Being Aware and Prepared for Emergencies.

In today’s day in age we tend to witness many different tragedies even though we do not choose to.  It has become common occurrence to see and hear stories on TV, the internet and sadly, close around us.  That being said, it is not unreasonable to be prepared.

                  There are many different kinds of disasters that we must be aware of as well as, acknowledge what we can do to prevent and essentially keep ourselves safe. Living with a disability may not always be easy, so it is crucial to know which safety tips are most beneficial and in which type of disaster. Consider a fire or the weather; both can cause serious damage and put lives at risk.  Know how to stay prepared and be alert of the situation.

                  Fires occur daily and for many different reasons. Here are some ways in which you can do your part to prevent a fire.

• Turn stovetops off when leaving your home and make sure to stay in the kitchen when you do cook something on the stovetop.
• Keep any lose articles of clothing or hand towels out of the way of any hot burners.
• Blow out any candles you have burning before leaving the area.
• Be watchful of appliances such as space heaters as they are known to cause fires. Keep blankets, towels, clothing etc. away from a space heater.
• Keep flammable chemicals away from any hot surface.
• Most importantly, make sure any cigarette that you smoke is put out. Better yet, to improve your over-all health, don’t smoke at all!

A fire isn’t the only common disaster that may occur. Many disasters are caused by Mother Nature herself. There’s a season for hurricanes and a season for rain, as there is for tornadoes and snow. All year round there is the potential for a natural disaster. The most important thing you can to do be in tune with it all is keep an emergency kit somewhere in your home as well as, having a backup plan for what you may do and where you may go if need be.  New Horizons Village does issue a safety kit to each resident. This kit should include at a minimum…

• 2 six packs of water (2-3 days’ worth).
• A supply of non-perishable food such as protein bars, canned foods, dry cereal etc.
• Pet supplies.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Emergency Health information.
• A Change of clothes for 2-3 days.
• A flashlight with extra batteries.
• A copy of medical and Medicare cards.
• A warm blanket.
• Can opener.

Having a backup plan is essentially an evacuation plan.  If advanced notice of extreme weather is given, have a plan in place to be evacuated to a family member’s home that is out of harm’s way.  New Horizons has an emergency plan in place and is ready to respond to whatever storm, power outage, street blocking obstacle Mother Nature or Mankind may throw our way, but it is always safer to opt for being in an area where the danger is at its lowest level.  Think smart and in advance so you know what you’ll do in the event of an emergency.  If you’d like more information on emergency preparedness – shoot us an email and we’ll connect you.

Here is the link to Connecticut’s pdf on safety and emergency preparedness.  Take a look at it and see how prepared you are.

http://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/communications/preparedness/emer_prep_guide_final.pdf

 

 

 

 

                  

Coconut Oil VS. Olive Oil

Both olive and coconut oil are beneficial to your health. It is not clear however, which of the two is better for what. Let’s take a look at the pro’s and con’s of using these oils and in what ways can you use them.

 

Coconut Oil

When it comes to cooking oils, coconut oil has a bad reputation for being loaded with saturated fats. What you don’t know is that the saturated fats in the coconut are actually the GOOD type of saturated fats, not the kind that are deteriorating to your health.

With this stereotype out of the way, it is said that the oil from coconuts has indeed, many different uses that are beneficial in all areas of life.  Whether on the makeup stand, in the shower or on the kitchen counter, you’ll find that coconut oil won’t let you down.

• Coconut oil can be used for medicinal purposes.  It is been shown that the fatty acids in the oil can go straight to the liver for energy or turned into ketone-bodies which may fight against certain brain disorders. Aside from that, coconut oil also gives an outstanding boost to the immune system. The oil also acts as an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and aides in the burning of fat. Many more uses can be found by reliable sources throughout the internet.  Just to name a few…   http://draxe.com/ , http://www.lewrockwell.com/2013/09/no_author/160-uses-for-coconut-oil/
• Beauty and Home Care Many users of coconut oil swear by its many uses and claim that it can be used as an aide on almost anything. Popular uses around the home include seasoning for cast iron pans, stain remover, or as a low SPF sunscreen as well as, being used to concoct numerous moisturizers and lotions.

