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Shirley Ryan Ability Lab - Travel and Mobility Management for Persons with a Disability
This resource provides guidance for individuals with disabilities on navigating public transportation, highlighting RTA’s travel training and mobility management programs designed to promote independence and accessibility.
https://www.sralab.org/lifecenter/resources/rta-travel-training-and-mobility-management-people-disabilities
U.S Dept. of Transportation- Accessibility Air Travel
Airlines are required to provide assistance with boarding, deplaning and making connections.
https://www.transportation.gov/civil-rights/civil-rights-awareness-enforcement/air-travel
Phone: 800.778.4838
TTY: 800.455.9880
U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs for Travelers with Disabilities and International Travel Considerations
Each country has its own standards of accessibility for persons with disabilities. Before you travel, visit travel.state.gov/destination and enter a country or area to find information for mobility-impaired travelers in the Special Laws & Circumstances section. Unlike the United States, many countries do not legally require accommodations for persons with disabilities. Learn more about service animals and assistive equipment requirements.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/traveling-with-disabilties.html
TSA’s Five Top Resources
TSA has five main resources for travelers with disabilities or individuals who travel with medical devices or medical conditions to ensure that they can get through the security screening process successfully, respectfully and efficiently. They include the TSA Cares helpline, the TSA Contact Center, Passenger Support Specialists, information posted on TSA.gov
Phone: 866.289.9673
TSA Cares is a helpline for travelers with disabilities or medical conditions who want to prepare for the screening process prior to flying. TSA Cares has a toll free number at 855.787.2227 or Federal Relay 711 or e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov. By contacting TSA Cares, travelers may also request the assistance of a Passenger Support Specialist (PSS) for security screening. Information about Passenger Support Specialists is located here.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support
The TSA Disability Notification Card can be used to discreetly notify TSA Officers at security screening of a disability or medical condition and request an accommodation. The card is located here.
https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/disability_notification_card_508.pdf
For information about TSA programs for Travelers with Disabilities click here.
For general inquiries and questions, visit www.tsa.gov or contact us through the TSA Contact Center (TCC) at TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov, or by phone at 866.289.9673 or Federal Relay 711.
Airline and Flight Tip Websites:
Listing: Air Travel Tips for People with a Disability Infosheet
https://www.sralab.org/lifecenter/resources/air-travel-tips-people-disabilities
Listing: Travel Organizations for People with Disability
https://www.sralab.org/lifecenter/resources/listing-travel-organizations
Blog: Wheelchair Travel
Traveler, presenter, advocate, and wheelchair user, John Morris, share his perspectives and recommendations about traveling the world in a wheelchair
https://wheelchairtravel.org
Cory L. Curb Free with Cory Lee
https://www.curbfreewithcorylee.com/
Eric LeGrand Travel Tips Video - Website
Eric LeGrand is a former Rutgers University football player who suffered a severe spinal injury during a game and now travels the country as a sought after motivational speaker.
https://hub.permobil.com/blog/eric-legrand-travel-tips-video?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=63113679&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--0J41FIGqJu3ju5ISnm2NFLMX4zxxumBGcSmI_P4ufT_eKZQQM-VPtXHe1842BbdkfOp6mBfc5HaPSfDDcDS0oVy1vTA&_hsmi=63113679
Flying With A Power Wheelchair - Preventing Damage
https://wheelchairtravel.org/flying-air-travel-with-electric-power-wheelchair-how-to-prevent-damage/
Must-know airline info: Tips for travelers with disabilities on Cheap Flights
https://www.cheapflights.com/news/traveling-with-disabilities
Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People - Your Guide to Flying with a Disability
In partnership with the UK Civil Aviation Authority they have produced a film that gives wheelchair users, especially powered wheelchair users, information and insights about travelling by air and the support available.
https://www.qef.org.uk/service/accessible-aviation/flight-video-guides-your-guide-to-flying-with-a-disability/
Rick Steves: Tips for Travelers with Disabilities
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning/travelers-with-disabilities
Tips for Flying with a Wheelchair - Cory Lee
Travel tips from a frequent flyer in a wheelchair
https://www.sunrisemedical.com/livequickie/blog/november-2017/tips-for-flying-with-a-wheelchair
The Tag
The Tag is a web-based tool for people who use mobility devices to input static information about their device such as weight, dimensions, battery type and removable parts to be stored in the cabin.
https://thetag.org/
Travel Tag [Free Download] for Wheelchair on Airplane
A free print-out to attach to your wheelchair when it is being checked into baggage, to assist with handling and storage to assist in best care.
http://www.nrrts.org/downloads
United Spinal Association Accessible Air Travel-A Guide for People with Disabilities
https://www.unitedspinal.org/pdf/Accessible_Air_Travel.pdf
This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. See here for further details.
© Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago)
Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433
