As more people with disabilities and special needs opt to take a cruise, businesses are rushing to meet growing demand for ship-board mobility devices.

Norwegian Cruise Line appointed Special Needs Group as its exclusive supplier of mobility and oxygen equipment. The cruise operator formerly worked with CareVacations.

As the U.S. population ages, travel agents will find themselves accommodating more clients who are disabled or have trouble walking. Some may need wheelchairs or motorized scooters when they arrive in far-off destinations.
 

In 2007, after six years of extensive research and product development, Andrew Garnett founded the Special Needs Group. The company’s goal is to make the dream of travel possible for people with special needs while making the trip more comfortable. Today, the company boasts agents in more than 20 countries and operations in 55 cities across the world.
 

Many wheelchair users assume that luxury travel, such as cruises and travel to exotic destinations are too complicated and difficult. Not true says Andrew Garnett, CEO of Special Needs Group. I asked Andrew for some more information about the reality and challenges of taking a cruise for people who use mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

The privilege, the excitement, and the challenge of travel may be most alluring for those who feel that they can’t experience it, particularly those who feel constrained by their physical conditions.

You don't have to put your vacation plans on hold if you need assistance getting around, whether you have a disability or are simply slowing down.