GLOBAL ACCESS DISABLED TRAVEL NE

GLOBAL ACCESS NEWS TRAVEL E-ZINE
VOLUME I, NUMBER 2, May 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 May 2000 Global Access News Travel E-Zine. In this issue, we circle the globe and share travel tips and access information provided by our many resourceful readers and supporters throughout the world. Thanks to each and every one of you for taking the time to write us and help other travelers.

CONTENTS

1. LONDON THEATRE ACCESS
2. LONDON DISCOUNTS
3. RAMP
4. ACCESS IN DENMARK
5. WHEELIE'S GUIDE TO AUSTRALIA
6. MELBOURNE MOBILITY MAP
7. MAGICAL INDIA
8. EURO SUMMER FESTIVALS
9. ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE

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1. LONDON THEATRE ACCESS

While the age and design of many London theatres often translates into poor access for disabled theatre mavens, London’s Artsline (54 Chalton Street, London NW1 1HS. Phone/Minicom: 0171 388 2227) is endeavoring to fill the information gap. Artsline publishes “Open Door,” an access guide to London theatres, as well as a pamphlet titled “Disabled Access Guide to London's West End Theatres.” Their free information line is also a boon to accessible cultural programs in London. Thanks to Kay W., of Miami, for sending this tip.

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2. LONDON DISCOUNTS

Marc F., of Boston, MA, reports that many of London’s famous sites, e.g. Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, as well as some of the museums, provide discounts for disabled visitors. Discounts often take the form of half-price tickets, free admission for a disabled person, and/or free admission for an able-bodied person assisting a wheelchair user.

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3. RAMP

Planning a driving holiday in Britain? RAMP (Route-Finding and Access Maps) can steer you on the road to a happy holiday. RAMP helps disabled drivers locate accessible accommodations, cafés, and restaurants, toilets and tourist attractions. The service also provides road maps detailing the best routes to your chosen destinations provided your requests include a 24-hour notice. In Phone: (01743) 761181. Thanks to Leonard M., of London, for providing this tip.

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4. ACCESS IN DENMARK

Jenny G., of Bozeman, MT, was delighted with how useful she found “Access in Denmark” during her first trip to her father’s homeland. The free comprehensive guide, published by the Danish Tourist Board, covers everything from accessible accommodations, campgrounds, restaurants and tourist sites, taxis, railways and ferries. It also includes more mundane (but necessary) venues of where to rent or repair a wheelchair and locate a dentist with an accessible office. Write Scandinavian Tourism, 655 Third Avenue. New York, New York 10017-5616 or e-mail msc@dt.dk

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5. A WHEELIE'S HANDBOOK OF AUSTRALIA

In the early 1980s, a disabled friend of mine carefully planned his first trip to Australia. At that time, access information for the land of OZ was nil. Not knowing if he could count on accessible accommodations, transportation and attractions, my friend reluctantly decided to leave his power chair at home and reluctantly settled for his attendant pushing his manual chair.

Thankfully, wheelchair users planning to visit Australia need not sacrifice their mobility independence any longer because writers such as Colin James continue to broadcast Australia’s excellent access progress. James, a well-known entertainer, traveled the continent with his wife Diane to compile “The Wheelie’s Handbook of Australia,” which includes over 500 accessible accommodations in over 300 towns and 400 accessible tourist attractions.

This wonderfully comprehensive book is thoughtfully cone-bound so readers can easily turn pages rather than wrestle with traditional stiff binding.

Ever wonder if you can catch a wheelchair taxi in Sydney, wheel on an accessible Australian beach or cuddle a real live koala? If so, this is the book for you.

James’ handbook is also a continuing work in progress because he continually updates his web site with newly discovered accessible venues throughout Australia. http://home.vicnet.net.au/~wheelies/

“The Wheelie’s Handbook of Australia” is now available by writing Colin James, 3 Furner Avenue, Bell Park, Victoria 3215 Australia. Cost per book is AU$22.95 (within Australia), or AU$32.25 (Asia and New Zealand); $AU35.25 (for orders from Europe, the U.S.A. and other countries). Bankcard, VISA, and MasterCard credit cards are accepted.

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6. MELBOURNE MOBILITY MAP

If a trip to Melbourne is in your future, check out their mobility map of the central business area. Published by the city of Melbourne, this interactive map depicts accessible routes, telephones, toilets, and parking, along with local landmarks and tourist sites. Hard copies of this mobility map are available free at information booths throughout Melbourne. www.accessmelbourne.vic.gov.au/index2.html

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7. MAGICAL INDIA

Sue Willis and her daughter Joanna journeyed from Sydney, Australia to Kottakkal, Kerala India to experience the wonders of Ayurvedic medicine. Their trip was not without a few surprises. Visit the Subcontinent with them and experience a bit of “Magical India,” this month’s feature article on Global Access News.
http://www.globalaccessnews.com/magicalindia2000.htm

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8. EURO SUMMER FESTIVALS

Summer festivals are a rampant throughout Europe, and Laurent L., of France, continues to research disabled access to cultural events in Aix-en-Provence and Orange (opera and classical music), Avignon (theatre and contemporary dance), and Arles (photography).

Visit his web site at http://www.handinaute.org and plan your trip around the festivals. Updates to the festival list, including Montpellier (dance and music), Marseille (dance, theatre and classical music), La Roque d'Anthron (piano), Antibes-Juan les Pins (jazz), and Vaison la Romaine will be posted on the site as more information becomes available.

Festival access reports can be automatically translated into English, German and (soon) Italian. http://www.handinaute.org

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9. ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE

The Asia Pacific Conference on Tourism for People with Disability will be held in Bali, Indonesia from September 24 -28, 2000. Visit their web site at http://www.aptpwd.com

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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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