III. Take charge through your plan
Table of Contents
From the information you have gathered, it's time to build your travel plan and book it through your agent, directly with the transportation company or online.
When you make your reservation, mention your disability and what your service needs are. Ask your transportation company about what other services they may have. You may also check their Web site for information.
If you need any services from your transportation company, give them as much notice as possible. Companies are expected to arrange most services for you when you give them at least 48 hours notice. With less than 48 hours notice, they should make a reasonable effort to help you.
You can arrange to receive help at several points along your journey, such as:
- checking in;
- moving through the terminal;
- boarding, connections and disembarking;
- storing and retrieving baggage;
- moving to and from washrooms;
- transferring from a personal wheelchair to a seat, including using a boarding chair; and
- moving through customs and immigration zones.
You may want a friend or family member to help make your way through a terminal. Ask ahead of time if you can get a temporary pass to get your escort through the secure zone to the boarding area.
Note: In cases of unmanned stations, such as remote railway stops, a traveller may have to make their own arrangements for boarding. Ask your travel agency or the railway about alternatives.
You should note that transportation companies are not required to provide assistance with:
- eating and drinking;
- taking medication;
- using washrooms; or
- communicating without a pen and paper or without speaking.
If you need this help, your transportation company may require you to travel with a personal attendant. It may offer a discount or even a free ticket for your attendant.
Note: You should get confirmation in writing about the services you will receive. This will help you to verify arrangements before you leave and again along the way.
You will also have to plan on how you will get from home to the terminal and from the final terminal to your destination. In larger communities, there is a variety of accessible transportation available from taxis and buses to rental cars. Smaller communities may have fewer choices. You may need to reserve ahead of time to make sure your ride is available to get you from point A to point B.