Olive Oil

Olive oil has been around since the beginning of civilization and has become an even bigger fascination today. Olive oil, just like coconut oil, can be used in almost anything and for many different health and beauty purposes.  

• When it Comes to Health… One of the most highly acknowledged uses of olive oil has been centered on heart health. Including the use of olive oil in many of the dishes you cook, may actually reduce your risk of heart diseases and complications. For women, the consumption of olive oil may also protect AGAINST breast cancer! According to http://www.robbinsfamilyfarm.com/101-olive-oil-benefits/ , olive oil contains something called a phytochemical, which is found to kill cancer cells and suppress the cancer gene.
• In the Beauty Routine. Olive oil has been around since ancient times. In fact, the Greeks, as well as other ancient civilizations did not have soap and used olive oil to cleanse their skin. That’s why many soaps include olive oil in their formulas because it does an excellent job of cleaning as well as moisturizing. Olive oil can also be used as a way to prevent wrinkles, tackle cellulite and fight against certain types of acne. For more information see http://www.robbinsfamilyfarm.com/101-olive-oil-benefits/ or http://www.oliveoiltimes.com/olive-oil .

 

 

 

Many health gurus out there claim that there are many herbs, oils, spices and foods that can be used for more than what they seem. These two oils are examples of such and have outstanding stories behind them. Both fight against cancer causing agents as well as, perfect the skin and the home. It’s safe to say that until you try them, you may not know what you’re missing.  

 

Submitted by Stephanie Bogazis

 

 

Top Running Shoes for this Coming Running Season

Heart Health

Keep Your Heart Healthy

 

 

            It you haven’t given focus to your heart health, now is the time! As you work toward improving your health and one of the most important things to focus on is your heart health. The heart must be kept especially in shape due to the idea of heart disease.  3 out of every 4 deaths in the United States is due to heart disease.

The heart is a vital organ needed for every day life, as well as one of the most important organs in our bodies. Without it, we simply cannot live.

           

            One of the most important steps in being heart healthy is to know your risk and the risk factors that are apparent in your every day life.  Are you physically inactive? Are you prone to high blood pressure and cholesterol? Do you smoke? Are you overweight? These are some questions to ask yourself when weighing out the factors that put you at risk for heart disease.

 

            On that note, it is also important to find ways in which you can keep your heart healthy. Keep in mind, there are plenty of ways to do so that are wheel chair accessible.      

 

            One thing to be aware of before you start any physical activity, is to know your limitations and how far you can go. Every person is unique and has different limitations. Always consult your physician before you begin a program – then go at a pace that is right for you.

 

            Adapted sports are a great place to start. You’ll stay in shape, as well as increase your social opportunities. Adapted sports include wheel chair rugby, tennis, basketball, golf and track. Don’t fret; there are lots of sports available! If you have an interest in a particular sport and are in a wheel chair, there are usually ways in which you can adapt to that sport.

 

            Adaptive sports are just one way to keep your heart in shape; working out is also another. Organizations like the YMCA put together classes for those with disabilities to engage in physical activity and stay in shape. These are adaptive workouts and allow for easier accessibility to exercise.

 

 Currently, New Horizons is hosting an adaptive workout right here in our very own great room! The adaptive workout class is held every Wednesday starting at 10:45 AM to 11:30 AM. Be sure to check it out! The class, Body Sculpt, is a class of low intensity that targets muscle strength, flexibility and endurance. This done by using a combination of weights, balls and bands to achieve the objectives listed above.

 

Listed below are a number of resources where you may find a number of simple and easy exercises you can do in your very own living room. When exercising, know your limits and always stay hydrated.

