Don’t let your disability stop you from taking the vacation of your life! The Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees that disabled travelers receive equal treatment under the law in the United States and Security Travel would have it no other way! Disabilities are no barrier to having your dream vacation come true and Security Travel has compiled the following list of travel tips so your disability will become your ability to have a great time! 

§         Be specific and clear when describing a disability. Not all service providers know the "lingo" of accessible travel, or the medical terms for certain conditions. Don't downplay the severity of the disability. Some companies arrange trips for folks according to the level of "self-care" of which they are capable.

§         Be specific and clear when describing the trip to your doctor. A doctor can often prescribe measures for coping with an unusually long flight, limited medical facilities at your destination, the unavailability of prescription drugs, and other pitfalls of traveling. Be prepared -- in some cases, your doctor may question the advisability of travel.

§         Take a doctor's note and phone number. Travel with a statement from your doctor, preferably on letterhead, covering your condition, medications, potential complications and other pertinent information.

§         Bring extra medication. Many experts advise that you travel with two complete packages of essential medication in case of emergency. Store all medications and other necessary medical supplies in your carry-on bag. Make sure you pack enough medication to get you through your vacation!

§         Investigate physician availability where you will be traveling. Your doctor, health care provider, insurance company or local embassy can provide the names and contact numbers of physicians at your destination.

§         Carry medical alert information, preferably in a place that a medical professional or anyone who assists you will find easily (wallet card, necklace, close to your identification).

§         Bring spare parts and tools. Wheelchairs can take tremendous abuse while traveling; assemble a small kit of spare parts and tools for emergency repairs. You may also be required to dismantle a wheelchair for certain flights or activities; make sure you and your traveling companions know how to do this.

§         Know your rights. Before going through airport security, be aware of the TSA's rules for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. The Department of Transportation's Aviation Consumer Protection Division has a comprehensive guide to the rights of disabled air travelers.

§         Call ahead. Service providers are required by law in many cases to accommodate travelers with special needs. However, most need some time to make the necessary arrangements. Mention your needs at the time of reservation, and call the provider 24 to 48 hours before your arrival to confirm that proper accommodations have been made. The Air Carrier Access Act requires that you give the airline at least 48 hours notice if you are traveling with a group of 10 or more disabled passengers.

§         Allow plenty of time before your flight to check in, get through security and transfer to your gate. Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight -- more if you're traveling at a peak time.

§         Check in with your flight attendant before your plane lands to make a plan for exit.

§         Avoid connecting flights. Although wheelchairs are the last items to be checked into the luggage compartments, and thus first to be pulled off, flying direct can save you unnecessary time and hassle. One caveat: If you have trouble maneuvering into airplane lavatories, long flights may become uncomfortable -- so a series of shorter flights might be a better option. If you do choose to connect, be sure to allow plenty of time between flights (we'd recommend at least 90 minutes) to get from one gate to the next.

§         Don't forget about transportation to and from the airport. If you have a wheelchair, make arrangements in advance to have an accessible vehicle pick you up in your destination city.