The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers a lot of issues in public accommodations; however the ADA doesn’t address bed height. This presents numerous problems for wheelchair-users and slow walkers who need to check into a hotel or motel.
Unfortunately there’s no real agreement on what an “accessible bed” should be. Most wheelchair-users prefer lower beds, while slow walkers with hip or knee issues need higher beds. And then there are wheelchair-users who use portable hoyer lifts who need open-frame beds, as opposed to the standard platforms. And those are just a few of the reasons why the ADA doesn’t address bed height.
So why is there’s no consensus on this matter? Well first and foremost, disabilities are diverse, and you just can’t put one group’s needs over the other. To be honest the same problem was encountered when the toilet height regulations for the ADA were crafted. The lower height was ultimately accepted because there was a cheap and easy fix for folks that needed higher toilets — toilet risers. Unfortunately there’s no cheap and easy fix for beds.
A Little History
The Department of Justice (DOJ) once considered addressing the bed height issue. Back on July 26, 2010 they issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR), that asked for public input on the accessibility of equipment and removable furniture, such as beds. And boy did they get an earful, as disability organizations and advocates weighed in from across the country. Granted the DOJ never said they were going to move forward and issue regulations, however due to the input received, it was assumed that some preliminary rules would at least be forthcoming.
Sadly that wasn’t the case. In a move that surprised a number of disability advocates, the DOJ instead issued a withdrawal of the ANPR and published that decision in the December 26, 2017 issue of the Federal Register.
So what does this mean? Basically it means that the rulemaking process has ended and the DOJ is not going to consider new rules for equipment and removable furniture. According to the DOJ, they are “reevaluating” whether a regulation like this is necessary. Given that places of public accommodation must ensure access to people with different disabilities, the feeling seems to be that perhaps exact specifications aren’t necessary, because beds of different heights work for different disabilities.
What’s a Traveler to Do?
Since the ADA doesn’t address bed height, travelers need to be more proactive when making lodging reservations. Never assume a bed will be a specific height. Always ask. And don’t call the 800 number for the property — call the direct number and speak to someone on site.
And if the person at the front desk can’t help you, ask to speak to someone in housekeeping. These are the folks that are in and out these rooms every day. If they don’t know the specific height, then ask if they can go and measure the bed.
If the bed is too high for you to use, then ask if it can be lowered by removing the frame. And if that’s not possible, ask if you can have a roll-away bed delivered to the room. Those beds are usually lower.
Unfortunately the trend is for higher beds these days, as many properties feel that this helps cut down on injuries to housekeeping workers. That said, even though the ADA doesn’t address bed height, you can still usually find a bed that will work for you with a little legwork. In the end, the best rule of thumb is to plan ahead to avoid unwanted surprises.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Today air travel comes with the obligatory — and often dreaded — trek through the airport security checkpoint. And although the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) won’t release their exact screening protocols due to security reasons; they have made public their rules and regulations for screening disabled passengers (www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures). That said, a little advance planning goes a long way to help the whole process go a bit smoother. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you out along the way.
Tips and Tricks
Allow plenty of extra time to get through airport security, especially if you wear a prosthesis or use any type of assistive device.
If you can’t walk or go through the metal detector, tell the TSA agent. You will be hand-wanded and given a pat-down search.
If you tire easily or can’t stand for long periods of time, request a chair during the screening process.
Slow walkers should request a wheelchair at check-in. This will expedite the screening process as wheelchair-users are usually fast-tracked through security.
Canes and walkers are allowed through security checkpoints, but they will be inspected thoroughly by security personnel.
Prosthetic devices do not have to be removed for screening; however the screener will manually inspect the device and swab it for explosive residue.
You have the right to a private screening and to have a companion present during that screening.
You are not required to remove your shoes if your disability prevents you from doing so. You will however be subject to a pat-down search and your shoes will be swabbed.
Liquid medications are allowed through the airport security checkpoint; however if they are in volumes larger than 3 ounces each, they may not be placed in the quart-size bag and must be declared to the TSA agent before the screening process begins. They must be removed from your luggage and kept separate from items to be x-rayed.
Sharp objects or anything that could be used as a weapon will be confiscated at the security checkpoint, so pack your wheelchair-repair tools in your checked luggage.
Syringes are allowed through the security checkpoint upon inspection. Although not required, it’s best to bring a doctor’s note when carrying syringes in an airport.
