TRAVEL TIPS

    If you’re in a wheelchair and flying in to visit Santa Cruz
    (or anywhere else), try these helpful tips:

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• If you are flying with a motorized wheelchair, bring documentation about the type of battery your wheelchair uses.

• Tape easy-to-read instructions about how to handle your wheelchair in a very visible place on your wheelchair.

• Pack a wheelchair repair kit. For security reasons, it’s best to stow this kit in your checked luggage.

• Carry medicine, medical equipment and personal care items with you in your carry-on luggage.

• Know Your Rights—The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel. This law requires US air carriers to accommodate the needs of passengers with disabilities. The Department of Transportation publishes “New Horizons, Information for the Air Traveler with a Disability.” This booklet is available on-line: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/new-horizons-information-air-traveler-disability

• Gather information and make needed reservations with medical supply companies, wheelchair repair and transportation at your destination well in advance.

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    ON THE GROUND

• Avis and Hertz both have hand control cars available for rent. Reserve well in advance and verify reservations the day of the trip.

• Horsnyder’s Pharmacy rents wheelchairs and The Bicycle Trip repairs them, as does Rehabilitation Specialists. Sharedadventures.org rents Beach wheelchairs. See medical supply section in this guide for these listings.