Guidelines For The Screening Process For Travelers With Disabilities And Medical Conditions

Posted: December 18th, 2010 | Author: admin | Filed under: Travel For Disabled | Tags: Conditions, Disabilities, Guidelines, Medical, Process, Screening, Travelers | No Comments »

Guidelines For The Screening Process For Travelers With Disabilities And Medical Conditions

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Home Page > Travel > Guidelines For The Screening Process For Travelers With Disabilities And Medical Conditions

Guidelines For The Screening Process For Travelers With Disabilities And Medical Conditions

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Posted: Jul 08, 2010
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* If a personal search is required you may choose to remain in the public area or go to a private area for your screening. If you refuse either option you will not be able to fly.

* You should be offered a private screening before the beginning of a pat-down inspection if the pat-down will require the lifting of clothing and/or display of a covered medical device.

* You should be offered a disposable paper drape for additional privacy before the beginning of a pat-down.

* You may request a private area for your personal search at any time during the screening process.

* Your companion, assistant, or family member may accompany you and assist you during a private or public screening. After providing this assistance, the companion, assistant, or family member will need to be rescreened.

* You may ask for a chair if you need to sit down during the screening process.

* You should be allowed to raise you arms out during an inspection only as far as you indicate you can.

* You should be allowed to remain in your wheelchair if you indicate that you are unable to stand and/or walk through the metal detector.

* You may request a pat-down inspection in lieu of going through the metal detector or being hand-wanded. You do not need to disclose why you would like this option.

* If you have a disability, condition, or implant, that you would like to remain private and confidential, ask the Security Officer to please be discreet when assisting you through the screening process.

* You have the right to ask a Security Officer to change her/his gloves during the physical inspection of your accessible property, before performing a physical search (pat-down,) or any time a Security Officer handles your footwear.

* Medication and related supplies that are carried through a checkpoint are normally X-rayed. However, as a customer service, TSA now allows you the option of requesting a visual inspection of your medication and associated supplies.

* You must request a visual inspection before the screening process begins; otherwise you medications and supplies will undergo X-ray inspection.

* If you would like to take advantage of this option, please have your medication and associated supplies separated from your other property and in a separate pouch/bag when you approach the Security Officer at the walk-through metal detector. Request the visual inspection and hand your medication bag to the Security Officer.

* In order to prevent contamination or damage to medication and associated supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during the visual inspection.

* Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for X-ray screening. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.

Make sure you check for the latest updates at the TSA web site.

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Tourists With Disabilities

Posted: June 1st, 2010 | Author: admin | Filed under: Camping | Tags: Disabilities, Tourists | No Comments »

And many game reserves and places of interest have specially adapted accommodation and wheelchair-friendly facilities and walks. Many short trails also have Braille interpretation plaques.

Flamingo Tours specialises in tours for people with disabilities.

You would be amazed what some wheelchair-dependent people have done in South Africa â€“ abseiled off Table Mountain; dared the highest bungy jump in the world at Bloukrans Bridge; tubed the awesome Storms River Gorge; hiked most of the Outeniqua Trail (this was a hard one); flown a microlight; and learned to scuba dive. The sky’s the limit. Oh yes, and skydived. (This was not all done by the same person!)

Accessible opportunities in the natural environment

South African National Parks, as national assets, should be accessible destinations to everyone regardless of their mental, sensory or physical capabilities.

The Delta Environmental Centre (Gauteng Province)has the 180metre long Sasol Sensory Trail which was initially conceptualised as a short environmental education trail for disabled people. Through consultation with Eco-Access, it was finally designed as an accessible interactive environmental education experience for the hundreds of learners who pass through the Centre on a weekly basis, including learners who happen to be disabled.

The trail is simple, paved, has wide pathways and many interesting stopping points. It blends in with the surrounding environment and is based on the fact that the Centre offers personal interpretation to all groups that visit it.

The de Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre (North West Province) has a programme called â€˜Reach for the Wild’. An accessible trail, named the â€˜Rob and Julie Filmer Sensory Trail’, allows all people, including disabled people, the opportunity to experience the African bush. It was also initially conceptualised as a trail for disabled people but now forms the basis of all de Wildt’s environmental education programmes. The environmental education centre is accessible and available for all those who participate in these programmes. Again, this Centre benefits from personal interpretation of the environment being offered to all groups.

SANParks Boulders Beach Boardwalk (Western Cape) is another example where everyone has the opportunity to visit the penguins on the beach using the boardwalk.

Owing to negative pressure from the surrounding community, parking and access to the boardwalk is extremely difficult without prior arrangements being made. However, once on the boardwalk, anyone can use it.

