By Grace Trumpower, Able SC Youth Program Assistant
Recently, I traveled to France with my family. I quickly learned that accessibility varies greatly in different countries. I put together this guide to help people with disabilities prepare for trips abroad, because everyone deserves to enjoy exploring the world! Here are my tips!
Prepare for the Airport and Flight
The airport is a busy place, and people with disabilities may need extra time to get through security checks and board the plane. ADA services can help you get through security checkpoints and find your gate. People with invisible disabilities can get a green sunflower lanyard that identifies them as a disabled person who may need extra help. If someone uses a wheelchair or another mobility device, the security personnel will have to scan the device and give the individual a pat-down, which involves being touched by a security officer. This is a lengthy process, so make sure to build extra time into your schedule. Afterwards, it is possible to move through the airport normally.
When getting on the plane, people who have difficulty walking can be transferred (with or without staff assistance) out of their personal wheelchair onto a narrow device called an “aisle chair”. This will allow them to get to their seat safely, and usually the disabled person gets to board the plane first.
The plane’s bathroom is mostly likely not going to be accessible to people with mobility disabilities, so they can limit water intake or bring a portable catheter if they use one.
Protect your Wheelchair or Other Equipment
Many people with disabilities have their equipment damaged during the flight. To help prevent this, people can label their equipment with specific instructions for breaking the item down attached to the different pieces or sections of the equipment. But, unfortunately, something could still happen, no matter how prepared someone is. Here are some tips for dealing with that possibility.
It is possible to bring a lighter “travel chair” that is designed to break down more easily and be easier to repair than a custom chair. That way, if the chair is broken, it doesn’t affect the user’s day-to-day life.
When there is damage to any equipment, take pictures of the damage immediately. This will allow for a claim to be made with the Complaint Resolution Office. Claims can be filed at guest services, but it is recommended to report claims online within 45 days. A written complaint will require the airline to give a written response. If a claim is not moving forward fast enough, file an additional claim with the Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division within 180 days.
The Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 means that the airline is 100% responsible for damages to any mobility equipment. It is possible to request direct payment of a specific dollar amount to use for the cost of repairs, and the airline is required to provide a loaner device for use until the original device is repaired, although it will not have the exact specifications of a personal wheelchair. This wheelchair can be used for free until the original chair is returned.
Know the Local Accessibility Laws
Accessibility will vary from place to place, but most European countries have legislation that is similar to the Americans with Disabilities Act. In France, this law is called the 2005 Disability Act (Law 2005-102).
The Disability Act requires that public buildings be accessible to people with all types of disabilities, and it requires that there be accessible pathways for people with disabilities to navigate city streets. Signage is required for the blind and visually impaired, and websites must be accessible to people using screen readers.
The Disability Act also requires that all types of transportation must be fully accessible. When it was found that traditional ride share services were failing people with disabilities, a ride share service was created specifically to serve the disability community. It’s called G7 Access and functions the same way as traditional ride share providers.
One thing to note about the Disability Act is that, while it’s based on the same principles as the ADA (accessibility and protection from disability discrimination), the exact physical specifications are different. European countries are much smaller than the US, and, in cities, saving space is paramount.
Most of the doorways in Paris were much narrower than those found in American cities, and the grab bars in bathrooms were slanted in order to save space, which might make them harder to use for someone used to the American standard.
Most hotels have at least one person on staff who speaks English, so it’s possible to call ahead and get exact measurements to ensure that any necessary mobility aids will fit through the doors. The accessible rooms are also much bigger than the standard rooms, although they are still smaller than most American hotel rooms.
Ask as many questions as possible and prepare, prepare, prepare!
If Something Doesn’t Seem Accessible, Just Ask
Although accessibility can often be hit-or-miss, the city was much more accessible than it seemed at first. For example, many cafes had a concrete step in front of their entrance but also had a portable wheelchair ramp available upon request. Alternatively, there was plenty of seating available outside.
People with disabilities were allowed to skip the lines at many popular tourist destinations, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The Eiffel Tower has stairs that lead to the top, but it is also possible to take an elevator. The Louvre, being an older building, has many sets of stairs, but there is a private elevator that requires a key in the building entrance. Once you are deeper within the building, there are public elevators that take you to different sections of the museum. The Louvre also allows people with disabilities to go to a special viewing area to see the Mona Lisa that people without disabilities don’t usually get to use.
Remember, people are usually happy to help out if you just ask!
I hope these tips will help you in your future travels. Bon Voyage!