 

•       http://www.helpguide.org/life/workouts_exercise_overweight_disabled.htm#wheelchair
•       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CdwOe-5OaA
•       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQOilFnoyfc
•       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX6SgBLxl3s

  

 

 

 

 

           

           

 

Spring Clean your Diet!

We all engage in both good and bad habits throughout the winter.  It is positive thing to prepare for holidays and socialize with friends and family. It is also; however, a time when we tend to over indulge on foods we normally do not eat, resulting in a contrastingly unhealthier diet. Fortunately, spring is on its way and so is spring cleaning. Not is this a good time for cleaning out your home, but your diet as well.  According to www.runnersworld.com , there are 5 simple and healthy ways you can do so without getting involved in superficial diets and flushes.

1. Cut down on sugars. It is found; through research conducted by the American Journal of Public health that sugar intake during the winter months is increased by approximately 50 percent. Try searching through your kitchen for things with added sugars. These additions contribute empty calories which then contribute to weight gain and other health risks. Keep in mind everything you eat contains sugar. The difference is whether that sugar is natural or not. Foods with natural sugars include fruits, vegetables and dairy.
2. Put one healthy step forward with raw foods. Raw edibles contain less calories than cooked ones do. According to a study run by Harvard, this is because the heat used for cooking breaks down more calories for absorption. The heat also allows for less effort when digesting foods resulting in the burn of fewer calories.  Try snacking on raw veggies and fruits as well as raw nuts.  Got the munchies? Grab a few raw baby carrots or add some fresh fruit on top of yogurt.
3. Quench your thirst the right way. Why drink cold water in the frigid weather? Drinking ice-cold water in a season like winter isn’t always the preference. This fact makes it clear that we tend not to drink as much water in the winter as we should.  By drinking fresh water often we get the right amount of fluid intake we need as well as consuming less calories that are normally found in sugar filled drinks. If water isn’t your favorite beverage, teas, seltzers and coconut water may do the trick.
4. Put a little color in your meal.  Fruits and vegetables will spice up any meal and provide the proper vitamins and proteins everyone may be lacking.  Make sure to choose wide variety of color throughout your fruits and veggies. According to www.runnersworld.com , these colors contain vital antioxidants.
5. Finally, get in the kitchen! Our lives’ tend to consume us at times and we find that we have no time to cook a decent meal.  We live in an environment where fast food is at our fingertips’.  Make it a priority to use the kitchen to your advantage. You might not be saving time, but you are saving your health and your money. 

Inspired and re-blogged from runnersworld.com 

Lowering the Cost on Your Prescription Drugs

Now’s the time of year and many of us seem to find ourselves in the prescription pick-up line at the drugstore. Many of us can also agree that prescription drug costs are not always so friendly. Luckily, there are many different programs that will help reduce the cost of your prescriptions and relieve some of the stress you may have owing to the state of the current economy. Aide programs for the disabled include programs on the manufacturing level, as well as the state/community and federal levels. There is also an ExtraHelp program you can apply for that is run by Medicare.

There are assistance programs on both the national and state level; Medicaid and Medicare. Medicare is an insurance program that serves those who are young and disabled or those who are over the age of 65. This is a federal program. Medicaid on the other hand is for those who need assistance paying their medical bills. Through Medicaid, the person covered may find that they will pay little to nothing for their medical expenses. These expenses are paid for by local, state and federal tax funds. While Medicare may be the same throughout the nation, Medicaid differs among the states.

Another state program is called PACE (Pharmaceutical Assistance Program for the Elderly and disabled). To be eligible there are a few qualifications you must meet. You must be disabled as defined by the Department of Social Services, be over the age of 18, and have been a Connecticut resident for at least 6 months. The program requires a $45 enrollment fee and there is a limit to how much money (assistance) you are able to receive. You cannot already be receiving Medicaid benefits and you may not have an insurance plan that pays for or takes a fraction away from the cost of your prescriptions on a regular basis. You must also sign up for Medicare if you do not have it currently and apply for Part D coverage. There are many other factors affecting PACE coverage, please see connpace.com or http://www.medicare.gov/(X(1)S(n4fro5uswmuc31ydhzkozvqa))/pharmaceutical-assistance-program/state-programs.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 for more information.

