TIPS FOR FLYING ABROAD FOR TRAVELERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

September and October, the traditional “shoulder season” between summer’s high season and winter’s low season are good months for slow walkers and individuals with special needs to travel. There are fewer tourists overall, meaning more space on walkways, fewer lines for museums and other attractions. Prices drop too, especially for international destinations. If you are planning to take advantage of shoulder season to travel abroad, here are a few facts you should know before embarking on an international trip. Booking…

Read More

Consumer Newsletter – September 2010

September 2010       TIPS FOR FLYING ABROAD FOR TRAVELERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS   September and October, the traditional "shoulder season" between summer's high season and winter's low season are good months for slow walkers and individuals with special needs to travel. There are fewer tourists overall, meaning more space on walkways, fewer lines for museums and other attractions. Prices traditionally drop, too, especially for international destinations.   If you are planning to take advantage of shoulder season to…

Read More

A SALUTE TO INVENTORS AND ACCESSIBILITY INVENTIONS

August is National Inventor Month, a time to celebrate the creative men and women who dare to think differently and bravely confront ridicule to bring solutions, ease, excitement and accessibility into our lives. Because we work with wheelchairs, scooters and other special needs equipment, we are devoting the month of August to uncovering the invention of key assist items.  Braille  Louis Braille did not really invent the Braille Alphabet. Rather it was a French soldier tasked with inventing a secret code for…

Read More

Consumer Newsletter – August 2010

August 2010       A SALUTE TO INVENTORS AND ACCESSIBILITY INVENTIONS   August is National Inventor Month, a time to celebrate the creative men and women who dare to think differently and bravely confront ridicule to bring solutions, ease, excitement and accessibility into our lives. Because we work with wheelchairs, scooters and other special needs equipment, we are devoting the month of August to uncovering the invention of key assist items.   Braille Louis Braille did not really invent…

Read More

The Americans With Disability Act, 20 Years of Progress As World Continues to Welcome Slow Walkers and Travelers with Special Needs

This year, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Since the ADA’s inception, we have seen significant changes within the travel industry including accessibility across the fleet for cruise ships, including foreign-flagged vessels carrying U.S. passengers and more ramps, railings and grab bars in public venues. We have also seen a deepening respect and higher level of acceptance for all forms of ability differences. Looking ahead, there are new provisions being implemented that will bring even more…

Read More

SPECIAL NEEDS GROUP WINS CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAM OF THE YEAR IN 2010 AMERICAN BUSINESS AWARDS

FORT LAUDERDALE- Special Needs Group Inc., (www.specialneedsgroup.com) a leader in providing special needs equipment to travelers worldwide, was honored as the winner of the 2010 Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year “Stevie”, part of the nationwide 2010 American Business Awards. The awards were presented during ceremonies at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on Monday evening, June 21. Cheryl Casone of Fox Business Network hosted the event which was broadcast live nationwide by the Business TalkRadio Network.  In winning…

Read More

Consumer Newsletter – July 2010

            July 2010       HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT   This year, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Since the ADA's inception, we have seen significant changes within the travel industry including accessibility across the fleet for cruise ships, including foreign-flagged vessels carrying U.S. passengers and more ramps, railings and grab bars in public venues. We have also seen a deepening respect and higher level of…

Read More

SPECIAL NEEDS GROUP, INC. CHOSEN AS FINALIST FOR 2010 AMERICAN BUSINESS AWARDS FOR CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

FT LAUDERDALE, FL—Andrew Garnett, founder and CEO Special Needs Group, Inc., announced today that Special Needs Group, a global supplier of special needs equipment for travelers, has been named a finalist for the 8th Annual American Business Awards 2010 “The Stevie Awards” in the category for Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year.  As strong advocates for the disabled, Special Needs Group (www.specialneedsgroup.com) helps thousands of individuals each year enjoy barrier-free travel. According to Garnett, the company’s corporate mission is best…

Read More

Wheelchair Accessories for Safety, Comfort and Individuality

  When driving a car, car owners make sure their cars provide safety and comfort. Many also like to add personality to their cars by decorating them with bumper stickers, license plate frames, detailing and more. Just like a car, wheelchair owners look for safety, comfort and individuality when using their wheelchair. Thanks to our readers, we recently learned about three products that are lesser known but significantly enhance a wheelchair user’s experience. Although Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea…

Read More

CHOOSING A SPECIAL NEEDS TOUR OR EXCURSION

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Are you a traveler with a special need looking to add an excursion or tour to your cruise vacation plans? Perhaps you are simply a slow walker. Whatever your level of need, a tour or excursion specifically designed to accommodate travelers with special needs will be easier and more enjoyable. Today, there are more travel agents than ever offering trips and excursions for persons with special needs. These professionals understand your physical limitations, know how to book accessible…

Read More

Consumer Newsletter – May 2010

May 2010       CHOOSING A SPECIAL NEEDS TOUR OR EXCURSION   Group travel options for persons with special needs are becoming more popular and more varied. Whether you use a wheelchair, need oxygen, have a hearing impairment or rely on a service animal, there is a group trip for you. Here are a few tips for finding and enjoying the right trip.  Use an agency with solid experience organizing group trips for persons with disabilities, preferably one that…

