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GLOBAL ACCESS NEWS TRAVEL E-ZINE
VOLUME I, NUMBER 4, July 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 August 2000 issue of the Global Access News Travel E-Zine. Summer travel Thanks to everyone for taking the time to write us and share your travel experiences.

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CONTENTS

1. ADA MAY NOW APPLY TO FOREIGN CRUISE SHIPS
2. ACCESSIBLE TAXIS PROPOSED FOR NEW YORK CITY
3. ACCESSIBLE BUSES IN FLORENCE, ITALY
4. CORNWALL HOLIDAYS
5. CRUISING ALASKA
6. SINGAPORE & AUSTRALIA
7. AIR RIGHTS IN CANADA

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1. ADA MAY NOW APPLY TO FOREIGN CRUISE SHIPS

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) may now apply to foreign ships registered abroad, according to a recent ruling by a federal appeals court in Atlanta. This particular ruling stemmed from the case of Tammy Stevens, of Jacksonville, Fla., who sued Premier Cruises after she was allegedly handed a bucket to replace the cabin toilet, which was beyond her reach. As we go to press, however, Premier Cruises remains undecided as to whether to appeal this decision or not. In previous cases, the courts have found cruise lines exempt from ADA regulations, but this ruling could finally mark a change regarding how disabled passengers are accommodated on foreign owned cruise ships on the high seas.

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2. ACCESSIBLE TAXIS PROPOSED FOR NEW YORK CITY

New York City may soon have accessible taxis. Diane McGrath McKechnie, the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commissioner, recently submitted a proposal requesting this service, which is usually provided by minivans with folding ramps on either the back or on the side of the vehicle. According to the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, approximately fourteen cities in the United States and seven Canadian cities have accessible cabs in operation. U.S. cities with accessible cabs include Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Boston and Las Vegas.

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3. ACCESSIBLE BUSES IN FLORENCE

Janee Lamar, of Tustin, CA, reports that she had a blast cruising around Florence, Italy on their new accessible buses. “Look for the new gray and green buses,” she advises. “Routes 7, 12, 13, 23, 27, and 30 have an electric platform and a wheelchair space onboard. Florence also has a small wheelchair accessible electric bus (route D), which travels through the city center.” Lamar warns travelers not to expect a tranquil visit to Florence this year. “The high value of the U.S. dollar has this lovely city jammed with busy sightseers,” she said. For additional information, visit Florence’s ATAF web site www.ataf.net/SchedaIng.asp?P=8364

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4. CORNWALL HOLIDAYS

Cornwall Disabled Association provides accessible holiday information including accessible coaches and caravan rentals in one of Britain’s most scenic areas. http://www.cda.care4free.net/

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5. CRUISING ALASKA

Locating accessible cruise ships is essential for smooth sailing. “Cruising Alaska,” one of three Global Access News features this month, presents two very different cruising experiences. Kathy Dunn showcases the Regal Princess at
http://www.globalaccessnews.com/cruisingalaska.htm and Vladimir Drobashevsky describes his recent cruise on the Sky Princess at tp://www.globalaccessnews.com/alaskasky_princess.htm

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6. SINGAPORE & AUSTRALIA

Hilton Purvis and Loretta Jakubiec, who are frequent contributors to Global Access News, have (once again) provided us with a beautifully detailed account of their journey to Singapore and Australia.
http://www.globalaccessnews.com/singaaustral2000.htm

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7. AIR RIGHTS IN CANADA

Know before you go! The Canadian Transportation Agency now has an online web site stating Air Travel Accessibility Regulations for that country. The site covers everything from assistance animals to on board services and the repair and return of damaged mobility aids.
http://www.cta-otc.gc.ca/eng/air/atdregs.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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