As a travel writer since 1977, Candy Harrington has been writing about accessible travel exclusively since 1996. She’s the founding editor of Emerging Horizons, and the author of the popular Barrier-Free Travel national park series. With thousands of bylines to her credit, Candy hits the road often, in search of new accessible travel finds. Candy and her travel photographer husband Charles Pannell reside in NE Washington, where they tend to their chicken flock and enjoy a rural lifestyle.
Headquartered in Dunedin, Ability Adventures offers a wide variety of accessible New Zealand tours for active wheelchair-users and slow walkers. From fishing and kayaking to paragliding and even bungee jumping, these tours highlight accessible activities throughout the country. Ability Adventures offers customized private tours, which include transportation in an accessible vehicle, a tour guide and accessible accommodations. If you’d prefer to strike out on your own, they can also arrange a self-drive tour with an accessible vehicle, activities and hotels. Equipment rentals and personal care services are also available. For more information, on these accessible New Zealand tours, visit abilityadventures.co.nz, or e-mail info@abilityadventures.co.nz.
Barrier-Free Travel 101 Accessible Vacations Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Getting to and from your vacation destination is one thing, but getting around town without a car — especially if you use a wheelchair — can throw a wrench into even the best laid plans. That is, unless your vacation destination is Portland, Oregon, where accessible and affordable public transportation is abundant and easy to use. So here’s the skinny on how to get around town when you visit Portland in a wheelchair.
Ride the Streetcar
Getting around downtown Portland in a wheelchair is pretty easy, as there are wide sidewalks, plentiful curb-cuts and a fairly level terrain. Add in the Portland Streetcar (portlandstreetcar.org), which runs through the downtown area and connects to nearby business districts, and you have a very accessible way to see the city highlights.
The North – South Line runs from Nob Hill in the north, through the downtown area to the south waterfront; while the A and B loops circle the Lloyd District, Rose Quarter, Pearl District and downtown area. The A Loop runs in a clockwise direction, and the B Loop runs in a counterclockwise direction, so it’s easy to backtrack along the route.
Access is excellent on the Portland Streetcar, as every streetcar has has a ramp-equipped entrance. Boarding is a snap — just press the blue button to deploy the ramp, roll into one of the wheelchair-accessible seating areas and lock your brakes. When the streetcar arrives at your stop, push the blue button to deploy the ramp; and if you run into problems or have an emergency, just use the intercom near the accessible seating area.
Streetcar tickets can be purchased from machines at the platforms or at the Tri-Met ticket office in Pioneer Square. The fare for a 2.5-hour streetcar pass is $2, and the Hop pass (for the city bus) is also good on the streetcar.
Hop on a Bus
Getting around other areas of Portland in a wheelchair is easy too, thanks to the Tri-Met bus line (trimet.org/bus). Tri-Met buses run throughout the downtown area and connect with the Portland Streetcar, as well as offer access to outlying Portland neighborhoods. They are ramp or lift-equipped and many can also kneel, which makes boarding much easier for slow walkers. All buses have priority seating for disabled passengers and wheelchair tie-downs; and the drivers are happy to assist passengers — especially visitors.
If you need the ramp or lift deployed and you disability isn’t obvious, just ask the driver. Drivers are also available to help passengers on and off the the lift, and to secure assistive devices in the tie-downs.
Although Tri-Met buses accept cash, the best deal for visitors is the Hop card, which can be picked up and filled at the Tri-Met ticket office in Pioneer Courthouse Square. A 2.5-hour pass on the Hop card costs $2.80 and a day pass is $5.60 a day. Seniors and disabled passengers get a 50 percent discount, and if you decide to extend your stay in Portland, you can always add more money to your Hop card.
Airport Transfers
Getting to and from the Portland International Airport is easy too, thanks to MAX Rail (trimet.org/max), the city’s light rail system. It also connects downtown Portland with Beaverton, Clackamas, Gresham, Hillsboro, North/Northeast Portland and Milwaukie. And like the rest of Portland’s public transportation, all the MAX Rail lines are wheelchair-accessible.
All MAX Rail trains have accessible boarding areas, which are located in the center of the low-floor cars. The conductor will deploy the ramp for wheelchair-users, but slow walkers can also deploy the ramp by pressing the blue button. The accessible cars all have large accessible seating areas, and a ramp request button next to the doors.
