Traveling these days -- particularly to a foreign country --is a hassle at best, what with pat-downs, carry-on inspections and standing in lines that seem to go on forever.
Add to that various physical disabilities many people have and it becomes clear that proper preparation is essential to ensure that travel will be accessible, safe and enjoyable.
And, because individual countries have their own standards of accessibility for travelers with disabilities, it is important to conduct research in advance and think about your needs throughout the course of your trip.
Pam Kazi, a Foreign Service officer with the State Department, is the American Citizens Services Desk Officer for Algeria, Bangladesh, Morocco, Pakistan and Tunisia, and has worked in vocational rehabilitation with individuals with disabilities. She offers the following advice:
Know before you go
Preparation is key. If you don't travel very often, speak to someone with a similar disability who has traveled before. Consult your travel agent, hotel, airline and others to request accommodations you may require during your trip. Consider contacting disability organizations overseas and organizations specializing in accessible travel at your destination.
Fly prepared
All who are using wheelchairs, canes, ventilators or traveling with service animals should be aware of their rights, such as those contained in the Air Carrier Access Act. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has instituted regulations to help make sure that people with disabilities are treated without discrimination in ways that are consistent with the safe carriage of all passengers, domestically and internationally.
For example, carriers are prohibited from imposing charges for providing required facilities, equipment or services to an individual with a disability, all of which are covered by DOT's Air Carrier Access regulations.
Travelers with disabilities should review DOT’s pamphlets, New Horizons for the Air Traveler with a Disability and Fly Rights, for more information about the Air Carrier Access Act.
Air travelers, who experience disability-related air travel service problems, may call a toll free number at 1-800-778-4838 or 1-900-455-9880 (TTY) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (except federal holidays) to obtain assistance.
Research medical care and costs
Identify your health care needs prior to your trip. While some countries have national health care systems, it is important to investigate availability and quality of care beforehand. You may want to carry medical alert information and a letter from your health care provider describing your medical condition, medications, potential complications and other pertinent medical information.
Note that environmental conditions at your overseas destination may contribute to specific health concerns, particularly if you are sensitive to altitude, air pollution, humidity or other conditions.
You should also carry sufficient prescription medication to last your entire trip, including extra medicine in case you are delayed. Ask your pharmacy or physician for the pharmacological name of your prescriptions in case you need to purchase additional medication abroad. Physicians and pharmacists overseas are more likely to be familiar with the medical name.
In addition, pack your medication in your carry-on bag, since checked baggage is occasionally lost; and always carry your prescriptions in their labeled containers, not in a pill pack or case. You should also have a list of the medications that you are taking, as well as a copy of your immunization records, in your carry-on luggage.
It is highly recommend that you get health insurance to cover private medical treatment and medical evacuation to the United States in case of an emergency. Medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be expensive, and medical evacuation to the United States can cost more than $100,000.
Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside of the United States. You can find the names of some of the companies offering short-term health and emergency assistance policies, as well as more travel tips on the State Department Website.
Health information may also be found on the Travelers’ Health page of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Website.
Understand requirements for service dogs and assistive equipment
Before you travel, consult with the U.S. embassy or consulate closest to your destination regarding possible entry restrictions for service dogs or equipment. If service dogs are permitted, find out about requirements for quarantine, vaccination and documentation. Talk with your veterinarian about tips for traveling with a dog, and make sure your hotel will accommodate your service dog.
Find out if there are specific policies for devices such as wheelchairs, portable machines, batteries, respirators, oxygen and differences in electrical voltage. Bring appropriate tools, electrical converters and fuses to maintain your equipment in your checked luggage. You may want to research the availability of wheelchair and medical equipment providers in the areas you plan to visit.
Understand your Social Security benefits
If you are thinking about an extended trip abroad, find out if you can receive your Social Security or other federal agency benefits outside the United States. The Social Security Administration's Office of International Operations (OIO) provides such information, and consular officers at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can also assist you.
Stay connected
A secure way to maintain your emergency contact information is to enroll with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Your information is stored securely and enables the Department of State, U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you, your family or your friends in an emergency.
