"With careful planning and knowing ahead of time what to expect, you can spend less time confronting accessibility issues and more time enjoying your vacation," says Kathy Elokdah, Therapeutic Recreation Manager, MossRehab.

According to Elokdah, there are a number of things that you can do to plan for a hassle-free trip:

* When planning a trip, consider using a travel resource that is designed specifically for people with physical disabilities, such as MossRehab's ResourceNet (www.mossresourcenet.org). Regular travel resources may not offer information on medical and accessibility issues. MossRehab ResourceNet, a free online travel information service, provides lists of appropriate questions to ask when planning a vacation, as well as information about wheelchair accessible hotels and restaurants, specialized travel agents, medical travel tips, auto and van rental and much more.

* Consult with your physician before your trip. Explain where you are going so that your doctor can make recommendations for immunizations or other medical needs. Also, ask for specific advice on what non-prescription drugs to take with you.

* There are many hotels throughout the United States and abroad offering one or more rooms that are accessible to individuals in wheelchairs. However, they are not always suitable for people who have difficulty getting out of their wheelchair, mainly due to bathroom configurations. You should call the hotel for specific information. (See article on page 66).

* If you are part of a tour group, complete all forms concerning your health information. This may be crucial should you become ill on the trip and require medical or hospital attention.

* Be prepared to be separated from your luggage or carry-on bags. Make sure you always carry several days worth of medication on you. Also, carry an extra written prescription, should you need to request a refill. If you travel abroad, be prepared for the possibility that your medication may not be available.

* If you don't normally use a wheelchair, but can't walk far or for long periods of time, bring a wheelchair with you. You can rent one at home and check it in with the luggage at no extra cost.

* Make sure the wheelchair is in good working condition before you leave home, especially if you're traveling outside the United States. Since wheelchair parts from other countries differ from those in the United States, you may have trouble getting a wheelchair fixed if something should go wrong.

* If you qualify, bring a disabled placard with you if you plan to rent a car. With proper medical documents, you can apply for a permanent or temporary placard at your local motor vehicle office.

(Celebrating its centennial year, Moss Rehab, one of the Philadelphia region's leading providers of medical rehabilitation services, was designated by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research to establish a Model System of Care for traumatic brain injury-the only center of its kind in the region. MossRehab also offers a number of outpatient sites through MossCare Network.)

COPYRIGHT 2001 Cheever Publishing, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group