            According to Medicare’s website, drug manufacturers may offer discounts and aide based on the drug or prescription you are receiving. Please take note that this does not involve every pharmaceutical company but only some. To find out which prescriptions you may have covered, go to medicare.gov which will provide you with an a-z index of many different types of drugs that manufacturer’s do take a fraction off of.

            The Medicare program also has something called ExtraHelp. Medicare offers prescription drug coverage already but, allows those who qualify to receive ExtraHelp. ExtraHelp is a program that helps those with low incomes pay things like deductibles, premiums and coinsurance. The amount of coverage given depends upon the conditions of the reciepient. The amount of coverage given depends upon the financial need of the recipient.

In preparation for application process, gather together a bill from any healthcare provider, documentation from the State in which you reside that proves you receive home or community-based services, a copy of your Medicaid card and or a copy of a state document showing you that you have Medicaid. An application can be filled out over the internet, as well as your nearest social security office. The social security department will also allow phone requests and over the phone applications.

Once you receive ExtraHelp, there may be periodic reviews done by Social Security to ensure that you remain eligible. According to www.socialsecurity.gov, a review like this will most likely be made at the end of August. In the event of a review, Social Security will contact you via mail, provide a form for you to complete, and allow you 30 days to submit it.

            If you have any questions about ExtraHelp, you can find more information at www.socialsecurity.gov

Disability Connection: 10 Activities to Make this Year Count

1. Become a Self-Advocate. According to the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability, “Self-advocates ask for what they need and want, and try to have as much of a say as possible in making their own life decisions.” People with disabilities may self-advocate, for example, on issues such as independent living, housing, health care and employment. The Self-Advocacy Online website, a partnership between the Research and Training Center on Community Living and The Arc, was specifically designed to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn how to advocate for themselves and take charge of their lives. Site visitors can learn about self-advocacy, find groups in their community and watch story videos from other self-advocates.

2. Reduce Your Clutter. You have opened the gifts, eaten the leftovers and now your house is full of new things after the holiday season. The start of the New Year is a prime opportunity to rid your house of clutter. Tackle one room at a time and sort things to keep, trash or give away. Designate a place for everything, organize with boxes and store things you don’t currently need. If you are not sure what you should keep or toss, Good Housekeeping has a guide for you. You can also read these tips about what you should know before donating goods to charity. Much-loved home advice columnist Heloise breaks down cleaning tasks by how long they should take. Finally, the Apartment Therapy blog offers steps to clean your home in a month, spending 20 minutes each day on a specific task. So put on some fun music and get started!

3. Become a Mentor. Want to make a meaningful and long-lasting, positive impact on the kids in your community? Then think about becoming a mentor. Mentors may help children with school work or participate with them in activities, such as sports and visits to museums. In the Foster Grandparents program, offered through Senior Corps, volunteers tutor and assist children in reading, writing and math skills while also acting as a role model, advocate and friend. Best Buddies International creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships among peers and adults for students with intellectual disabilities in middle school, high school and college. Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers are paired with “children facing adversity” to help them succeed in the classroom and in life. The program maintains more than 75,000 active matches in more than 370 communities nationwide. (Organizations generally require mentors to make a monthly time commitment, and some may ask for references or conduct a background check.)

4. Volunteer. Make 2014 the year to volunteer. There is a wide variety of opportunities for service work based on where your interests lie. Sports fans can look to the Special Olympics, or even a local sports team, to keep score, coach or cheer for the athletes. Volunteer for the Habitat for Humanity Veterans Build Program to help construct a new home for a veteran or make repairs to an existing one. Perhaps you enjoy your pets or service animals – find your closest shelter on the ASPCA website to bring some tender loving care to furry friends. You can also visit your local food bank or soup kitchen, as well as check with your local hospital or nursing home to find out if they need any help. VolunteerMatch, a website that connects volunteers with service projects, can get you started today.

