a day trip for
us so we didn't stay anywhere.
2. Europa Casino Cruises
-located near Treasure
Island, FL - This was a
disaster. We were told over the phone that this cruise would be totally
accessible. There was a long walk from the parking area to the
ship. The ramp up to the ship had boards spaced apart with other boards
on top of one another. It was hard not to trip on them. Then there
was a high step to get on the ship. Once in there were tables and chairs
and some slot machines in the back. The main gambling floor was up two
flights of steps which took me forever to climb. It was jammed upstairs
with machines. You could go outside from there onto a very crowded outer deck.
I very carefully went back down the steps to eat. There was nothing else
to do and the cruise was six hours to nowhere! Getting off was again very
difficult and the people, including the staff, were almost running me
over trying to get past me. NOT RECOMMENDED
3. Hammond Stadium, Lee
County Sports Complex - Ft Myers, FL - very accessible stadium.
Call and request special seating with no steps either for wheelchair or persons
with walking difficulties. Folding chairs are set up next to
wheelchairs. There are ramps and elevators. $15 for box seats, $3
parking. You need to get there early as handicap parking fills up fast..
USEFUL
INFORMATION
Carol writes:
1. We learned
from Interval International that you can specify "no steps to unit or
inside unit" when making your reservations. This will become a
permanent part of your travel itinerary.
2. The Auto Train from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL
is a great way to travel for the disabled. We take it every year to Florida.
You can request a wheelchair/handicap accessible car. The room/car
includes a table and booth which convert into bunk beds at nite.
There is a toilet and sink in the room. They will deliver your meals to
you so you never have to leave the room from the time you leave Virginia
to the time you arrive in Florida.
I tried walking up the steps to the dining and lounge cars once. The
stairs wind around and are very narrow. It is hard to keep your balance with
the train moving and stepping between cars. It would be easy to
fall. We get a sleeper car now because I am still walking. The
bathroom is down the hall but is small like on an airplane. They will still
deliver meals to a sleeper car on request. When you pull up to the
gate of the train station they give you a wheelchair placard which you hang
from your mirror. As you pull up to the station they see the placard and
get you a wheelchair, take you into the station and board you before the other
passengers. They pull out a metal ramp to push the wheelchair onto your
car and to your room. Most of the time they are very accomodating
to the disabled/elderly and it is a quick way to get to Florida
from the North. You leave at 4PM
and arrive at 8:30 AM the next
day. Only thing to add this year is that you need passports or photo
ids. In Lorton our car was videotaped outside and inside. Security
check leaving Sanford was tight. Logan's
Roadhouse Restaurant in Sanford is
3 miles from the train and is fully accessible - handicap parking, ramp, friendly
staff tables in the middle for wheelchairs. Please contact me if you have
any questions: mailto:carolpaul@comcast.net
Gayle writes: For people looking for all terrain chairs,
beach wheelchairs (motorized) and also conversion kits that can be used with
one's own wheelchair go to http://www.hotshotproducts.org/
. There are about three companies in the US
that make all terrain chairs, but they are very expensive. The
wheel/tires are the big money part of the package, this company uses the same
ones. They made a conversion kit for our daughter's wheelchair three
years ago and it has enabled us to take her to the beach. We could never
do that before. Their new motorized chairs have been bought by the city
of San Diego for use at Mission
Beach. Please contact Gayle
for any further information at: Pgksfich@aol.com
Carol writes: In February we cruised on the Grand Princess to
the Western Carribean out of Ft.
Lauderdale. We stayed in a
Handicapped Stateroom with an outside balcony. They provided me with a
wheelchair to keep in the room the entire cruise. The room was large with
a king size bed. The room was located right across from the
elevator. We had a roll-in shower with many grab bars. It stated
that most ports were not accessible and discouraged elderly or people with
walking difficulties not to debark. You have to remember ADA
regulations do not apply on these ships. I spoke with a lady who
attempted to visit all the ports - she was wheelchair bound. They had to
carry her and the chair. At one point she said she had to get up and try
to walk. It was very difficult for her. It is against ADA
regulations to pick up a person in a chair in the states. The ship was
very accessible but a lot of walking. We chose personal choice dining so
we could eat anywhere, anytime we wanted. Room service where we were
consisted of a continental breakfast, sandwiches, burgers etc. You had to
go to the dining room for a "real" meal. There was enough to do
even if you just stayed on the ship. We spent a lot of time on the
balcony, shopping, art auctions etc.
Needless to say the airports were a nightmare. At Philadelphia,
my husband juggled luggage and pushing me until we checked our bags. We
were there early and lines were long and people confused. I was patted
down by a lady wearing latex gloves as I sat in the wheelchair. I never
had to get up or take off my shoes. In the waiting area someone from the
airlines pushed me on the plane. You need to remind the flight attendant
before you land that you need a wheelchair or electric cart. Coming back
from Ft Lauderdale we requested a wheelchair at the curb - there were none
available. One of the porters finally got us one and let us go
inside. The lines were so long we paid the porter $20 to check our
bags. Then we were free to go to security. We were two hours in
that line. Again, I was patted down by a lady who took me behind a
screen. Many people had to be taken out of line and rushed thru security
to make their flights. Hopefully all this is improving since February.
Brenda writes: When you make your ticket reservations ask them
to put a wheelchair request on the tickets, outgoing and return flights.
When you check-in at the airport ask the porter to get the wheelchair or an
electric cart (plan to have to wait a bit). They will take you right to the
gate and even for connecting flights you can have them push you in a wheelchair
to the next gate. Sometimes your connecting flight is at the other end of
the terminal and after sitting on the plane you'll appreciate the ride to catch
the next flight. If you have any carry on bags you will have to hold them
and your handbag on your lap. They will wheel you right on the plane. I
usually ask for a bulkhead seat which is usually reserved for the disabled or
people with children. Sometimes taking a cane helps. If you need to
stand you can lean on it. People also are more careful if they see you
walking with one. You just need to ask for help and remind them of what
your special needs are. Brenda can be contacted at: brenalvater@aol.com
Fern writes:
Some people are unaware that they can use their handicap placards/hangtags
in all parts of the country. Most people who need to know this probably
do, but those who are taking their older/elderly mobility impaired
parents/friends might not. In California
you can apply for and receive a "temporary/duplicate" so you can
place the master plaque in your vehicle (which is still parked at the airport)
and still have a plaque to take with you. Many pay places, like in Las
Vegas, will waive the fee if you show them the
placard. At Oakland Airport
you can park in the front most "daily" parking lot and if you
show them your plaque you are only charged for parking in the less expensive
"weekly" lot. Please contact Fern for any further information
at: redhead@cybergal.com
"A
KINDNESS DONE TODAY IS THE SUREST WAY TO A BRIGHTER TOMORROW'
THANKS
TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTE HERE
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