Disability Query
 

Our family is doing a RTW trip later this year. One of our party, for mobility reasons, is registered disabled. They will have full EU proof of this with them on tour.

Part of tour takes us to West Coast America.

I'm keen to find out what concessions are available (transport etc) for person's registered as disabled and those travelling with them. (web pointers woulkd be great)

Trying to get any info from UK official sources is a nightmare!

If you have any tips (the person isn't severely disabled and is not wheelchair bound)I'd be really grateful.

In 1991, the US acquired a new law known as the Americans with Disabilities Act (popularly known as the ADA). It requires new construction to be accessible to people with mobility problems (by providing elevators, ramps) as well as addressing other disabilities such as visual and hearing. All of these are oriented to making people with disabilities as independent as possible. Most businesses have done their best to adjust, providing assistance as needed, but I've never heard of any US concessions for those traveling with disabled individuals as their companions or aides.

The US has no central system for "registered disabled."

I know in my state of CA you can get a temporary 30 day disabled Plaque to use while you are visiting in our state. I think you just show up at the DMV with proof such as a Dr's note and apply.
You don't say what the disability is but I am actually disabled due to being legally blind with no peripheral vision and there are tons of things that are available. Sighted companion gets free admission with me at Sea World. Priority boarding of rides at Disneyland etc etc.
Doesn't help me navigate anything or get around much but it's a small help.
I do know most major tourist places rent electric carts too though because I can't see I can't get one cause I would run someone over on accident.

Monique, here are seveal sites that are geared toward PWD (Persons with Disabilties) Travel.

Mobility International www.miusa.org

Society for the Advancement of Travel for the Handicapped www.sath.org

Access Outdoors www.accessoutdoors.org

Gimp on the Go www.gimponthego.com

What is RTW?

round the world

Thank you Jenifer.

PJ, most of hotels (if not all!) have elevators, some motels don't have them, in this case request the 1st floor if you're travelling on a budget.

If using public transportation and 2-3 steps on a bus is a problem, then there is a platform operating by the driver.

I live in San Francisco, and this city, like all other cities in California are disabilities-friendly. Most of the buildings have access ramps or elevators. The sidewalks have a kind of a ramp so people with moving difficulties can easily cross the street.

PJ-- If you have a DISABLED Car Sticker from the UK, it is Universal..you can use it in the USA...

I travel with a Disabled Sticker as I have bad knees problems and need to park close to places..and I was able to use my sticker in the UK--they told me it was the UNIVERSAL sign...So..

Make sure you bring it with you as it will make parking a dream.....

Also First Floor Motel rooms are a must- just tell them you are disabled and ALL will accomodate you..IF you need the disabled bathroom, make sure they also know that...otherwise, if you do not need the handicapped bath, and the motel tells you that they have NO handicapped rooms left..Just Ask for First Floor....I have never been left out in the cold...

If by "concessions", you mean it in the British sense (reduced prices or free entry), you will find little of that sort of thing. There are some tho'.

If you mean "concessions" in the American sense (accomodating/assisting) you will find most places even easier access than in the UK.