January 2005 Global Access Travel E-Zine

UK reader, Cynthia Stewart, wrote to share the news that by 2020 all United Kingdom trains and stations will be accessible to disabled people. According to Stewart, disabled people are urging the government to complete this necessity sooner than that date. In the meantime, the government is endeavoring to make existing trains more accessible as they are remodeled.

Interested readers may want to read about UK disability advocates Ticket2Ride campaign at www.timetogetequal.org.uk/news/05/121204.shtml

2. Ethiopia in a Wheelchair

Gordon Rattray, of Belgium wrote to announce his new web site, which focuses on accessible adventure travel. Gordon, whose disability is quadriplegia, features his own Ethiopian adventure on his site. Don’t miss his fascinating off-road wheelchair journey to Blue Nile Falls at www.able-travel.com

3. Accessible Cuba Trip

Joan Simms, an occupational therapist and Consultant to Travelers with Special Needs in Toronto, Canada, wrote to announce her group’s plans for an accessible trip to Cuba.

Simms writes: "I have recently joined forces with a group of companies who joined their expertise to develop Access Holidays Canada Inc. to provide travel experiences for seniors and travelers with special needs. We have been fortunate to find a travel wholesaler specializing in Cuba to develop a program with us to provide accessible accommodation, wheelchair accessible bus transfers from the Havana Airport and professional care givers."

Contact Joan at:
Joan Simms
Consultant to Travelers with Special Needs
Phone: 416-818-2592
Fax 416-755-5864
email: joansimms@bellnet.ca

4. Anchorage, Alaska

Using a wheelchair on snowbound sidewalks and streets is not for babies. While most U.S. city ordinances usually require business to keep the sidewalks clear, that doesn’t always happen promptly, and the results can be staggering for disabled people. Janine C. sent in the following link to a recent Anchorage Press article that illustrates how challenging a snow-covered city is for a local wheelie. www.anchoragepress.com/archives-2004/featurevol13ed51.shtml

5.  Bangkok, Thailand: Accessible Skytrain Stations

Graham Smith sent the following suggestions for using the accessible Skytrain stations in Bangkok, Thailand.

Elevators for Mobility Impaired Persons

1. Elevators to assist disabled persons wishing to access the BTS system are available at the following BTS stations: Siam (Cen), Morchit (N8), Asoke (E4), Onnut (E9) and Chong Nonsi (S3).

2. At ground level, use the intercom provided next to the lift doorway to ask for assistance. A BTS staff person or security guard will arrive to assist you in using the lift to the ticketing concourse.

3. At the ticketing concourse show your Disabled Association Membership Card for free passage. Free passage is from the five stations noted above to any destination on the system only. If you are not a Disabled Association member, you will need to pay appropriate fare. You will be issued a travel document indicating your exit station and need for assistance. BTSC staff will escort you to the appropriate platform for your destination and assist you in entering the train car.

4. Upon arrival at the destination station, BTS staff will collect your travel document and escort you to the ground level.

6. Australia/New Zealand

Dr. Scott Rains, of San Jose, California, who writes the Rolling Rains Report, shares his insights of traveling in Australia & New Zealand. www.geocities.com/Paris/1502/aunzrains04.htm

 printer-friendly format