Smooth Ride Guide

The Canadian Transportation Agency recently launched a publication at the Vancouver International Airport that should alleviate much of the uncertainty and apprehension experienced by many persons with disabilities when travelling by air.

"Taking Charge of the Air Travel Experience -- A Guide for Persons with Disabilities" outlines the steps that are critical to ensuring a problem-free travel experience for wheelchair users, persons who have hearing or visual disabilities, and seniors with restricted mobility. The air travel guide stresses the importance of communicating a traveller’s specific needs to service providers. It also answers commonly asked questions about on-board washroom accessibility, required documentation, reduced attendant fares, seat selection and more. Although mainly focusing on travel within Canada, the air travel guide also features a brief section on international travel.

"Taking Charge of the Air Travel Experience" was launched simultaneously with Barrier Free Access, a CD-ROM produced by the Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR). The CD-ROM explores, in depth, the concept of barrier-free design in current airport building practices as well as the importance of corporate awareness. The CD-ROM’s release marks the successful completion of YVR’s new terminal as a model of barrier-free access to the world. Both products illustrate the cooperation that exists between the private and the public sectors in facilitating air travel for all Canadians.

"Whether you are an experienced traveller or taking a first trip, information provided in the Agency’s travel guide will help smooth the way when booking a flight, getting to the airport, moving from check-in to boarding, or arriving at the destination airport," noted Agency Chairman Marian Robson. Her sentiments were echoed by invited speaker Sharon Wagner of the Canadian Council of the Blind, who called the Agency a leader in producing travel-related information accessible to people with a variety of communication needs.

The air travel guide uses a step-by-step approach to trip planning. Practical advice is offered on a variety of topics, such as self-identification of disability-related needs to ensure the proper services will be in place when needed, and the advisability of asking for written confirmation of the services to be provided.

The air travel guide also gives pointers on selecting the right aircraft. Interior layout will often determine whether the plane can carry an on-board wheelchair during the flight, or whether a traveller’s personal folding wheelchair can be stored in the cabin’s storage area.

Travellers with power scooters or power wheelchairs are advised that they will probably have to transfer to an air carrier’s wheelchair at the check-in counter. Procedures for reporting any damage to a mobility aid are also outlined.

Travellers with disabilities are reminded of the need to check and double-check all travel arrangements. Taking charge of the travel experience is your guide to a successful trip.

"Taking Charge of the Air Travel Experience" is available, in both official languages, as a booklet, on audio cassette, on computer disk and in Braille. You can also find the air travel guide on the Internet (at www.cta-otc.gc.ca). Contact the Agency, toll free, for your complimentary copy, at 1-800-883-1813.

CANADIAN TRANSPORTATION AGENCY

15 EDDY STREET

OTTAWA, ON K1A 0N9

TEL: (613) 953-2748

FAX: (613) 953-6019

E-MAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: http://www.cta-otc.gc.ca/