TSA Cares Hotline
Last but not least, contact the TSA Cares Hotline (855-787-2227) at least 72 hours in advance to request the assistance of a Passenger Support Specialist or a Supervisory TSA Officer at the security checkpoint. Questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint can also be answered on this hotline.
In the end, patience is really the key for dealing with airport security; however, if you feel your needs as a passenger with a disability are not being adequately addressed, don’t be afraid to speak up.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
The National Park Service offers a number of lifetime passes for free admission to national parks and other federal lands. They are available to anyone with a permanent disability, members of the military, veterans, Gold Star Families and people over 62 years old. These passes can be obtained in person at national parks and federal recreation areas across the country (nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm). The passes are also available online at the USGS store (store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes); however there’s a fee for processing and shipping. And although the national park pass application is pretty straightforward, specific documentation is required for each pass. With that in mind, here’s what you need to have in hand to get your lifetime national park pass.
America the Beautiful Access Pass
This free lifetime pass is available to US citizens or residents with a permanent disability. Applicants must provide documentation of a permanent disability and residency or citizenship.
A physician’s letter that states that the applicant has a permanent disability is the most common documentation provided. Documents issued by a federal or state agency are also accepted, but they must include the nature of the disability, and state that the disability is permanent. If the documentation is issued by the Veterans Administration, it must also include the percentage of the disability. Examples of acceptable documentation include a notice of disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, a summary of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or an award letter from the Veterans Administration.
It’s important to note that an accessible parking placard is not accepted as proof of a permanent disability for the America the Beautiful National Park Pass. Additionally, using a wheelchair or other assistive device is not considered proof of a permanent disability.
A driver’s license, passport or state issued ID is also required to document residency or citizenship.
America the Beautiful Senior Pass
This lifetime pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or older. The cost of the pass is $80. An annual America the Beautiful Senior Pass is also available for $20, and the cost for this annual pass can be applied to the purchase of a lifetime pass.
This is probably the easiest pass to document, as a driver’s license, passport or state issued ID are all accepted as proof of age and residency or citizenship.
America the Beautiful Military Pass
Last but not least, the free America the Beautiful Military Pass is available to active duty service members and veterans of the US Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves. It’s also available to Gold Star Families who have lost a family member in the line of duty.
Accepted documentation for this pass includes a Department of Defense identification card, a veteran health identification card or a veteran ID card. A veteran designation on a state issued US driver’s license or identification card is also accepted.
Gold Star Families can self-certify that they meet the required criteria by downloading and signing a voucher at https://www.nps.gov/customcf/goldstar/voucher.htm. Once they arrive at the park they can exchange the voucher for an America the Beautiful Military Pass.
So plan ahead, and pack along the right documentation to get your national park pass.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Whenever the word “travel” is mentioned, visions of luxury hotels, family vacations, road trips and maybe even cruises spring to mind. And for that type of travel adventure, advance planning and copious research is essential for anyone with access needs. But there is another type of travel — one that comes around somewhat unexpectedly — where it’s not so easy to make advance plans. It’s called emergency medical travel.
Emergency medical travel may be necessary in the blink of an eye, as you never know when unforeseen medical issues can arise. Where do you stay when a loved one is transported hundreds of miles away from home with a life threatening medical condition? Unfortunately that’s something most folks – myself included – don’t make plans for in advance. That said, it certainly deserves some forethought, especially if you’re a wheelchair-user or slow walker who requires accessible overnight accommodations. Think about it for a moment – what would you do if an unexpected medical emergency befell a loved one and you had to travel with them to seek medical attention?
It All Began With an Ambulance Ride
My story is a pretty typical emergency medical travel saga. My husband required treatment in our local emergency room, and before we knew it we were transported by ambulance to a hospital staffed with the specialists he required, over an hour away. I had the forethought to grab my phone charger, but other than that all I had were the clothes on my back.
The first night was a blur. I slept – or tried to sleep – in a chair beside my husband in the Intensive Care Unit. Suffice it to say, it was a very long night. The next morning a caring nurse asked if I had a place to stay, and I said no. She then referred me the hospital social worker, who connected me to Walden House (kh.org/family-support-services/hospitality-center/).
Walden House is part of the Ronald Mc Donald House Charities of the Inland Northwest; and they offer affordable overnight lodging to people who have loved ones undergoing treatment at Kootenai Health Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. It’s just a half-mile from the main hospital building, with free shuttle service back and forth. And the guest rooms are large, comfortable and private; and they even have a closet filled with toiletries. Add in a community kitchen, a spacious great room with a fireplace, and a patio with a bbq and you have some very comfortable digs. All for just $65 per night.
