Travel
Helpful Links A comprehensive collection of many travel resources for the traveler with disabilities The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) provides a free information and referral service for people with disabilities seeking international exchange opportunities including study, Multiple links to many different travel web sites National Center for Infectious Disease Must be accessed via FirstGov. A great resource for many health travel issues. Airport Security Screening Only ticketed passengers are allowed to pass through the security checkpoint to reach the gate area, but you may obtain a gate pass from the airline ticket counter if you require a person to assist you. People who have disabilities are no exception to airport security screening so be prepared for this experience. If the airport security personnel suspect that any assistive device may be harboring a weapon, they do have the right to examine it. You have to be able to pass through the screening device without activating it. If you are unable to do this, they will first try a hand-held screening device. If this is unsuccessful they do have the right to a physical search and screeners may need to see and touch your prosthetic devices and body braces as part of the inspection process. You may request to be searched in a private area. In this case, a person of the same gender will perform the screening (except in rare situations). You may bring tools used to put on or take off prosthetic devices through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. If you have a medical implant that would set off the metal detector, or have other special medical needs that require special consideration during a search (such as a pacemaker), get documentation from your doctor about the condition. Although this documentation is not required, it can help the screener understand the situation. Those persons with a pacemaker who should not go through the metal detector can get a Pacemaker ID card. If you must transport medical or lifesaving items, make arrangements ahead of time with the airline. Screening personnel will verify the contents and confirm the authorization documents. If you carry injectable medications, make sure that they are properly labeled (professionally printed label identifying the medication or a manufacturer's name or pharmacy label). After screening, diabetics can carry insulin and unlimited number of unused syringes, lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter test strips, insulin pumps, and insulin pump supplies. |
Airport security screening continued.. Crutches, canes and walkers will need to go through the X-ray machine. A hand inspection will be performed if it cannot fit through the X-ray machine. After the screening, screeners should return your device to you so that helps you proceed without difficulty. Don't hesitate to ask a screener for assistance with your mobility aid or carryon items as you proceed through the security checkpoint. In addition, tell the screener your level of ability (e.g., whether you can walk, stand or perform an arm lift) - it will expedite the screening process. If you have questions while at the airport, speak to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening supervisor. Their Consumer Response Center is available by calling 1-866-289-9673 Monday-Friday 8am-6pm. Their email is telltsa@tsa.dot.gov . You are allowed one small piece of luggage and one personal item (purse, briefcase, etc.). This rule does not apply to medical supplies, equipment, mobility aids and/or assistive devices by a person with a disability. The carry-on bag must meet your airline's size requirements. Service animals are not exempted from compliance with quarantine regulations and so may not be allowed to travel to all international destinations.
Bon Voyage! Nothing is more rejuvenating than removing yourself from your everyday environment and experiencing new surroundings and people. Careful planning is essential to ensure that you have a good experience and not a nightmare in an unfamiliar place. Don't forget to: Research food in foriegn countries Sunscreen Relax and Enjoy
|
|---|
|
2005 - NCSD National
Council for Support on Disability Issues |