The Hop card is also good on MAX Rail, and it can be purchased or refilled from machines at the station. The MAX Rail Airport Station is located near baggage claim on the lower level
Taxi Tours of Portland in a Wheelchair
Finally, if you’d prefer to just grab a cab, then contact Radio Cab (radiocab.net) for wheelchair-accessible service. Radio Cab offers 24-hour taxi service in lift-equipped vans, throughout the Portland Area. And the fares are the same as standard taxi fares.
Radio Cab also offers accessible day tours of the city with stops at Washington Park, the Rose Gardens, the Japanese Gardens and the Columbia River Gorge. Or if you’d like to get out and do a little wine tasting, Radio Cab can put together a wine tour to the Yamhill Valley and Hood River. And everything is customizable, as you can do as little or as much as you want on a personalized Radio Cab tour.
For more information or to book a Radio Cab call (503) 205-3317. It’s a very accessible way to enjoy all that Portland has to offer.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Have you ever arrived at a hotel, reservation in hand, only to discover that the hotel gave away your accessible room? Or worse yet, been told by a reservation agent that they cannot reserve a specific accessible room for you? It’s not only frustrating, but it’s also illegal in the US under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). But unfortunately it does happen. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about the law, so you can be a more effective-self advocate.
Block That Room!
As of March 15, 2012, US hotels are required to block accessible guest rooms upon reservation. Blocking means that the property reserves a particular room for a particular guest on a particular date. It’s important to note that a block is not the same thing as a guarantee. A block takes a particular room out of inventory, while a guarantee only refers to the room rate. These regulations are contained in 28 CFR 36.302 (e) (1) in Title III of the ADA (ada.gov/law-and-regs/regulations/title-iii-regulations/#-36302-modifications-in-policies-practices-or-procedures).
Most properties have modern reservation systems that can identify the accessible rooms, and note their features — such as a roll-in shower — so it’s relatively easy to book a specific accessible room online. U.S. properties must also make sure that guests can reserve accessible rooms in the same manner that they can reserve non-accessible rooms. In other words, if you can reserve a non-accessible room on a particular website at midnight, you should also be able to reserve an accessible room in the same manner.
Unfortunately not all properties have their accessible room inventory online or have the ability to block accessible rooms. If you try to reserve a specific accessible room, and the reservation agent says they can’t guarantee that you will get that specific room, then ask to speak to the manager. Then explain your problem and remind the manager that the ADA requires properties to block accessible rooms upon reservation. This will usually get the desired results.
If, on the other hand, the manager doesn’t back down, it’s time to try another property. Frankly if management doesn’t care about access, then it’s highly unlikely that you will even get any type of an accessible room when you arrive. Find another hotel, and then follow through with an ADA Complaint on the first property.
File an ADA Complaint
So when should you file an ADA complaint? Well most definitely file one if a property ever tells you that they can’t block a specific accessible room for you. It’s easy to file an ADA complaint — the form is online at civilrights.justice.gov/report. Make sure and take notes when the event is fresh in your mind, and jot down the names of the people that you dealt with.
It’s also appropriate to file an ADA complaint if you can reserve a standard room on the property website, but are unable to reserve an accessible room there. It’s important to note that you won’t get any compensation as a result of these complaints; however the Depart of Justice may fine the property or require them to update their website or reservation system. In the long run, it will help make things more accessible.
Finally, if you arrive at a property only to find that the hotel gave away your accessible room, you should absolutely file an ADA complaint. The property is also required to find you a comparable room at another property at the same rate. The hotel must pay the difference if the rate at the other property is higher. That doesn’t let them off as far as the Department of Justice is concerned though — take notes and file that ADA complaint when you get home.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
With the increased popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), more and more charging stations are popping up across the US. The problem is, because it’s a rather new development, these charging stations aren’t specifically addressed in the Americans with Disabilities Act Access Guidelines (ADAAG). In fact they aren’t even covered under any general design standards. But that’s all set to change as the US Access Board recently released their proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations; and they are seeking public comments, from end-users, designers and builders on these preliminary regulations. So it’s time to let your voice be heard.
Proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations
Even if you don’t use a EV, you still might want to have a look at the proposed regulations, and have your say, because once the regulations are finalized it will be too late. The public comment period is open until November 4, 2024.