Access-wise, there’s level access to the public areas, a lowered check-in desk, elevator access to the second floor and even an accessible shuttle. Some standard rooms have low step showers with grab bars, and toilet grab bars around the toilet; but they also have an accessible room that’s equipped with a roll-in shower. Truly they thought of everything.
Beyond Walden House
Of course, not everyone will find themselves undergoing emergency treatment in Coeur d’Alene; so as wonderful as Walden House is, you may have to find other options. And in that respect, the first place to look for emergency medical travel lodging options is on the hospital website. Many large hospitals list nearby choices, and although access isn’t mentioned, many times they do take that into consideration when choosing appropriate recommendations.
It’s also a good idea to search the Ronald McDonald House Programs website for a nearby chapter (rmhc.org/find-a-chapter). They generally provide housing for the immediate families of pediatric patients, but they also have adult housing in some locations. The social workers at the hospitals are also good resources. Not only can they direct you to on-campus housing options, but they usually also have a list of nearby hotels that offer discounts. And many of those hotels have their access information online.
And if you need temporary housing because of cancer treatments, Hope Lodge (cancer.org), and Joe’s House (https://www.joeshouse.org/) also have local referrals. Although they don’t list access details on the website, they do have photos.
Finally, a little advance preparation goes a long way. In retrospect I was ill prepared for my husband’s situation; in fact I was lucky I grabbed my phone charger as the EMTs carted him out the door. Ironically I have a detailed emergency fire evacuation list on my refrigerator, should we ever be evacuated (again). That said, I now have an emergency medical “bug-out kit”. It’s a gallon Ziploc bag filed with essential toiletries, meds, and some clean socks and underwear. It’s in my nightstand drawer, and although I hope I never have to use it, it’s there if I do. As they say — better safe than sorry.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Because of increased visitation to many popular US National Parks, advance entrance reservations are now required during peak visitation periods. These reservations must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov. They will not be available for purchase at the parks; and visitors who arrive without national park entrance reservations will be turned away. It’s a good idea to print or save a digital copy of your reservation on your phone, as cell service is not available at many national park entrance stations. A photo ID is also required, and it must match the name on the reservation.
Entrance reservations are not required if you have lodging, camping or tour reservations; however you must show confirmation of those reservations at the park entrance. Entrance reservations are required even if you have a national park pass. And if you don’t have a national park pass, you will still need to pay the entrance fee even if you have an entrance reservation. Questions about the entrance reservations can be directed to the specific national park you intend to visit.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2024 national park entrance reservations.
Mount Rainier National Park
Timed entry reservations are required for visits to the Paradise Corridor and the Sunrise Corridor of Mount Rainier National Park, between May 24, 2024 and September 2, 2024, from 7 AM to 3 PM.
The Paradise Corridor runs from the Nisqually Entrance near Ashford in the southwest area of the park, to the Stevens Canyon Entrance on State Route 123 near Ohanapecosh in the southeast corner of the park. Mount Rainier timed entry reservations are required for this area of the park between May 24, 2024 and September 2, 2024. They will be available beginning on February 21, 2024 at the following times.
Booking Window Opens
Arrival Dates
February 21, 2024
May 24 to June 30, 2024
April 1, 2024
July 1 to July 31, 2024
May 1, 2024
August 1 to September 2, 2024
The Sunrise Corridor is located in the northeast corner of the park. It can be accessed by the White River Entrance, which is located on State Route 410. It connects Enumclaw in the north to Yakima in the east. Mount Rainier timed entry reservations are required for this area of the park from July 3, 2024 to September 2, 2024. Timed entry reservations for this area of the park are available beginning on April 1, 2024 at the following times listed below.
Booking Window Opens
Arrival Dates
April 1, 2024
July 3 to July 31, 2024
May 1, 2024
August 1 to September 2, 2024
Reservations cost $2, and blocks will be released 90 days in advance. A limited number of timed entry reservations will also be available at 7:00 Pacific Time the day prior to the visit.
Yosemite National Park
National park entrance reservations are required for Yosemite National Park, for visits from April 13, 2024 to October 27, 2024. The 2024 Peak Hours Plus entrance reservation program differs a bit from those in past years, but the goal is the same — to preserve the park and increase enjoyment for visitors.
Entrance reservations will be required on weekends and holidays from April 13 through June 30, and from August 17 through October 27. The holidays that fall within the reservation period include Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day and Columbus Day. Entrance reservations will also be required daily from July 1 through August 16. These reservations are required for visitors who enter the park between 5 AM and 4 PM in both cases. Reservations cost $2 each.
