GLOBAL ACCESS NEWS VOLUME I

GLOBAL ACCESS NEWS E-ZINE
VOLUME I, NUMBER 9, December 2000
Copyright © 2000, Global Access News
http://www.globalaccessnews.com

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Please note: Any Internet links mentioned in this E-Zine were verified as functioning as of the date on this E-Zine. Websites and e-mail addresses, however, change frequently, so changes may have occurred after that date.

Welcome to the December 2000 issue of the Global Access News Travel E-Zine. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to write us and share your travel experiences.

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CONTENTS

1. LONDON THEATRE GUIDE
2. LONDON EYE FERRIS WHEEL
3. LONDON’S VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM
4. HOLLAND AMERICA IMPROVEMENTS
5. SEATTLE METRO MAP
6. SOUTH AFRICA WHEELING
7. AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE

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1. LONDON THEATRE GUIDE

The Society of London Theatre announced their new online site for disabled theatre goers in London. Visit www.theatre-access.co.uk for information on wheelchair access, sound amplification systems and guide dog admission policy. A free print version is also available in Braille, large type and on tape by calling 011-44-20-7557 6751.

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2. LONDON EYE FERRIS WHEEL

Ellie R, of Seattle, reports that London’s 450-foot-high Ferris wheel offers good wheelchair access and birds-eye views of the city. The half-hour ride, situated on the banks of the Thames, sports 32 glass-enclosed capsules that each holds 25 people. Tickets are $17 per person. Ellie recommends buying tickets in advance. Call 011-44-870-5000-600 in London or 0870-5000-600 from the U.S.

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3. LONDON’S VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM

Sean M, of Boston, MA, was pleased with the superb access of London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. “The museum has a handy map depicting the best wheelchair routes,” he said. “The entire museum is accessible, but plan to stay at least half a day as there is so much to see.” The museum, which showcases decorative arts, sculpture and fabric, has 145 galleries.

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4. HOLLAND AMERICA IMPROVEMENTS

Holland America is making improvements to the tenders used to carry passengers from ship to shore and back. Any wheelchair user who has taken a cruise knows that these tenders are often a dicey arrangement requiring the strength and dexterity of a gymnast to use. The floating platform attached to gangway of the anchored ship and the tender bobbing in the waves makes it tricky to board the tender. Wheelchair users invariably rely on ship crewmembers to help negotiate the hurdles. Holland America Cruise Lines hopes to make the process easier and safer by using a specially designed lift. The wheelchair passenger is locked onto a lift running from the gangway to the tender. A ramp aboard the tender allows the wheelchair user to wheel onto the tender and be locked safely into place, which provides a view from the tender’s windows. After arriving at the destination’s dock, the lift’s hydraulic system can be used to decrease the distance between the dock and the tender, so that a wheelchair can easily roll off the tender onto the dock. So far, the Statendam, which cruises to Alaska, has been outfitted with the new lift, and the Volendam and the Ryndam will be upgraded next.

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5. SEATTLE METRO MAP

A map of Seattle’s Accessible Downtown Metro is now available to help navigate Seattle’s Westlake Center, the Washington State Convention and Trade and the International District. The map, which includes trolley and bus routes, denotes which buildings have accessible elevators and points out the best travel routes for wheelchair users. In Seattle, the Monorail, waterfront streetcars and Metro buses are accessible. For a copy of the map, call 206-689-3113 or visit the web site and click on “Accessible” at http://transit.metrokc.gov/

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6. SOUTH AFRICA WHEELING

Clive Anfield traveled to Cape Town, South Africa to research access for the RollingSA accessible tour venture. He shares his report at http://www.globalaccessnews.com/south_africa_wheeling__by_clive.htm

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7. AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE

Earlier this year, James Glasbergen traveled to Australia with a friend. He shares his “Down Under” adventure at http://www.globalaccessnews.com/touringaustralia2000.htm

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Global Access News welcomes your travel reports, tips and comments at clearpath@cox.net
Thanks for sharing!

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