Archives

You are currently browsing the archives for the category helpful information.
The Radcliffe Camera in Oxford, one of my favorite destinations

The Radcliffe Camera in Oxford, one of my favorite destinations
Photo by: Alan Rainbow (Stock Exchange)

Thanks again for visiting Disabled Travelers!

You know, over the past many months we’ve covered a lot of territory, and some of our favorite sites – the ones that are most useful for handicapped travelers around the world – haven’t gotten as much attention as they used to.

In this post, we’ll visit some old favorites and also some new entries in the world of accessible travel, and take a little refresher course on what they offer and where to find them.

Quite a few new pages have popped up, too!

Let’s look … [more]

Villa on the Amalfi coast of Italy

Villa on the Amalfi coast of Italy
Photo by: Owen Tosh (Stock Exchange)

Welcome one and all to our August edition of Disabled Travelers for the Deaf.

Today, more great tour operators, news, articles, information, and handicapped travel resources just for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.

I’m excited to get right down to it, so let’s dig in! And, as always, if there’s something I missed or you have a story to share, don’t be shy!

Drop me a line and let me know what you’re thinking! For now, onward … [more]

The view from LAX, which recently made it easier for guide dogs to fly

The view from LAX
Photo by: David Kwok (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to Disabled Travelers, everyone! Today’s News Round-Up includes some great pieces from the States and around the world, giving you a good look at some of the most helpful happenings in mobility impaired access and handicapped travel.

With the 2010 Paralympic Games coming up soon, coverage is starting to heat up and international travel is a big part of putting together such a key event. So let’s start there …

Interest is especially high for the Paralympics this year, and there are already plans to cover 2012’s London Paralympics extensively on TV in the UK. [more]

Northern Rockhole Waterfall, Australia

Northern Rockhole Waterfall, Australia
Photo by: Stephen Eastop (Stock Exchange)

Howdy, folks!

We’re finally at the end of the all-encompassing Disabled Travelers Australia Series, and we’ve provided access guides for every single one of the Australian states and their capitals!

(This even included Tasmania, our most recent stop.)

Now it’s time to clean things up and close them down by providing everything that “didn’t quite fit” earlier — such as handicapped organizations and disabled travel resources that cover the whole country or have a more general focus. [more]

Gordon River, Tasmania

Gordon River, Tasmania
Photo by: Lisa Liew (Stock Exchange)

Howdy, mates! Today’s post marks the end of our Australian access guides, as we visit Tasmania.

Around the world, Tasmania is well known for the animal and cartoon “devil” that bears its name, but many people are unclear on just what Tasmania is, let alone whether it’s friendly to handicapped travelers.

Well, here’s the scoop: Tasmania is a land of about 26,000 square miles, located just 140 miles south of the southern state of Victoria. With nearly 40% of its land in protected status as a reserve or World Heritage Site, it’s known for its biodiversity and unique animals, many found nowhere else. The capital is Hobart; that’s where we’ll focus our quest for the best accessible attractions! [more]

A stormy sunset in Australia’s Northern Territory

A stormy sunset in Australia’s Northern Territory
Photo by: Juho Tastula (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to Disabled Travelers! As we wind down our stupendous and compendious series of access guides for Australia, we come to Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory. Though it’s the least populous capital on the island, it’s the heart and soul of the Northern Territory and well-known as a jumping off point for Asian destinations. Darwin Harbor and surroundings have grown from pioneer days and include historic shipwrecks and terrific fishing. But how’s the wheelchair access? Let’s see …

One of the biggest attractions in Darwin is the harbor area, so let’s start with accessible hotels around Darwin Harbor. You can also get plenty of listings for wheelchair-friendly accommodations from PleaseTakeMeTo, Australian Bed and Breakfast, and of course, Stayz. One very well-located and reputable option is the Darwin Central Hotel, which has a selection of accessible rooms. There’s also Escape Travel for even more hits. If you’re headed between Darwin and Adelaide, or planning to pop by famous Alice Springs, you’ll want to hear about The Ghan, one of Rail Australia’s most historic trains. Of course, Darwin International Airport is another handy option. [more]

Grange Jetty, in Adelaide

Grange Jetty, in Adelaide
Photo by: Matt Wall (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to Disabled Travelers! We’re getting a good, close look at Australia; there are so many great cities and attractions that it’s easily become our longest series yet, even surpassing Paris.

Today, we provide access guides to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia.

Like many of the country’s most beautiful and accessible locales, it’s a coastal city, and is known for its orderly grid arrangement.

The city incorporates a whole heckuva lot of parks and the beautiful River Torrens on the nearby plains. [more]

A view of central Perth from the Bell Tower

A view of central Perth from the Bell Tower
Photo by: Vaughan James (Stock Exchange)

We’re on an Australia marathon here at Disabled Travelers, and we’re coming ‘round the bend to the sun-soaked city of Perth, capital of Western Australia and fourth-largest city on the island, known for its brilliant beaches and lively nightlife, made even more lively by the steady stream of able-bodied and handicapped travelers who visit on a regular basis. Perth is a beautiful city, and a big part of our access guide countdown to hit all the major metro zones in the wacky and wonderful Land of Oz.

So far, local airports and airlines have been a little hit-or-miss with accessibility, and that’s a shame. Perth Airport is pretty terse about accessibility within the terminals, but you can get a wheelchair by calling ahead to the airline you’re flying with. Better news is provided by official outlets: the City of Perth website affirms its commitment to universal access in a glowing and detailed listing of accessibility features, including transit, parking, streets, and buildings. Ramps, tactile indicators and audible street signs are common throughout the city. For a more whimsical take on the city’s attractions and offerings, try Perth Tourist Centre Online. [more]

City lights of Melbourne

City lights of Melbourne Photo by: Timo Balk (Stock Exchange)

Are you ready for even more of the Disabled Access Australia series?

Today, we’re hitting the bush trail once again to visit Melbourne, the second most populous city, on the bay of Port Phillip.

A major cultural hub, home to the Australian film industry, television, and avant garde art, it’s an eminently livable place and a great base for your visit to the Land Down under.

But how does it rate for accessibility? Well, we’re about to find out! [more]

Want MORE deaf travel news? You got it!

Want MORE deaf travel news? You got it!
Photo by: Henning Buchholz (Stock Exchange)

Welcome everyone to Disabled Travelers, where we’ve decided to push the envelope and provide just a little more especially for deaf travel this month.

Finding accessible hotels, attractions, and tour operators when you’re hard of hearing isn’t easy, but things are getting better – and if we do our part to make it easier, then I’d consider it a job well done!

We have a few more points of interest to share today, and then it’s back to the Land Down Under to finish up our Australia access guides. Right now, I am excited to present July’s deaf travel resources … the sequel! [more]