There are two types of entrance reservations. One is good all day, while the other is only good after noon. Both entrance reservations are valid for three days, and they do not need to be used on the first day.
The majority of Yosemite entrance reservations will be available on January 5, 2024 at 8 AM PST. The rest of the reservations will be available seven days before the arrival date at 8 AM. For example, a reservation for an arrival date of October 27 would become available at 8AM on October 20.
Entrance reservations are not required at the Hetch Hetchy Entrance, which is open from sunrise to sunset. And unlike in past years, an entrance reservation is required just to drive through the park, even if you don’t stop. Yosemite entrance reservations are also required during peak viewing times for Horsetail Falls in February. Those entrance reservations are usually released in early December.
Arches National Park
An Arches Timed Entry Reservation will be required again in 2024. “We received many positive comments from people who enjoyed the guaranteed arrival time and reduced congestion they experienced during the 2023 vehicle reservation pilot,” said Arches National Park Acting Superintendent Brendan Bray. “A repeat pilot program in 2024 will help us learn more about how such systems can provide visitors with the opportunity for enjoyable experiences while protecting the extraordinary landscapes they come to see.”
Timed entry reservations are required for visitors who enter the park from April 1 to October 31, 2024, between 7 AM and 4 PM. Beginning at 8 AM MST on January 2, 2024, reservations will be released in monthly blocks on the first of each month. Reservations cost $2 each. The reservation blocks are listed below.
April 1-30 reservations open January 2 at 8 AM MST
May 1-31 reservations open February 1 at 8 AM MST
June 1-30 reservations open on March 1 at 8 AM MST
July 1-31 reservations open on April 1 at 8 AM MST
August 1-31 reservations open on May 1 at 8 AM MST
September 1-30 reservations open on June 1 at 8 AM MST
October 1-31 reservations open on July 1 at 8 AM MST
A limited number of next-day tickets will be available after 7 PM MDT the day prior to the visit.
Reservations can be made in hourly increments and are only valid for entrance during that hour. Visitors who want to visit the park on two different days will need two different timed entry reservations. Once visitors enter the park, they can stay for the entire day. Ticket holders may also exit and re-enter the park on the same day with a correctly validated ticket.
Glacier National Park
As in previous years, advance vehicle reservations are required for the most congested areas of the park. The 2024 system requires vehicle entrance reservations for visitors traveling over the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and past the Many Glacier Entrance Station during the peak summer season. Vehicle entrance reservations are required for visits between 6 AM and 3 PM on the following 2024 dates.
West Entrance and Camas Entrance – May 24 to September 8
Many Glacier Valley – July 1 to September 8
Vehicle entrance reservations cost $2. A portion of the vehicle entrance reservations for the West Entrance, Camas Entrance and Many Glacier Valley will be available 120 days in advance beginning January 25, 2024 at 8 AM Mountain Standard Time. The remaining vehicle entrance reservations will be released at 7 PM, the day before the planned visit.
Although visitors with lodging or tour reservations do not need vehicle entrance reservations, it’s important to note that the lodging or tour reservation must be made for the specific area of the park you plan to visit. For example if you have a Lake McDonald boat tour reservation, you will be able to access Going-to-the-Sun Road, but not Many Glacier Valley.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park are required to have a timed entry permit to enter the park beginning May 24, 2024. There are two Rocky Mountain Entry Permits.
The Bear Lake permit will allow entry to the Bear Lake Corridor, as well as the rest of the park. It will be valid from 5 AM to 6 PM. It is required until October 20, 2024.
The other permit will allow access to all areas of the park, except the Bear Lake Corridor. It will be valid from 9 AM to 2 PM. It is required until October 15, 2024. All permits will be timed, and will require the permit holder to enter the park within a 2 hour window.
Reservations for the majority of the permits will be released on 8 AM Mountain Time on the following dates.
May 1, 2024 for permits from May 24 to June 30
June 1, 2024 for permits for the month of July
July 1, 2024 for permits for the month of August
August 1, 2024 for permits for the month of September
September 1, 2024 for permits for the month of October
The remaining entry permits will be available for purchase at 7 p.m. the day before the planned visit. Entry reservations cost $2, and if you plan to visit the park more than one day you will need an entry permit for each day.
Carlsbad Caverns
Last but not least on the list of national park entrance reservations is Carlsbad Caverns. Although technically you don’t need a reservation to get in to the park, you do need one if you actually want to see the famous caverns.
