Traveling with Disabilities in the Caribbean

A trip to the Caribbean can be a challenge for someone with a physical disability, handicap, or injury that impedes mobility but that doesn't make it impossible. People with physical handicaps, age-related mobility problems, or injuries that make it harder to get around can enjoy a Caribbean vacation just as well as anyone else. With a little research and some thoughtful decision-making, handicapped travelers can make their dreams of paradise a reality.

The most common methods of reaching the Caribbean are airplanes and cruise ships. Most airlines and cruise ship operators have accommodations for travelers with physical disabilities but these can vary widely from company to company. It is generally recommended, therefore, that vacationers contact their airline or cruise operator before booking their trip to find out what kind of services and facilities are available for special needs travelers.

Choosing a Destination
Some countries in the Caribbean are more handicap-accessible than others. Due to the large numbers of travelers that arrive each year, many of the region's islands have recently been making efforts to improve conditions for vacationers with disabilities. By doing a little research prior to leaving, vacationers with physical disabilities can find an island that is perfect for their traveling needs. Here are some islands in the Caribbean that have made an extra effort in accommodating those travelers with physical handicaps:

*St. John : In the past, the Virgin Islands were notoriously difficult destinations for visitors with physical disabilities but all that has changed in recent years. St. John has been a pioneer for the island group in becoming more sensitive to the needs of handicapped travelers. Many businesses and attractions, including beaches, have added modifications such as ramps and other facilities to make it easier for those with physical disabilities to enjoy the island. St. John even offers a special all-inclusive package, which includes transportation, restaurants, hotels and activities for visitors with disabilities.

*Puerto Rico: Another island in the Caribbean that has been enlightened to the needs of handicapped travelers is Puerto Rico. The island enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) just as much as the United States, and even has a handicap-accessible beach that has been equipped with wheelchair ramps. The Sea Without Barriers at Luquillo Beach on Puerto Rico has a ramp that goes from the parking lot to a platform on the beach, and also offers aquatic wheelchairs and other accommodations for the physically handicapped. The facilities at this beach, including bathrooms and shower facilities, have also been designed to be easily accessible by beachgoers with physical limitations.

*Aruba: There are several hotels and other properties on Aruba that offer facilities that are convenient for those with physical disabilities. Also, the island's Queen Beatrix International Airport meets all the requirements of the ADA and has fully-equipped facilities and trained professionals on staff.

At the Airport
Navigating an international airport can be hectic and more than a little stressful, particularly for those with physical handicaps. To make the process smoother there are a few things that disabled travelers should consider before they arrive at the airport.

*Medical Certificates: Just because a traveler is disabled doesn't mean that the airline will request a medical certificate, but if there is concern whether or not the passenger can complete the flight without extra medical assistance airline officials may ask for medical documentation.

*Airport Accessibility: Some of the smaller airports in the Caribbean may not have the same facilities for physically disabled travelers as in the larger airports in the United States. Vacationers are advised to contact every airport on the itinerary to inquire about the type of facilities that are offered.

*Security Screening: Passengers with disabilities will have to pass through the same security screenings as other passengers, which may be made more difficult by a wheelchair or other mobility aid. Keep in mind that this may slow down the boarding process, so travelers might want to arrive at the airport a little earlier.

*Boarding the plane: Many of the Caribbean airports are small and airplane passengers often have to take stairs to reach the tarmac. Some airplanes are equipped with lifts that lower disabled passengers to the tarmac with the assistance of an airline employee.

Cruises
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), many cruise lines are providing more accessible facilities on cruise ships. More and more cruise ships are featuring cabins with wider doorways and flat thresholds, as well as wheel-in showers, on-board ramps, elevators, and activities that are easily accessible for guests with physical handicaps. Also, by taking a cruise instead of flying, travelers with disabilities won't have to worry about the hassle of getting on to and off of the plane. One of the best cruise lines for passengers with disabilities is Princess Cruise Lines, which has been designing ships that have cabins that are wheelchair-friendly since 1984. Carnival, Holland America, and Crystal are other options that have cabins specially for disabled passengers, as well as handicap-accessible public areas. These cruise lines also have ships with facilities like hydraulic lifts to get in and out of the pool and casinos with wheelchair-approachable slot machines.

Upon docking, physically challenged passengers may encounter other problems like getting from the boat to the island and finding handicap-accessible activities. Some cruise lines have installed lifts to assist travelers with getting to and from the ship. While on the island, depending on the cruise line, there may be handicap-accessible excursions available, including various shore activities.

Hotel Accommodations
Most hotels have handicap-accessible rooms, but vacationers with disabilities should contact their hotel in advance to find out more detailed information about the specific accommodations the hotel has for travelers with disabilities. Just because a hotel is labeled handicap-accessible doesn't mean it will necessarily meet your travel needs. Guests should call their hotel ahead of time to find out the particular measurements of doorways as well as bathroom dimensions.

Places and Numbers to Know
There are several companies and agencies that are committed to helping travelers with physical handicaps have a wonderful vacation experience. Here are the numbers of agencies that cater especially to travelers with limited mobility:

*Flying Wheels Travel– Tel. 507-451-5005; offers special tours and cruises specializing in sports and private tours in minivans with lifts.

*Accessible Journeys– Tel. 800-TINGLES or 610-521-0339; especially for slow walkers and wheelchair travelers.

*MossRehab ResourceNet– Tel. 800-CALL-MOSS; provides directory assistance through its Travel Information Service

*The Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality (SATH)– Tel. 212-447-7285

*The American Foundation for the Blind– Tel. 800-232-5463

Many islands in the Caribbean are making the effort to encourage travelers with physical handicaps to visit this gorgeous region of the world.