For many other trails and programmes in various parts of South Africa see Eco-Access, including, apart from those mentioned above, the Rob Filmer Lichen Trail at the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve in the Mpumalanga province, the Rhino Trail at the Berg-en-Dal camp at the Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga province, the Fossil Trail at the Karroo National Park in the Northern Cape province, the PPC Discovery trail at the Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape province, the Dragonfly walkway and Jacana Bridge and the Kingfisher Birdhide at the Nylsvley Nature Reserve in the Limpopo province, The Palmiet Hiking Trail at the Hottentots Holland Nature reserve in the Western Cape Province and the bird hide and walkway at the Blesbokspruit Nature reserve in the Gauteng Province.

Tourists with disabilities information presented by African Welcome, a South African car rental company also operating in Namibia.

Travel Preparation for People with Disabilities

Posted: May 25th, 2010 | Author: admin | Filed under: Travel For Disabled | Tags: Disabilities, People, Preparation, travel | 1 Comment »

As more and more governments begin to enforce law that requires provision for disability friendly facilities across the globe it is becoming easier and easier for those with disabilities to go on vacation or take business trips. Restaurants, hotels, airports, stations and all other public centers are becoming more accessible to the disabled and thus enabling more people to take part in the joys of travel. Of the many countries that have embraced disability law the United States is at the forefront in providing public access for people with disabilities. Other countries have also followed suit and it is now possible for disabled persons to travel to almost anywhere in the world with ease and cost effectively.

It is however important to note certain factors before embarking on a journey as a disabled person or in the company of a disabled person. Because of the special needs of disabled travelers there are a number of issues that need to be considered before setting of on vacation. Traveling by air, ship bus or car one need to ensure the necessary provisions are made for particular disabilities. Wheelchair access, whether or not guide dogs are allowed, are but a few of the considerations that should be dealt with in the planning phase. Each individual’s personal needs should be analyzed to come up with a plan that will enable the journey to be enjoyable and stress free.

There are resources that provide adequate information for people with disabilities with regard to travel such as Global Access. This company offers an online travel resource for disabled persons providing information on a wide variety of issues concerning travel for the disabled. The time of travel may also be an issue as some places are less accessible or friendly to the disabled at certain times. There are resources that guide travelers on the optimum times of travel for minimum hassle. Having this information can be invaluable and goes a long way in ensuring a successful trip. Having a companion is very important for disabled travelers as it removes some of the anxiety of travel. Whenever possible it is advisable to take a companion along who will aid in the entire journey process and hence allow for relaxation and enjoyment. Carrying all that is required along the journey is as important as the preceding tips, having all the medication and equipment that one normally has will enable for stress free traveling. With this in mind it is important not to carry in excess of what is a complete necessity. Having all that you need is important but excess luggage offers only more challenges rather than comfort.

Finally disabled persons should be aware of their rights which include equal access to all forms of transit and thus there should be a provision for such at least across the United States.

7 Must Know Tips for Passengers with Disabilities- Part 2

Posted: May 19th, 2010 | Author: admin | Filed under: Travel For Disabled | Tags: Disabilities, know, Must, Part, Passengers, tips | 1 Comment »

When you make your reservation, communicate your needs to the airlines. Make plans ahead of time for items such as: oxygen supply for origin, transfer hubs and destination, a porter to help with luggage, and/or a wheelchair to help you move through the airport with ease and with less stress.

All passengers with disabilities should arrive at the airport a minimum of 2 hours early. You should always ask the airlines for a gate pass at the time of check in. Gate (escort) passes are for relatives, companions, or assistants who are not flying but accompanying the passenger to the gate. A gate pass is subject to the airlines discretion. Place identification tags on all checked baggage, carry-ons, equipment, and mobility aids and devices. Remember that your medical equipment, mobility aids and devices are exempt from the 2 carry-on or checked baggage rule.

Passengers should always consult their doctor for the best method of screening. Passengers with a pace-maker, defibrillator or insulin pump should choose the full-body pat-down. Any metal detector could drain the battery in your medical device. If your doctor tells you that your medical equipment cannot go through the x-ray machine or needs special handling, inform the screener and ask for a visual inspection.

There are alternative ways for a passenger to be screened if they do not want to or cannot walk through the walk-through metal detector. When a passenger with a disability approaches a screener, the screener should always be discreet if the person’s disability is discussed and not visible. They should also ask the passenger if they need assistance. The screener should offer all screening methods. They will ask the passenger if he or she prefers to walk through the metal detector, receive a hand-wanding or a full body pat-down. It’s the passenger’s choice. You do not need to disclose your medical condition if you choose to take an alternative screening method. If the passenger walks through the metal detector and it alarms, then the screener will conduct secondary screening using a hand-held metal detector or pat-down.