Every person — even children — needs a timed ticket to enter the caves. Tickets are good for entrance within the hour specified on the ticket. So for example, if you have a 9:00 AM ticket, it’s only good for entrance from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Late comers will not be admitted, so give yourself plenty of time to travel to the caverns and park.
These tickets are priced at $1 each, and like the park entrance reservations they are only available at www.recreation.gov. And again, make sure you print out your tickets or save a screen shot of them, as cell service is spotty in the park.
Plan ahead to avoid disappointment, and get your national park entrance reservations as soon as you make your travel plans.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Flying with a wheelchair for the first time can seem pretty intimidating. That said, it doesn’t have to be. As they say, knowledge is power, and in this case that knowledge comes from the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Not only does this legislation spell out the rules of accessible air travel in the US, but it also covers air travel for foreign airlines on direct flights to and from the US. Additionally it mandates an on-site problem solver for accessible air travel problems. This problem solver is called the Complaints Resolution Official, or the CRO for short. So before your next flight, it pays to learn about the ACAA and the CRO. Not only will this help you know what to expect when you fly, but it will also give you a valuable resource should things go wrong.
Learn the Law — The ACAA
Many people incorrectly believe that air travel in the US is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is not. It is covered under the ACAA, which actually predates the ADA. And it specifically lays out the rules for accessible air travel on US airlines, as well for foreign airlines on flights to and from the US.
And the good news is that this piece of legislation is written in a user-friendly format. In other words it’s not a jumble of legal terms and phrases, but instead it’s presented as a series of questions and answers about accessible air travel. It covers everything from airport assistance and boarding, to seating, wheelchair stowage and even wheelchair damage. And the best thing that you can do to prepare yourself for your flight is to read the ACAA in it’s entirety at www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382
Reading this legislation is especially important if it’s your first time flying with a wheelchair. Why? Because it will give you a good idea of what to expect when you get to the airport, board the airplane and even arrive at your destination. And once you know what to expect, you will also know when something is going wrong. That’s when the CRO comes into play.
Ask for the CRO — Your Problem Solver
The ACAA also mandates that covered airlines must have a CRO on duty during their operating hours. They can have the CRO available in person or by phone, but they do have to be available when someone requests one. These employees know the ACAA and they have the power to solve problems on the spot. They have the power to overrule every other airline employee — including third party contractors — except the captain of the aircraft.
Once you know the rules for accessible air travel, you will also know when something isn’t going according to the rules. And that’s when you need to speak up for yourself. For example, if an airline employee says that wheelchair-users are not allowed to have aisle seats, and instead insists that you have to sit by the window, then you need to ask for the CRO. In this case, it would first be a good idea to first tell the airline employee that under the ACAA, the only place a wheelchair-user can’t sit is the emergency exit row. And if you still get push back, ask to speak to the CRO.
Now if the airline employee doesn’t know who or what the CRO is, ask to speak to a supervisor. The supervisor definitely knows who the CRO is, and in fact they may even be a CRO. Sometimes inexperienced employees don’t know about the CRO, so don’t be afraid to work your way up the chain of command.
It’s also a good idea to bookmark the ACAA, so you will have easy access to it when you travel. Then if you run into something questionable, you can easily pull it up and show it to the airline employee. Sometimes that works, but in the end the CRO is your best source for immediate resolution.
File an Official Complaint
Although the CRO is the person that can help solve your access related problems on the spot, there are a few more things you should do if you encounter difficulties when you are flying with a wheelchair. Of course first and foremost, you need to address the issue at hand, and try to get it solved by the CRO. But there are also a few more things that you should do when you return home.
First off, file an official complaint with the airline, especially if there was some damage done to your wheelchair or other assistive device. Address the issue and ask for appropriate compensation. When an access-related complaint is filed directly with the airline, they are required to track the resolution and report back to the Department of Transportation (DOT). It should be noted this is the only way to receive monetary damages from an airline, short of going to court.
Finally, it’s also a good idea to file an official ACAA complaint with the DOT after you return. This will not help solve your problem, nor will it get you any monetary compensation, but it could result in airline fines by the DOT. The DOT looks at patterns and if it gets numerous complaints on the same airline about the same thing, it may issue fines to the airlines involved. And remedial training is usually also required when an airline is fined. Although an ACAA complaint won’t benefit you personally it may help effect change and make air travel more accessible for everyone. And it’s easy to do on this online form — secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint.
So the next time you encounter problems when flying with a disability, make sure you take all of these measures to remedy the problem.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers