Is there a web portal for disabled travellers

Asks Nicholas

A. There is a new portal called Accessible Everything that launched recently which aims to provide information and links to all websites that cater for the disabled. As yet it is short on content, but its Accessible Travel & Leisure section is the most developed so far and offers some great destinations for disabled travellers to check out.

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The organisers behind the site were behind the Travelability brand that has been the forerunner in providing accessible travel options - so they know their stuff. Accessible Travel & Leisure (ATL) has built its travel company on personal experience and industry-know how and prides itself on providing an exciting range of holiday options to those that seek accessibility as a basic requirement, not a luxury.

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To that end all of its holidays provide accessible accommodation, many with adapted transport facilities and special equipment e.g. pool hoists, shower seats etc. if necessary. All holiday destinations and facilities have been tried and tested.

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Q. Can you only travel with ATL if you are disabled

A. No, all their holidays are open to able-bodied and disabled travellers alike - but are geared towards anyone with reduced mobility "wheelchair users, slow walkers, mature travellers, their families and friends."

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So for example, if there is one disabled member within your holiday party your whole family can go on an ATL holiday, there will just be more facilities for the disabled member. In addition, families with small children who have to carry buggies up and down stairs (especially with twins) often find the ATL holiday option an attractive one because it cuts down on a lot of hassle usually encountered when travelling.

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Most destinations feature 'mainstream' hotels and apartments, ATL has just identified and selected rooms and amenities that cater for the disabled traveller.

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Q. What types of destinations can I visit with ATL

A. The ATL home page is split into separate sections so you can decide what type of holiday you are after before you check out the destinations on offer. You can choose summer sun, winter sun, down under, South Africa, cruises, America, Florida, Canada, city breaks, Britain and small world.

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The Britain and small world sections of the website are still under construction, but all the other options are up and running and offer some great holiday options. For example, we have included below some of the options available if you choose summer sun, city breaks or South Africa.

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Summer Sun: if you choose summer sun you get the option to visit Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta, Greece, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Cyprus, Tunisia, Florida and Cuba.

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For each country there are lots of check lists that inform you on what facilities you'll find at your destination e.g. in Tenerife there will be accessible taxis available, but no hand controlled cars; in Italy both accessible taxis and hand controlled are available for rent to all travellers.

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Likewise for Tenerife, equipment hoists, manual and electric wheelchairs, commodes, shower chairs and additional care services are all available as part of your holiday package should you need them - and each destination has a list of amenities available.

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City Breaks: offers holidays in Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam, Prague, Venice, Florence, Rome, Berlin, Vienna, Dublin, New York, Boston, Washington, Las Vegas, Toronto, Moscow, Brussels, Bruges, Edinburgh, London, Athens, Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Lisbon.

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ATL arranges all flights, ferries and trains to European cities from the UK and transatlantic flights to North America and Canada are available from a number of UK regional airports. Hotel accommodation, equipment rental and transport are also arranged at the time of booking - and this applies to all holidays booked with ATL.

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South Africa: has lots to offer, options include game reserves, Cape Town, wine lands, world heritage sits, Plettenburg Bay, Victoria Falls, Blue Train and overland adventures.

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Q. Does ATL offer any tips for the disabled traveller

A. It includes whole sections on preparations before travelling - much of which can be regarded as tips for the traveller. Its best section is entitled "Things you should know about flying" and advises all travellers to provide as much information possible on each person travelling, so that their journey can be as comfortable and hassle-free as possible e.g. full details of disability, what assistance you need on board, what type of wheelchair you use, special needs e.g. oxygen etc.

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It also offers tips of seat allocation, checking in, boarding, wheelchairs on-board a plane, aircraft aisle chairs, toilets and what you should do if things go wrong.

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Accessible Travel & Leisure can be contacted at:

Avionics House, Naas Lane, Gloucester, GL2 4SN

Telephone: 08702 416127

Fax: 01452 729853

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.accessibleeverything.com

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If you have any other Travel related questions, please click here

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By Karen Anderson