Posted May 13th, 2008 in airlines, general news and helpful information

This article is from the Canadian Press.

air_canada.jpgOTTAWA — An appeal of ruling in favour of severely disabled Canadian passengers requiring an additional seat on airlines because they need medical assistance or are obese will not be heard by the Federal Court of Appeal.

The court turned down a request by Air Canada and West Jet to hear an appeal of a Canadian Transportation Agency ruling in January that requires them to offer a free seat to obese passengers who need one, or an attendant accompanying a disabled passenger.

The ruling leaves the airlines 12 months to draft regulations on accommodating qualified disabled passengers.

“We’re thrilled,” said Laurie Beachell, national co-ordinator of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities. “I think this may be a first for air travel.” [more]

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Posted May 8th, 2008 in general news and helpful information

We hope you are all keeping well. Epic Enabled has some exciting new developments!

YUUB (Your ultimate unlimited bridge) from the Netherlands has invested in the luxury BLUE TANGERINE guesthouse here in Cape Town and we are happy to announce that we, Alfie & Sabine will be managing it! We will move Epic Enabled’s base to the Blue Tangerine at 3 Bodrum Close, (P O Box 422) in Noordhoek, Cape Town and operations will proceed as usual with an additional luxury Guesthouse at your disposal!

This means you can now travel to Cape Town after one of our safaris or come directly and enjoy a fully accessible 5* Guesthouse with stunning views and experience the Epic hospitality! [more]

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Posted April 10th, 2008 in helpful information

If you are looking for a place to stay in Spain that is wheelchair friendly please take a look at this site:

http://www.spain-holiday.com/disabilityholidays-spain.html

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Posted March 14th, 2008 in general news and pictures

‘Travelers with Purpose’ Photo Contest 2008

Showcasing positive images of and by people with disabilities participating in international educational exchange programs around the world.

Travelers with Purpose

Prizes:
1st: Wheeled Backpack with Docking Daypack from Destinations- The Travel Store
2nd: $100 American Airlines Travel Gift Certificate
3rd: Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door Travel Publications
Other Prizes: Mobility International USA’s Survival Strategies for Going Abroad: A Guide for People with Disabilities publication and Mobility International USA T-shirts.

The first place photograph will be featured on the cover of our full-color calendar and on a screensaver. Second and third place photos, along with ten honorable mention photos, will be featured in the calendar and screensaver. All contest entrants whose photographs are chosen for the calendar will receive a copy of the calendar and screensaver.

For contest rules and guidelines visit:

http://www.miusa.org/ncde/spotlight/photocontest08

Submissions must be postmarked by June 30, 2008

For more information on how people with disabilities can participate in all types of international exchange programs, contact:
National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange
Tel/TTY: (541) 343-1284
Fax: (541) 343-6812
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.miusa.org/ncde

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Posted February 4th, 2008 in helpful information

Helpful information for people traveling to Spain, specifically the city of Llagostera:

Let’s Go Costa Brava apartments are especially designed to accommodate for groups of people who use a wheelchair or have reduced mobility. Not only do they have 22 new apartments with disabled access, they also provide all kinds of transport facilities, information about tourist attractions with disabled access and much more.

• You can enjoy facilities that are fully prepared for wheelchair users. (Disabled access in all rooms, bathrooms, profiling beds, disabled access swimming pool, etc.), with a service worthy of a hotel.

• Located near tourist attractions, both summer activities (beaches on the Costa Brava, etc) and cultural activities (Girona, Barcelona, museums, etc).

• With a staff who are acutely aware of your needs

• You will be given special transport for each outing & we will organize an agenda of activities adapted to each group‘s needs.

For more information visit there website – http://www.fundacio60.org/fundacio60/homeng.html

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Posted February 1st, 2008 in accessible crusies and helpful information

Here is a link to an interesting article I came across on accessible cruising. It may be old information for some but newbies might find it very useful and informative.

Cruise Diva’s FOCUS is on Accessible Cruise Travel 

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Posted January 27th, 2008 in access guides and helpful information

Easy Access Chicago - Accessible Access GuideIn conjunction with the Open Doors Association the city of Chicago has released a new access guide – “Easy Access Chicago.”

It has information on the accessibility of transportation, lodgings, restaurants, sporting events, theatres , tours, attractions, and more.

Visit there website, http://www.easyaccesschicago.org, for the details where you can view the information online, download the PDF version, or order a hard copy.

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Posted January 25th, 2008 in featured company of month, general news, helpful information and pictures

I wanted to let everyone know about a new tour operator that is now listed on DisabledTravelers.com. The company is Christianakis Travel LTD and they specialize in accessible travel all around Greece.Here are the services they provide:
Hotel Packages for all the Greek Islands, Ship Tickets, Air Tickets, Transfers, Luxurious Coach Rentals, Car Rentals, Dinner Shows with Transportation from-and-to hotel, Ski Programs, Cruises, Weddingmoons, Travel Insurance, Maps and Travel Guide

If you are a looking for an accessible tour operator in or around Greece please visit there site for more information – http://christianakis.gr

christinakis2.jpgAccessible Travel in GreeceAccessible Travel in GreeceAccessible Travel in Greece courtesy of Christianakis Travel

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Posted January 16th, 2008 in general news and personal

I wanted to let everyone know that my wife and I had a baby girl – Sophie Marie on January 10, 2008. She was 8lbs 3oz and healthy as can be so we are enjoying her immensely at home right now. Jodi is also doing very well.

sophies-1st-few-days-56.JPG sophie.jpg

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Posted January 6th, 2008 in general news and helpful information

I want to welcome Jean Newell who has created the “PUP” or the Personal Utility Pouch as a new advertiser on the website. She originally created it to hold the various gadgets, wallets, and travel documents that we carry around with us all day. However, she has noticed that some of the people who enjoy it the most are wheelchair and walker users who need quick access to a cell phone, pda, iPod or mp3 player, but cannot easily reach there pockets or bulky purses. That is when she contacted me to get the word out for disabled travelers. The PUP has already been featured on QVC, Washington Post, and Jean has just appeared on the “Big Idea” with Donny Deutsch on CNBC this past November.

The PUP has 4 open pockets for gadgets, pen, paper, etc. and 2 zippered pouches for extra important items like passport, wallet, or other travel documents. It allows for very easy access and can be worn either around your waist (like a fanny pack), around your shoulder or chest. Please check out her website at http://www.lovemypup.com for more details as they come in 6 different colors and cost only $17.95 which is very reasonable considering it is made from poly blend denier like most luggage and is machine washable. The PUP is very stylish and can be worn by both men and women and keeps you from looking like a tourist, unlike the classic “fanny pack.” Type in the code “VIP traveler” into the discount code box when ordering and receive free shipping of $4.50.

From Jean – “Here’s some of the comments I’ve heard from my special needs customers. People with arthritis or dexterity like the open pouches for their easy access and the parachute clip is large enough to grasp. People with canes and walkers like the waist accessibility as over the shoulder bags are too difficult to carry. Individuals in wheel chairs like the fact they can wear it across their body or on their waist and it doesn’t interfere with operating their chair”

pup2.jpg pup3.jpgpup4.jpg

Watch 3 minute YouTube Commercial – “The PUP, a convenient way to carry your travel essentials”

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