Ask the screener to change their gloves before undergoing a full-body pat-down or hand-wanding. This will eliminate other people’s germs from spreading. You may ask to sit before, during, and after the screening process if you need to. If you cannot remove your shoes because of your disability, then don’t. Other screening procedures will be performed to clear your shoes through security. Inform the screener of all sensitive areas on your body before undergoing hand-wanding or a pat-down.

At no time during the screening process should a passenger be asked to take off a prosthetic device for screening, nor should a passenger volunteer. Expect an alternative screening procedure, which will include an explosive trace detection test. This will test your prosthetic for explosives and is required by federal law in order for you to proceed to the gate area.

Sometimes screeners need to be able to visually clear a medical device worn on the outside of the body. If this is the case, a private screening should be offered as a requirement by the screener. If this doesn’t happen, the passenger should then request it if they want it. There should always be 2 screeners of the same gender as you (one being a lead or supervisor), you and your family member or companion. Ask for a supervisor or manager if there are only 2 of you going into private screening. You should never be separated from your family member, assistant, or companion when going through the screening process, unless dictated by you. Once your family member has been screened they can offer assistance or directions on the best method for screening if you are not able to communicate it to the screener.

Travel with less stress and be flexible with the changes that come your way with airport security.

Natalia Ippolito, a former airport screener and author of: I MIGHT AS WELL BE NAKED: How to Survive Airport Screening With Your Clothes On.

Receive her FREE Tip of The Week, Sample Chapter Ultimate Packing List or Unknown Violations and Fines Report at http://www.airportbook.com

15 Important Tips Revealed: Airport Screening for Children with Disabilities!

Posted: May 4th, 2010 | Author: admin | Filed under: Travel For Disabled | Tags: Airport, Children, Disabilities, Important, Revealed, Screening, tips | 12 Comments »

Children are born to move. They have tons of energy and need an outlet to burn it up, so it can be tough to get them to be still and listen. It is even more difficult for children who have special needs or disabilities to be confined to an area.

Most large airports have a designated lane for passengers with a disability. It normally is marked with a universal handicap symbol (blue placard). If you have a child with a disability, you may utilize this lane if it is available at your airport. You can also use the kid friendly lanes. If you don’t see a blue placard right away, then tell the boarding pass/identification checker that you will need to use a lane designated for children with a disability, and he or she will direct you.

Some smaller airports may not have an extra lane; therefore, you may be directed to a lane for secondary screening. If you are not selected for secondary screening, you shouldn’t have to wait behind those passengers who are. A screener should screen you first. If this does not happen, ask to speak with a supervisor. I suggest you call the airport ahead of time and ask if security checkpoint has a person with disabilities lane available.

If your child is in a wheelchair, expect the screener to ask you if the child can walk through the metal detector. This question will be asked for the sole reason to prevent the child from having to go through secondary screening which includes the dreaded hand-wanding or pat-down. If your child cannot walk, screeners are trained to screen him or her either by a pat-down with the child seated in the wheelchair or a hand-wanding if he or she can stand. It is completely up to you, the parent, how you want your child to be screened.

The same guidelines apply to children as they do for adults for prosthetic devices, oxygen, casts, braces or any medical condition or device. If your doctor tells you that your medical device cannot go through the x-ray or you cannot walk through the metal detector, then don’t. Have your medical device hand-checked and ask for a pat-down.

The screeners, like the parent, want what is best for the child during the screening process. Screeners want a positive experience for everyone and do their best to get you on your way.

TIPS

1. Go directly to the boarding pass/ID checker, bypassing the line. You do not have to wait in line.

2. Stay together. An adult always needs to be present during screening if the child is a minor.

3. Ask the screener to change their gloves.

4. Ask for a chair at any time if your child needs one during the screening process.

5. Ask for a private screening if you don’t want the screening to be conducted in public.

6. If your child cannot or does not want to walk through the metal detector, then ask for a hand-wanding or pat-down.

7. If your child is in a wheelchair, he or she can be screened sitting down.

8. Tell the screener what your child’s physical capabilities and limitations are.

9. You should always have a clear view of all carry-on baggage.

10. Parents should assist if they feel it’s necessary after they have been screened.

11. Parents should communicate the best way to screen their children.

12. The screener or porter should assist you by placing your carry-ons on the x-ray belt.

13. The screener should reunite you with your carry-ons and any medical devices once they have been screened.

14. The screener will not move or lift your child from his or her medical device.

15. Call the airlines ahead of time and make arrangements for a porter to assist you and for any medical aids or devices you need for your trip.