5. Prepare for Tax Season. Why wait until the last minute when you can begin to file your federal tax return as early as January 31^st. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding taxpayers to watch its instructional YouTube videos before preparing their taxes. These videos are also offered in American Sign Language and transcribed on the IRS website. Low to moderate income working individuals and families should find out if they are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by using the EITC Assistant online tool. If you have questions, you can call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040 (TDD: 1-800-829-4059) or visit your local Taxpayer Assistance Center for face-to-face tax assistance.

6. Encourage Healthy Habits. Did you know that nearly one in every three American kids is overweight or obese? The good news for parents and caregivers is that you can set a healthy example by changing eating and exercise habits together as a family. The goal of the Let’s Move! initiative, launched by First Lady Michelle Obama, is to put children on the path to a healthy future. The website contains helpful information for families on childhood obesity, nutrition tips and physical activities to get kids moving. MyPlate Kids’ Place uses a place setting to show healthy portions of the five food groups and offers games, activity sheets, videos, songs and recipes to educate kids about nutrition.

7. Visit a Museum. With chilly winter days ahead, spend some time indoors at a museum or exhibit and soak up new knowledge. Many museums across the country strive to make their displays accessible to all visitors. Examples include the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C., The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the USS Midway Museum in San Diego and the Museum of Science in Boston. Some museums even have disability-friendly days during which specially-trained guides are on hand, crowds are minimal and children are free to explore at their own pace. The Discovery Museums in Acton, Massachusetts, the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose and the Seattle Children’s Museum, to name a few, offer such special events. When planning your trip, you may want to call ahead to learn about other accessibility services that are available. You may also enjoy the virtual museum offered by the Museum of disABILITY History from the comfort of your home.

8. Read a Book. Perhaps you have been meaning to read the book that has been sitting on your nightstand, or maybe you are simply looking for new reading material. This year, vow to stretch your brain and read something new. The U.S. Department of Labor’s list of Books that Shaped Work in America is a great place to start. Other book lists include The New York Times’ Best Sellers, the American Library Association’s Booklist Online and the New York Public Library’s list of 100 Great Children’s Books. In addition, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) offers a free Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) mobile app for library patrons who have low vision, blindness or a physical disability that makes reading regular print difficult. Readers can use the app to download audio and braille books from their NLS BARD accounts.

9. Start a New Hobby. Learning a new hobby is not only fun, but can also increase your confidence by putting you outside of your comfort zone. Whether it is line dancing, painting, carpentry, scuba diving, journaling, gardening or another activity, the key is to pick something you have never done before, but have always wanted to do. There are many benefits to starting a hobby. Hobbies involve new skills and working towards a goal. Studies show that they can reduce stress, increase self-esteem and give us a sense of fulfillment. You will also meet new people and maybe even make lifelong friends. Look on sites, such as Discover A Hobby, Yelp or Eventbrite, to search for classes or workshops near you. You can also check out listings from your local adult education program or craft stores.

10. Stick to Your Resolutions. January is the month for making New Year’s resolutions, but it can be hard to continue them during the rest of the year. The American Psychological Association gives tips on how to make your resolutions stick. One idea from Good Housekeeping is to write down the specific goals you want to accomplish. This will help you track your progress and boost your commitment. It is also helpful to make one change at a time. A long list of resolutions may look impressive, but can become overwhelming. If technology is your favorite way to keep on track, ReadWrite provides a list of mobile and desktop apps organized by common resolutions, such as exercising more or eating healthier, to help you meet your goals. Seeking the help of a good friend to encourage you, while you encourage them, can also help resolutions feel less stressful and more fun.

