Traveling with ALS patients
For people with ALS and their caregivers, the thought of travel may seem too challenging.
But help is available. Whether traveling out of necessity or for pleasure, you don't
have to do it alone. There are books and travel services that specialize in aiding
those with disabilities.
Travel guides for the disabled
Great American Vacations for Travelers with Disabilities
New York, NY: Fodor’s Travels Publications, 1996
How to Travel: A Guidebook for Persons with a Disability
Fred Rosen
Chesterfield, MO: Science and Humanities Press, 1997
Wheelchair Around the World
Patrick D. Simpson
Raleigh,
NC: Pentland Press, 1997
Disability advocates and travel organizations
The following organizations can help make travel easier for people with ALS and
their caregivers.
The Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH)
SATH is an educational nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to raise
awareness of the needs of all travelers with disabilities, remove physical and attitudinal
barriers to free access and expand travel opportunities in the United States and
abroad.
347 Fifth Ave, Suite 605
New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 447-SATH (7284)
Fax: (212) 447-1928
www.sath.org
AMTRAK
AMTRAK has special cars adapted for wheelchair travelers. To ensure that you get
the space and accommodations you require, you must make a reservation for any of
the following:
- Wheelchair space
- Transfer seats (for when you travel in a seat and stow your wheelchair)
- Accessible sleeper accommodations
AMTRAK requires that you make reservations for such accommodations on all trains,
including on "unreserved trains" (on which reservations for ordinary seats are not
required). Accessible space is limited. Make your reservation as far in advance
as possible.
Phone: (800) USA-RAIL (800-872-7245)
www.amtrak.com
Flying Wheels Travel
Flying Wheels Travel is a full-service travel agency that arranges travel for people
with disabilities. The organization is familiar with accessible hotels, motels,
resorts, cruise ships, etc.
143 W. Bridge Street
Owatonna, MN 55060
Phone: (507) 451-5005
Toll Free: (877) 451-5006
www.flyingwheelstravel.com
Perpetual Travel
Perpetual Travel provides information about travel guides and links to travel Web
sites for people with disabilities.
www.perpetualtravel.com/rtw/rtwdisabled.html
Mobility International USA
Mobility International USA is an organization dedicated to empowering people with
all types of physical disabilities to realize their human rights through international
exchange and international development.
132 E. Broadway, Suite 343
Eugene, Oregon USA 97401
Phone: (541) 343-1284 (Tel/TTY)
Fax: (541) 343-6812
www.miusa.org
Access-Able Travel Source, LLC
Access-Able Travel provides access information and resources to mature travelers
and travelers with disabilities.
P O Box 1796
Wheat Ridge, CO 80034
Phone: (303) 232-2979
FAX: (303) 239-8486
www.access-able.com
Last updated: October 2011