Natalia Ippolito, a former airport screener and author of: I MIGHT AS WELL BE NAKED: How to Survive Airport Screening With Your Clothes On.

Receive her FREE Tip of The Week, Sample Chapter Ultimate Packing List or Unknown Violations and Fines Report at http://www.airportbook.com

7 Must Know Tips for Passengers with Disabilities- Part 1

Posted: May 3rd, 2010 | Author: admin | Filed under: Travel For Disabled | Tags: Disabilities, know, Must, Part, Passengers, tips | No Comments »

When traveling through airport security it is important for all passengers to be comfortable with the screening process. Passengers with disabilities should go directly to the boarding pass identification checker, bypassing the line at security checkpoint. The checker will direct the passenger to the lane that is recognized for people with disabilities or special needs. Ask if the lane is not clearly marked or noticeable.

This lane allows the passenger extra time if needed to go through the screening process without additional stress. Screeners can and will assist passengers with disabilities once the passenger arrives for the screening process. Screeners should always ask permission before touching or helping you. They can offer a hand, arm or shoulder to assist the passenger through the walk-through metal detector. They also can assist with loading and unloading your carry-on baggage.

A passenger should never feel rushed. Most airports have porters in front of the airports to assist all passengers with their luggage. A porter also has a dual function of assisting passengers to and from the gate and throughout the airport when necessary. A person who requires additional assistance throughout the screening process should contact the airlines ahead of time and arrange porter service.

Always consult your doctor prior to traveling for the best screening process for you and inform the screener how you want to be screened. Screeners should always inform the passenger of the process whether they are in primary or secondary screening. A private screening should be offered before the process begins. You may request a private screening at any time. Two screeners of the same gender as you should be present during private screening. Whether you are in private screening or not, always ask the screener to change his or her gloves before they touch you or your personal items. This will reduce the amount of germs picked up from other people’s baggage.

Liquids, gels and creams that are used for medical conditions or devices are automatically exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. 3 ounces or less, one zip-top bag and 1 bag per person. If your liquid medication is over 3 ounces, place those items in a separate plastic zip-top bag and hand it over for inspection. Only take enough medication in your carry-on baggage for the flight. Place all additional liquid medication in your checked baggage.

All medication must be clearly marked with a manufacturers or pharmacy label. Normally, medication is x-rayed; however, you can request a physical inspection if your doctor recommends it. Always use a plastic bag and pack your medication separate from other carry-on items. To avoid contamination or damage, you will be asked to handle and repack your medication throughout the visual inspection process. Any medication that cannot be visually cleared must be x-rayed to allow you into the sterile area of the airport.

7 Must Know Tips for Passengers with Disabilities

1. You will be screened in your wheelchair or scooter if you cannot stand or walk.

2. Ask the screener to assist you with taking off or putting on your shoes. Shoehorns should be available.

3. Companions or a family member should make suggestions on the best way to screen a person with a disability or may accompany and assist you through the screening process.

4. Contact the airlines in advance for their procedures in handling additional medical aids, such as an oxygen supplier or a wheelchair.

5. Discreetly discuss with the screener what your physical limitations or capabilities are before you start a hand-wanding or pat-down procedure.

6. Medical supplies, equipment, mobile aids, and/or assistive devices are exempt from the one carry-on plus one personal item rule.

7. If you have a medical device implant inside or outside your body, always check with your doctor prior to traveling for the best and safest way to be screened at checkpoint. Ask if it is safe for you to walk through the metal detector or to be hand-wanded. If it is determined that you cannot walk through the metal detector, then quietly ask for a full-body pat-down.

Natalia Ippolito, a former airport screener and author of: I MIGHT AS WELL BE NAKED: How to Survive Airport Screening With Your Clothes On.

Receive her FREE Tip of The Week, Sample Chapter Ultimate Packing List or Unknown Violations and Fines Report at http://www.airportbook.com

Travel For Disabled People

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Guidelines For The Screening Process For Travelers With Disabilities And Medical Conditions

Tourists With Disabilities

Travel Preparation for People with Disabilities

7 Must Know Tips for Passengers with Disabilities- Part 2

15 Important Tips Revealed: Airport Screening for Children with Disabilities!

7 Must Know Tips for Passengers with Disabilities- Part 1

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