Above photo: Vicki Thorp, Travel Consultant, with Canine Partners of the Rockies’ service dog “Practice Partner” Elway. Elway passed away in 2008 but lived a happy life and was mentor to many of the service-dogs-in-training as well as practice partner to teach those with few dog-handling skills how to work with their soon-to-arrive service dog companion.  Elway was also a therapy dog at Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center and Craig Rehab Hospital, as well as a faithful demo dog for Canine Partners of the Rockies (CaPR). A portion of our profits benefits Canine Partners of the Rockies and other disability organizations.

***** More Wheelchair or Disability Travel Tips Below!*****

TRAVELING WITH MEDICATION, SYRINGES, OR DISABILITY EQUIPMENT - Although the ADA does not require a doctor's note describing your disability, we recommend that you obtain a recent letter from your doctor. It has been our experience that passengers would rather have the note since it might alleviate some of the concerns/suspicions that Security personnel have and thus speed up the security process. We definitely recommend a recent doctor's letter if you are traveling with medication, especially syringes. Medications should be clearly labeled. Wheelchairs are subject to close inspection. If you are unable to stand, a pat-down search is entirely possible and legal. Any harness/backpack attached to an assistance animal may also be searched.

ASSISTANCE DOGS - Many cruise ships provide individual boxes filled with cypress wood chips or crumpled newspaper as relief contains for dogs. Try practicing with the dog in similar containers before the cruise. We suggest very little water or food prior to flying. For long flights, begin giving your dog ice cubes or just a little water prior to landing. Relief areas in airports may be more difficult to find with stricter security requirements, and re-entry into the concourses may be more difficult. Bring something for the dog to chew on, any i.d. you have, and the appropriate health certificate. Remember your doggie etiquette by keeping dogs on the floor of a plane, lying at your feet, and have available zip-loc bags and clean-up supplies in case of an accident. One of our clients occasionally has her dog “go” over the drain in the building restroom if absolutely necessary. Some destinations quarantine dogs; be sure to research your destination and consult with your veterinarian early. Vaccinations must be current. You may want to give your dog bottled water in some countries. Remember, the dog may not be allowed into the ports while on your cruise. Have a backup plan if you must leave him/her on the ship. Restaurants and hotels in foreign countries may not allow the dogs inside.

AIRLINE PROBLEMS - All US airlines are required to have a complaint resolutions officer on duty. If you encounter difficulties that cannot be resolved, ask to speak to this person. They understand the ADA best. The U.S. Department of Transportation has established a toll-free Aviation Consumer Disability Hotline. This new hotline can be used to obtain information and assistance for any travelers experiencing disability-related air service problems. The number is 866-266-1368 (V), 866-754-4368 (TTY).

BEST AIRLINES - We'll do our best to arrange the best airline and plane type for your individual needs. Keep in mind, however, that airlines can and do change schedules, aircraft and gates. Have a backup plan if possible.

WHEELCHAIRS AND SCOOTERS - Most large planes have a space to put a manual wheelchair in the cabin. If there are too many wheelchairs to fit, the wheelchairs are placed in cargo. They are the last items loaded and the first to come off. Many people request that their wheelchairs be brought to them between flights when connecting. The airlines prefer that you allow the chairs to be checked through to your destination. If doing this, we suggest asking the pilot on each flight to radio below to be sure that your chair/scooter has been loaded and is undamaged. It's wise to have your chair serviced before a trip to avoid the problem of trying to find a repair shop.

Attach labels with your name and address on the chair and all removable parts. Put clear protective tape over those labels. Also, place labels on the chair/scooter to aide the cargo crew in assembling or disassembling your chair/scooter. Many ramp workers assume a gel-cell battery is a wet battery and attempt to disassemble it - consider labeling it “Gel-cell dry battery --Do not remove.” Secure throttle controls in the slowest position with a piece of removable tape with "Do Not Remove" printed on the tape. And, if possible, remove the entire joystick control or remove the knob before stowing the chair aboard a ship or airline. Also, unplug battery connections and make sure the key or power pin is well secured to the device. We suggest sealing your owner's manual in a plastic ziploc bag and attaching it to the rear of your chair. Anything that sticks up or out and is removable should be removed and carried on the plane (i.e. cushion, removable joy stick control but remember some sharp items may be disallowed in the cabin for security reasons) or covered in bubble-wrap and taped down.

If traveling internationally, be sure to check with your manufacturer about the best battery charger. This is not a time to buy the cheapest; a great vacation could be ruined. International voltage is usually different from that in the US and could leave your chair inoperable. Be sure to carry some basic tools and perhaps replacement air tubes in case of damage. Duct tape often works well and is a staple in many peoples' luggage. Be sure to check with your insurance company about coverage, and consider taking an older chair/scooter when you travel while leaving your newest model at home. In many places, a manual chair works best. US airlines are responsible for any damage to your chair, but nothing could be worse than to arrive with a damaged chair/scooter and have to waste precious time trying to locate a substitute that rarely works as well for you as your own chair. Many resort and transportation personnel are not required to lift a heavy chair or scooter and will not do it.

KEEP A GOOD ATTITUDE - Travel is difficult for everyone but compounded for those with special needs. It's still a terrific world out there and worth the effort! And ---- it's getting better every day. Please do your part to educate those who don't understand and, thus, encourage better service for others. Consider accessible destinations such as Alaska and some countries in Europe, Israel, the Caribbean, Australia. There are also wheelchair-accessible tours in Peru, Chile, and S. Africa.

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

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