And you can be darn sure that the folks that build and design these EV charging stations will certainly have their say; in fact a few of the major players have already voiced their concerns to the US Access Board. One of their concerns is about the “accessible route” to the charging stations. Their claim is that since they lease the space from parking lots and shopping centers, they don’t feel they should have to provide an accessible path of travel to them.
Another issue is size. Space is at a premium, as it’s usually leased and they of course would prefer to have a smaller space The proposed guidelines call for a minimum width of 132 inches and a minimum length of 240 inches with an access aisle. These are larger than standard parking spaces, to allow for access to the charging equipment. Of course the designers want them to be smaller. There would also be no distinction between van accessible spaces and car accessible spaces. Additionally the proposed number of accessible charging spaces will depend on the total number of charging stations.
“Use Last” Model for Accessible Spaces
The US Access Board is also seeking comments about an alternative designation of the accessible charging spaces, in their proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations. Specifically they are asking if the “use last model” for accessible charging stations is acceptable. In this model they would require more accessible charging stations, but they would allow everyone to use the accessible spaces if all the other spaces are occupied. The accessible spaces would be labeled with the blue wheelchair pictogram, but it would also include the words “use last”. Under this model, the number of accessible charging spaces would also be increased.
So it would be like accessible bathrooms. They have all the required modifications, and usually have a blue wheelchair on the door, but they can be used by anyone if someone isn’t using it.
That model could lead to a lot of problems. First, there would have to be some sort of education to the public to help them understand the whole “use last” concept; and even then some folks would probably just use the accessible spaces because they were convenient. And to be honest, there’s no real way to enforce it.
Personally, I think it’s a bad idea, as it’s a slippery slope. Look at accessible parking for example. Even with fines, and threatened tows, there’s still an enormous problem with accessible parking abuse. Can you imagine how much worse that would be if you labeled the accessible parking spaces as “use last”?
In any case, I urge you to send your comments in to the access board, to let your voice be heard.
How to Comment
It’s pretty easy to make a public comment on the proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations
First off, I encourage you to read a copy of the proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Regulations here.
You can make a public comment online at https://www.regulations.gov/document/ATBCB-2024-0001-0001. Click on “comment” to make your comment or “all comments on docket” to read comments that have already been submitted. Sometimes reading other comments can give you an idea of what to say.
Alternatively, you can submit a comment by e-mail at docket@access-board.gov. If you go this route, be sure and include include the docket number –ATBCB-2024-0001– in the subject line of the message.
And finally, you can also submit a comment by postal mail: Office of General Counsel, U.S. Access Board, 1331 F Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004-1111. And again, be sure and include Include the docket number — ATBCB-2024-0001– in your correspondence.
But don’t tarry, as the public comment period closes on November 4, 2024. After that they will review the comments and make decisions on the final regulations.
, via Wikimedia Commons” width=”1000″ height=”667″ Sandhill Crane
Every fall Sandhill Cranes take to the Pacific Flyway in a mass migration from their breeding grounds in Alaska and British Columbia, to travel to their wintering areas in California. And one of their favorite places to winter is in the California Delta near Lodi. In fact, from October to February masses of these majestic birds can be seen feeding in the fields that line the roads of this rural agricultural area.
And to celebrate their yearly return, the Lodi Sandhill Crane Association presents the annual Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival. Now in its 26th year, the 2024 event will run from Friday November 1 to Sunday November 3, with most of the events happening over the weekend. And the good news is, not only are the festival venues wheelchair-accessible, but there’s no admission charge to many of the festival events.
Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival
The bulk of the festival events take place at the Hutchins Street Square Community Center in downtown Lodi. There’s barrier-free access to the building, with plenty of room for wheelchairs and scooters to maneuver. For a full schedule of the downtown exhibits and educational presentations, visit lodisandhillcrane.org.
The festival kicks off with the opening night reception on Friday evening. Attendees can nosh on hors d’oeuvres and sip beer and wine, and enjoy a program that includes the presentation of the Lodi Sandhill Crane Association Conservation Award. Top it off with a silent auction for a fun opening event.
The educational presentations about the life and habits of the Sandhill Cranes are a perennial favorite of festival attendees. These sessions include speakers, videos, and hands-on projects. And there’s even a few activities for kids. Additionally there’s a variety of vendors and exhibitors that focus on birding, wildlife, and of course the Sandhill Cranes. Box lunches will be on sale in the exhibit hall, while snacks will be available to purchase in the rotunda.
One of the highlights of the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival is the Art Show. There are two divisions. One division is photography and the other is fine arts, which includes oils, watercolors, pastels and sculptures. There are two subject areas within each division — Sandhill Cranes in California and other California wildlife in their natural habitat. There are lots of creative entries, and the best part is that the winners are picked by the attendees. So be sure and stop by and vote for your favorites.
Take a Tour
A more remote aspect of the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival are the local tours. Led by naturalist guides, these tours cover all aspects of the migratory cranes, and include a variety of landscapes. Although some tours are not a good choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers because of the rough terrain, several other tours are doable.
At the top of the list is the Consumnes River Preserve Guided Wetlands Walk. Led by Mary DuBose, this three-hour morning walk begins at the Consumnes River Preserve Visitor Center. It and includes a one-to-two-mile walk over a smooth level trail and some boardwalks. You’ll not only see the Sandhill Cranes on this walk, but also find a nice selection of ducks, geese, raptors and woodland birds along the way. There is a $20 charge for this tour.
The Crane Fly-In tours are also good choices for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. They take place at the North and South Units of the Woodbridge Ecological Preserve. These offerings include a short presentation, before the Sandhill Cranes descend en masse to their nightly resting spots. It’s quite a sight to see! Both the North and South Units have level access to a wheelchair-accessible viewing area for the program. The South Unit Tours are priced at $30, while the North Unit tours are $40. And if you’d like to get up early, there’s also a Fly-Out tour at the North Unit that’s priced at $45.
It’s important to note that all participants in the North and South Unit tours must also posses a current hunting or fishing license, or purchase a Lands Pass at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/lands-pass.
For more information about the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival tour offerings, visit lodisandhillcrane.org/events-calendar, or e-mail your questions to tours@lodisandhillcrane.org.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Generally speaking, caves are not usually a great recreational choice for wheelchair users-and slow walkers. That said, there are a few exceptions. And in that respect Mammoth Cave National Park tops the list. Not only do wheelchair-users and slow walkers have their choice of several accessible trails above ground; but thanks to some recent repairs and renovations, they can also explore the subterranean chambers of this Southwestern Kentucky national park.
A Wheelchair-Accessible Mammoth Cave Tour
Elevator to the accessible Mammoth Cave tour
Mammoth Cave has something that most caves lack — an elevator. Unfortunately it was out of service for several years; but after a massive $2.2 million repair project, it’s once again operational. And after the repairs were completed, an Accessible Cave Tour was added to the roster.
This two-hour tour begins at the visitor center, where participants then drive their own vehicles to the elevator on Cave City Road. There’s accessible parking in the lot, and barrier-free access over to the elevator. The tour of this gypsum cave travels over level cement pathways and visits the Snowball Room, and includes portions of Cleveland Avenue. This accessible tour is an extremely manageable half-mile in length, and it can also accommodate large power wheelchairs and scooters. Additionally, there are benches along the way for slow walkers who need to take a break.
Tickets for the Accessible Cave Tour can be purchased at recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. They are available up to six months in advance, and it ‘s best to purchase them as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Some walk-up tickets may be available; however due to the popularity of the tour that’s not always the case. For more information about the Accessible Cave Tours, contact the visitor center at (270) 758-2180.
Accessible River and Forest Trails
The Heritage Trail at Mammoth Cave National Park
There are also a number of trails to include on a wheelchair-accessible Mammoth Cave itinerary. The Heritage Trail, which begins near the visitor center, tops the list. This three-quarter-mile trail starts off as a wide level path, before it transitions to a boardwalk that loops through the forest. There are several scenic stops along the way, including Sunset Point, which offers a panoramic view of the rolling hills of the Green River drainage basin.
There’s also a short 300-foot trail out to the Old Guides Cemetery from the Heritage Trail. The level trail leads over to a abandoned graveyard, where Stephen Bishop — a guide who died in 1857 — was laid to rest. Even if you can’t do the entire trail, it’s still a pleasant stroll, and there are plenty of benches to stop and take a break and enjoy the view along the way.
Echo River Spring Trail at Mammoth Cave National Park
The Echo River Spring Trail is also a good choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The trailhead is located a short drive from the visitor center, in the Green River Ferry parking lot. Accessible parking is available near the trailhead, and there’s also an accessible porta-potty and an accessible picnic table nearby. This .6-mile trail begins as a wide cement walkway, before it transitions to a short boardwalk through the forest. Along the way it passes Echo River Spring, before it loops back to the parking lot. It’s a pleasant stroll, and there are several overlooks with benches to sit back and enjoy the peaceful forest.
More Wheelchair-Accessible Trails!
Sloan’s Crossing Pond Walk at Mammoth Cave National Park
Another couple of wheelchair-accessible trails are located a little further from the visitor center. At the top of that list is Sloan’s Crossing Pond Walk. From the visitor center follow Mammoth Cave Parkway for about three miles, and look for the trailhead on the right, just past Brownsville Road.
This .4-mile boardwalk that circles the shaded pond was completely renovated in 2023. It’s wide and level, and dotted with accessible viewing platforms, benches and interpretive plaques. Even if you can’t do the whole trail, there’s an excellent pond view from the first overlook, which is just steps from the parking area. As an added bonus there’s also an accessible picnic area there.
Last but certainly not least on our wheelchair-accessible Mammoth Cave National Park itinerary, is a stop at the Sand Cave Trail. Located near southeast park entrance, this short trail makes a good stop if you are heading towards Cave City. The .1-mile boardwalk winds through the forest and features low bumpers which open up the views for wheelchair-users. The trail terminates at an overlook, which has a view of the Sand Cave rescue site.
Floyd Collins, who was an avid cave explorer, was trapped at that site for 17 days in 1925. Unfortunately rescuers were not able to reach Collins before he succumbed from exposure. His body was later removed and interred near his family’s Crystal Cave home. Today the story of his life and death is detailed at the wayside exhibit near the Sand Cave Trail. Although it’s a sad — and somewhat gruesome — tale, the trail actually offers a pleasant stroll; and it’s a great way to top off a Mammoth Cave visit.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Wheelchair-accessible apple picking at Leffel Roots Apple Orchards
Fall is the time to savor a cup of hot apple cider, carve out a scary Halloween pumpkin and plan a visit to your local apple orchard. And although the first two of those activities are certainly wheelchair-accessible, the third one may pose some logistical challenges for many wheelchair-users. That is unless you are in Eau Clare Wisconsin, where Leffel Roots Apple Orchards (leffelroots.com/) now offers a wheelchair-accessible apple picking experience. Thanks to a little creativity, and the construction of a first-of-its-kind wheelchair-accessible apple picking platform, everyone can now enjoy this quintessential harvest-time activity.
Access Upgrades at Leffel Roots Orchards
Leffel Roots Orchard was founded in 2015 by the husband and wife team of Jim and Laura Leffel. After traveling the world with the US Air Force for 20 years, they decided to go back to their roots and they bought a 40-acre farm in Eau Clare, Wisconsin.
Of course the farm wasn’t outfitted for wheelchair-accessible apple picking when they purchased it, however it seemed an essential upgrade to the Leffels. Several years ago when they transplanted some Cortland apple trees near the store, Jim came up with the idea to build a raised platform for wheelchair-accessible apple picking. Says Laura, “The idea fit in with our desire to aid disabled veterans.”
Having never constructed a wheelchair-accessible deck before, Jim sought out the expertise of the folks from the University of Wisconsin Eau Clair to make sure the ramp had the proper grade. Great care was then taken to maintain the transplanted trees near the platform. “We’ve specially pruned the apple trees to have the maximum number of apples within sitting height,” explains Laura. And although it was designed for wheelchair-users, the platform can also be used by slow walkers, or anyone who is unable to to walk over to the main orchard.
More Orchard Fun
After you’ve had your fill of apple picking, there are plenty of other things for wheelchair-users to do at Leffel Orchards. For starters, there’s an apple slingshot right next to the accessible apple picking deck.
The slingshot is made of elastic tubing threaded through a pouch. People pull back on the pouch, then aim it at the target and release it. A little hand-eye coordination is needed to use the apple slingshot, and some wheelchair-users may require a bit of assistance. Says Laura, “Sometimes an aide helps situate the hands of the slinger, then pulls pack the wheelchair, while the slinger takes aim and releases the apple.” It’s a fun activity for all ages.
There’s also level access to the country store at Leffel Orchards, with plenty of room between the aisles to navigate a wheelchair. The store includes a variety of fresh products including local honey, jams, jellies, and fresh squeezed apple cider. There’s also level access to the back patio where you can sit and enjoy a delicious piece of freshly baked apple pie. Go for the wheelchair-accessible apply picking, but definitely stay for the yummy Leffel Orchards desserts. It’s the perfect way to top off a fall orchard excursion.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Ever wonder why some people end up with upgrades and refunds whenever they make a wheelchair-access travel complaint, while others walk away with zero compensation? Truth be told, it’s all in the details. Knowing when to complain, how to complain and who to complain to are the keys to not only resolving the issue at hand, but also to receiving adequate compensation for your inconvenience. So the next time you encounter an access-related problem on the road, follow this roadmap for prompt resolution and adequate compensation.
Save Your Trip
The first and foremost rule about making a wheelchair-access travel complaint is to address the problem at hand. If your wheelchair arrives damaged, request a suitable loaner from the airline. If that supposedly accessible bus arrives but has two steps, request an appropriate replacement. If you arrive at a hotel to find that they gave your accessible room away, have them find you one at another property. Try and remedy the access shortfall, so you can salvage your vacation and enjoy the rest of your trip.
Additionally, you should try to prevent further damage. In other words, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. For example, if you miss a connection because the airline didn’t have a wheelchair waiting at the gate for you, don’t just throw in the towel. Work with the airline to get on the next available flight, so you can at least enjoy part of your vacation.
Don’t be afraid to address your loss while you are trying to mitigate damages, but don’t put a dollar price tag on it. For example, in the case of the missed connection, if the next available flight isn’t until late at night, don’t be afraid to point out that you are missing a whole day of vacation because of their error. And then ask if perhaps an upgrade is available. Keep in mind, this doesn’t wipe the slate clean, but it will make your travels more comfortable.
It’s also a good idea to jot down a few notes about the incident while it’s fresh in your mind. Write down times, dates and names if you have them. Then, put the notebook away, and don’t dwell on the incident. Enjoy what’s left of your vacation, then address the matter when you return home.
When You Return Home
The time to file an official wheelchair-access travel complaint with a service provider is after you return from your trip. And although every situation is different, here are some tips to help you approach the official complaint process.
Although it’s easy to pick up the phone, your complaint will receive more attention if you put it in writing.
Address the appropriate person. Don’t start with the President or CEO, but instead begin at the bottom and work your way up. You want to be able to show that you followed the company’s complaint procedure in an effort to resolve your accessibility issue.
Keep your complaint letter short and to the point. It should be no longer than one page. Avoid superfluous details and get to the point quickly.
Keep it polite, professional and G-rated. Abstain from vulgarities and name-calling.
Have someone who isn’t emotionally invested in the incident proofread your letter for clarity.
Never threaten to sue or to file an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaint in your initial complaint. This just creates an adversarial situation and makes the matter harder to resolve.
If you are going to quote the law, make sure you know the law.
Make sure and enclose all documentation, including receipts and photos.
Most important, ask for some type of resolution. Don’t be afraid to ask for specific compensation, but be realistic. If you’re reasonable with your request, most companies will be generous in their response.
Make it Official
You should also file an official ADA or Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) complaint when you return home. This can be done in addition to your complaint with the provider, and even if you received compensation from them. This type of a complaint won’t get you anything personally, but it may help effect change.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) look for patterns, and the number of complaints against individual companies. If they see a lot of a certain type of complaint, they can issue fines and directives to help avoid future access-related failures. And that in turn may lead to better compliance in the future.
Plus it’s pretty easy to file an official wheelchair-access travel complaint.
If your issue involves physical access at a hotel, attraction, restaurant, outdoor area or venue in the United States, then you can file an ADA complaint. Information about an ADA complaint can be found at www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint. And the online form is located at civilrights.justice.gov/report.
Filing an official complaint is the final step in the process. And again, although it won’t benefit you personally, it can help to make the world a more accessible place.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Based in Krakow, Active Poland offers a number of accessible Poland tours for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The customized Krakow tours can include everything from a stroll around town, to a museum hopping itinerary, and even attending concerts and festivals. All accessible tours are conducted in a wheelchair-accessible van with seating for one wheelchair-user and five other passengers.
Other tours that are doable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers include excursions to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Bochnia Salt Mine, Zakopane and the John Paul II Trail. Active Poland can also book accessible accommodations and assist with restaurant and nightlife suggestions. Rental wheelchairs and stair lifts are also available. For more information on Active Poland accessible offerings, visit poland-active.com/en/Trips/Trips-For-Handicapped-In-Krakow,ig.
Barrier-Free Travel 101 Accessible Vacations Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Although Custer State Park (gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/) is primarily known for its sizable bison population, this South Dakota favorite also boasts a healthy mixture of other wildlife. From prairie dogs and burros, to elk and even bighorn sheep, there’s no shortage of animal life in the park. And although Custer State Park occupies a whopping 71,000 acres of Black Hills real estate, the southern section of the park is the ground zero for watchable wildlife. Not only is the scenic Wildlife Loop Drive located in this section of the park, but there’s also a visitor center and the Bison Center along the way. And since it’s just a short drive from Badlands National Park, it’s a great addition to any South Dakota road trip.
Drive She Said
Feral burros on the Wildlife Loop Trail in Custer State Park
The best place to start your wildlife adventure is at the Custer State Park Visitor Center, which is located at the intersection of Wildlife Loop Road and Highway 164. There’s accessible parking and level access to the main building, which houses exhibits and a theater. And if you need directions or have a few questions, there are plenty of folks available to help.
After you get your bearings, hop on the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Drive, which runs from the visitor center to the Bell Station Entrance. It takes about 45 minutes to complete the drive as the speed is limited to 25 mph; but that time is variable due to wildlife — especially bison — that sometimes linger on the road. Basically, you’re on their timetable — whenever they decide to move, so can you. But then again, that’s part of the fun.
There are lots of pullouts along the drive, and you can get some great windshield views without getting out of your vehicle. The route travels through pastures and forests, with a prairie dog village along the way. And be on the lookout for bighorn sheep which sometimes linger near the road. Then there are the feral burros, which can be overly curious and bold.
Prairie Dog on the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park
The Wildlife Station Visitor Center is located about eight miles from the beginning of the loop. Unfortunately the old CCC building only has steps up to it; however there are accessible vault toilets and an accessible inside picnic area near the parking area. Consider it a shady spot to stop for lunch.
Of course there are no guarantees on how much wildlife you’ll spot along Wildlife Loop Drive, but for optimum game viewing hit the road early in the morning or just before sunset.
Visit the Bison Center
Buffalo in Custer State Park
Make sure and stop at the new Bison Center, which is located about two miles from the Wildlife Station Visitor Center. There’s accessible parking near the entrance, with level access to the building. Inside, there are exhibits which trace the history of the 1,500-head buffalo herd, which are descendants of the 36 head that were introduced in 1936. As the herd grew, it outgrew the available forage, so a yearly roundup (emerginghorizons.com/head-over-to-the-custer-buffalo-roundup/) was instituted to keep the population in check. Interactive exhibits at the Bison Center show how the buffalo are inoculated and what animals are sold, and how licensed hunters also help prevent overpopulation.
And if you’ve every wondered what the correct term is — buffalo or bison — there’s an exhibit which answers that question too. In short, both are considered correct. Buffalo is the French word for beef animal, while bison is the scientific name. And for the most part, buffalo is the preferred term in the park.
Cowboy at the Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park
There’s also level access to the gift shop at the Bison Center, where you’ll find a number of buffalo-themed items. And there’s a level dirt path to the buffalo paddocks which are located on the far side of the parking lot. Take some time to check them out as you may see a few buffalo there; however there are more animals present at Buffalo Roundup time. All in all the Bison Center offers a good overview of one of the world’s largest publicly owned buffalo herds. Plan ahead though, as the Bison Center is only open from Memorial Day to the end of September.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Have you ever arrived at a hotel, reservation in hand, only to discover that the hotel gave away your accessible room? Or worse yet, been told by a reservation agent that they cannot reserve a specific accessible room for you? It’s not only frustrating, but it’s also illegal in the US under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). But unfortunately it does happen. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about the law, so you can be a more effective-self advocate.
Ever wonder why some people end up with upgrades and refunds whenever they make a wheelchair-access travel complaint, while others walk away with zero compensation? Truth be told, it’s all in the details. Knowing when to complain, how to complain and who to complain to are the keys to not only resolving the issue at hand, but also to receiving adequate compensation for your inconvenience. So the next time you encounter an access-related problem on the road, follow this roadmap for prompt resolution and adequate compensation.