 

Credit to http://www.disability.gov

Re-blogged by New Horizons Inc.

Traveling With a Disability? You Needn’t Stress

Traveling is something that everyone enjoys whether it is a trip out of state or a trip out of the country, visiting family or exploring the world.  Yet it’s not as easy for some as it is for others. When living with a physical disability, it may be a lot harder to go where you want without a great deal of hassle. There are solutions.

Traveling by train? There are many options that take a disability into consideration. If you use a wheel chair or scooter it is a good idea to call ahead and while making a reservation notify the railway of your needs.  That way the train personnel can prepare for accommodating your needs in advance. This will insure your ride is the best that it can be and decrease stress. Another advantage of calling ahead is that there are a number of discounts are available for those with disabilities. Amtrak for example provides a 15% rail fare discount for people with disabilities and the discount applies for one traveling companion. Amtrak does require written documentation of your disability at the counter and when boarding. Check out their website http://www.amtrak.com/making-reservations-for-passengers-with-a-disability for accepted forms of documentation and details.  Keep in mind that this does not include all rail lines. Purchasing a ticket may be the same. Some rail stations will allow you to buy tickets on site while others require you to purchase in advance. When traveling with a wheel chair, some stations have what’s called a ‘bridge plate’. The bridge plate helps you get on the train when there is a higher platform. If the train does not offer restraints for wheel chairs, you are also able to put your brakes on when needed. Finally, some stations, like Amtrak, allow service animals on the train and around the station at all times. Call ahead and get the skinny in advance to save yourself frustration.

There are many options available for travel by train but what about a plane? There are just as many! When booking your flight(s), find a flight with a good amount of time in between connecting flights. This way you’ll have time to get where you need to go without an unnecessary stress.  People with disabilities and wheel chairs are typically first in line to board and last to exiting.  Just like traveling on a train, when traveling on a plane, book in advance and make sure to let the airline or travel agent know of your disability and what accommodations are necessary.  Whatever you do, DO NOT check your bag curbside. By doing this, your luggage is more likely to get lost than by checking it at the counter. You can print your boarding pass at home which will save you time. When going through security, people with disabilities go first. Screening or body scanning is modified for those with wheel chairs and instead of going through scanners they may give you an alternative pat down. A number of changes in Homeland Security have recently been made that will additionally make travel more accessible. A gate agent will then help you board the plane. Medical equipment is allowed on the plane.

Whichever way you chose to travel, don’t let a disability stop you. There are options! Advanced planning, communication, and information will make the difference in your having a fabulous experience.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/travelers-disabilities-and-medical-conditions

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g1-i12336-Traveling_With_Disabilities.html

http://www.gimponthego.com/

Traveling With a Disability? You Needn’t Stress

Traveling is something that everyone enjoys whether it is a trip out of state or a trip out of the country, visiting family or exploring the world.  Yet it’s not as easy for some as it is for others. When living with a physical disability, it may be a lot harder to go where you want without a great deal of hassle. There are solutions.

Traveling by train? There are many options that take a disability into consideration. If you use a wheel chair or scooter it is a good idea to call ahead and while making a reservation notify the railway of your needs.  That way the train personnel can prepare for accommodating your needs in advance. This will insure your ride is the best that it can be and decrease stress. Another advantage of calling ahead is that there are a number of discounts are available for those with disabilities. Amtrak for example provides a 15% rail fare discount for people with disabilities and the discount applies for one traveling companion. Amtrak does require written documentation of your disability at the counter and when boarding. Check out their website http://www.amtrak.com/making-reservations-for-passengers-with-a-disability for accepted forms of documentation and details.  Keep in mind that this does not include all rail lines. Purchasing a ticket may be the same. Some rail stations will allow you to buy tickets on site while others require you to purchase in advance. When traveling with a wheel chair, some stations have what’s called a ‘bridge plate’. The bridge plate helps you get on the train when there is a higher platform. If the train does not offer restraints for wheel chairs, you are also able to put your brakes on when needed. Finally, some stations, like Amtrak, allow service animals on the train and around the station at all times. Call ahead and get the skinny in advance to save yourself frustration.

