Disabled Travellers
If you have a disability and are going to travel overseas, you should bear in mind that not all countries have the same facilities for people with disabilities as there may be in your home country.
If you are on medication, ensure you obtain extra medication and ask your General Practitioner to write you a letter if you need to carry equipment or needles with you.
Call the airports and airlines well beforehand to find out about services, seating arrangements, special meals and shuttle services.
Where ever possible make reservations and confirm all arrangements 48 hours before leaving home.
Inform any companies such as travel agent, tour operator or airline that you have a disability, so that they can make your trip as comfortable as possible. Give them as much information as possible including:
- The name of the disability
- The limitations of mobility
- If you have a wheelchair, is it permanent, used most of the time or for distance only.
- Whether transfer from the wheelchair to a plane, coach or train seat is difficult
- If one or both legs need to be extended
- The dimensions of the wheelchair, if it is collapsible and if it is battery operated
- Other special requirements such as oxygen, diet or aids
Where possible book direct flights and allow plenty of time for any transfers.
Contact the local tourist board to establish if the public transport system accommodates your disability. If you have a wheelchair, check that your accommodation including the bathroom as wheelchair access.
You should check with the relevant embassy or authority regarding the rules about any aids you may have, such as medication, guide dog or wheelchair. If any of your aids require an electric current, check the voltage used and adaptors required in the country you are visiting.
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