There are many options available for travel by train but what about a plane? There are just as many! When booking your flight(s), find a flight with a good amount of time in between connecting flights. This way you’ll have time to get where you need to go without an unnecessary stress.  People with disabilities and wheel chairs are typically first in line to board and last to exiting.  Just like traveling on a train, when traveling on a plane, book in advance and make sure to let the airline or travel agent know of your disability and what accommodations are necessary.  Whatever you do, DO NOT check your bag curbside. By doing this, your luggage is more likely to get lost than by checking it at the counter. You can print your boarding pass at home which will save you time. When going through security, people with disabilities go first. Screening or body scanning is modified for those with wheel chairs and instead of going through scanners they may give you an alternative pat down. A number of changes in Homeland Security have recently been made that will additionally make travel more accessible. A gate agent will then help you board the plane. Medical equipment is allowed on the plane.

Whichever way you chose to travel, don’t let a disability stop you. There are options! Advanced planning, communication, and information will make the difference in your having a fabulous experience.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/travelers-disabilities-and-medical-conditions

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g1-i12336-Traveling_With_Disabilities.html

http://www.gimponthego.com/

Traveling With a Disability? You Needn’t Stress

Traveling is something that everyone enjoys whether it is a trip out of state or a trip out of the country, visiting family or exploring the world.  Yet it’s not as easy for some as it is for others. When living with a physical disability, it may be a lot harder to go where you want without a great deal of hassle. There are solutions.

Traveling by train? There are many options that take a disability into consideration. If you use a wheel chair or scooter it is a good idea to call ahead and while making a reservation notify the railway of your needs.  That way the train personnel can prepare for accommodating your needs in advance. This will insure your ride is the best that it can be and decrease stress. Another advantage of calling ahead is that there are a number of discounts are available for those with disabilities. Amtrak for example provides a 15% rail fare discount for people with disabilities and the discount applies for one traveling companion. Amtrak does require written documentation of your disability at the counter and when boarding. Check out their website http://www.amtrak.com/making-reservations-for-passengers-with-a-disability for accepted forms of documentation and details.  Keep in mind that this does not include all rail lines. Purchasing a ticket may be the same. Some rail stations will allow you to buy tickets on site while others require you to purchase in advance. When traveling with a wheel chair, some stations have what’s called a ‘bridge plate’. The bridge plate helps you get on the train when there is a higher platform. If the train does not offer restraints for wheel chairs, you are also able to put your brakes on when needed. Finally, some stations, like Amtrak, allow service animals on the train and around the station at all times. Call ahead and get the skinny in advance to save yourself frustration.

There are many options available for travel by train but what about a plane? There are just as many! When booking your flight(s), find a flight with a good amount of time in between connecting flights. This way you’ll have time to get where you need to go without an unnecessary stress.  People with disabilities and wheel chairs are typically first in line to board and last to exiting.  Just like traveling on a train, when traveling on a plane, book in advance and make sure to let the airline or travel agent know of your disability and what accommodations are necessary.  Whatever you do, DO NOT check your bag curbside. By doing this, your luggage is more likely to get lost than by checking it at the counter. You can print your boarding pass at home which will save you time. When going through security, people with disabilities go first. Screening or body scanning is modified for those with wheel chairs and instead of going through scanners they may give you an alternative pat down. A number of changes in Homeland Security have recently been made that will additionally make travel more accessible. A gate agent will then help you board the plane. Medical equipment is allowed on the plane.

Whichever way you chose to travel, don’t let a disability stop you. There are options! Advanced planning, communication, and information will make the difference in your having a fabulous experience.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/travelers-disabilities-and-medical-conditions

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g1-i12336-Traveling_With_Disabilities.html

http://www.gimponthego.com/