Read More

GROUP TRAVEL FOR PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (March 13, 2010) - Group travel options for persons with special needs are becoming more popular and more varied. Whether you use a wheelchair, need oxygen, have a hearing impairment or rely on a service animal, there is a group trip for you. Andrew Garnett, founder and CEO of Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea offers a few tips for finding and enjoying the right trip.  Use an agency with solid experience organizing group trips for persons with…

Read More

Consumer Newsletter – April 2010

April 2010       GROUP TRAVEL FOR PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS   Group travel options for persons with special needs are becoming more popular and more varied. Whether you use a wheelchair, need oxygen, have a hearing impairment or rely on a service animal, there is a group trip for you. Here are a few tips for finding and enjoying the right trip.  Use an agency with solid experience organizing group trips for persons with disabilities, preferably one that…

Read More

Cruising with a Special Needs Child

Cruising is an excellent vacation choice for families with a special needs child. It’s a chance to visit multiple destinations without flying or driving from city to city and the family only has to unpack once--important plus for your special needs child. Once settled into your stateroom, there are few disruptions to routine. Today’s passenger cruise ships are very accommodating to persons with special needs, and more kid-friendly than ever. Almost all ships offer supervised, age-appropriate activities for children plus…

Read More

“SPRING BREAK” PRICE SAVINGS PLUS FEES WAIVED FOR ALL ONE-WAY RENTALS

Cruise the world and save up to 15 percent on wheelchair rentals, scooter rentals, oxygen and more.  FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (March 2, 2010) —Need a wheelchair, scooter, oxygen concentrator, visual aides or other special needs equipment for an upcoming cruise vacation? Book any piece of special needs equipment from Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea during the month of March and pocket savings of up to fifteen percent.  Additionally, Special Needs Group is waiving all fees for one-way rentals booked in…

Read More

Which Mobility Equipment is Right for Me – Scooter, Wheelchair or Powerchair?

As 2009 closed, several new ships made a huge splash within the cruise industry, foreshadowing the future of cruising, including Disney Cruise Lines’ 4,000-passenger Dream and Royal Caribbean Cruises’ 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas, the largest passenger cruise ship ever floated. Within the next twelve months, several more behemoth vessels will enter the waters including Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, sister ship to the Oasis; and the largest ship ever for Norwegian Cruise Line, the 4,200-passenger Epic. With increased…

Read More

It’s Big, Wide Accessible World, Go Explore and Enjoy

Did you ever cancel a trip because of a bad knee or other mobility impairment? Have you avoided cruises and family events that require travel for fear you’ll need oxygen mid-trip? Relax. Today’s world is more accessible than ever, and for anyone with special requirements for traveling, there’s a world of information and help waiting for you. It’s disappointing to be left behind or to have to leave a loved one behind because of a physical limitation or special travel…

Read More

Taking Accessibility to New Levels: Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) much anticipated next generation cruise ship, the Oasis of the Seas is ready for passengers. Rising sixteen decks high, she is the largest vessel afloat---and among the most accessible. We toured the ship recently and can report first hand that the Oasis of the Seas offers the largest number of accessible staterooms of any ship, a total of 46. For the newer ships in the fleet, RCI has consistently maintained a standard of 1.7 percent of all staterooms…

Read More

Oxygen Onboard? Clearing the Air about Cruising with Oxygen

As a supplier of oxygen and other special needs equipment for travelers, I see first hand the uncertainty and confusion regarding traveling with oxygen, especially the rules and regulations for dealing with cylinders or other forms of portable oxygen on a cruise. Like everything in life, cruising with oxygen is simple, once you know the guidelines. After almost a decade of working with cruise ships and accessibility, here’s what I’ve learned that can ensure smooth sailing for anyone traveling with…

Read More

SPECIAL NEEDS AT SEA WINS SEATRADE INSIDER “ONBOARD SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR” AWARD AT SEATRADE EUROPE 2009 CRUISE CONFERENCE

FT LAUDERDALE, FL - Special Needs at Sea, a global provider of special needs equipment for travelers and the travel industry, was honored as winner of the "Onboard Supplier of the Year" Award at the third annual Seatrade Insider Awards held in Hamburg, Germany on September 15; part of Seatrade Europe 2009.  "The high caliber of the Seatrade organization and strength of all the nominees make this award even more significant for us," says Andrew Garnett, founder and president of…

Read More

FUN AT THE BEACH NO PROBLEM FOR 10-YEAR OLD BOY WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

New Wheelchair Makes the Beach, Pool and Cruises Accessible for People with Mobility Needs FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (AUGUST 11, 2009) - Twins Michael and Nicholas Hadler love going to the beach. Like many 10-year old boys, they enjoy playing in the water and building in the sand. However, as Michael was born with cerebral palsy and confined to a wheelchair from a very early age, trips to the beach were somewhat daunting for the family. “Going to the beach was…

Read More

SPECIAL NEEDS AT SEA KIOSKS PROVIDE RENTAL, PICK-UP AND DROP OFF OF WHEELCHAIRS AND OTHER AIDES AT SEATTLE’S NEW PIER 91 CRUISESHIP TERMINAL

Pier side pick up of equipment designed to facilitate easier on and off for special needs cruisers and also provide service for cruisers who need equipment at the “last minute”  FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (JUNE 25, 2009)- If you arrive to board your cruise ship at Seattle’s new Pier 91 and realize you may need a wheelchair or mobility aide, or if you’ve reserved special needs equipment in advance and prefer to receive it pier side rather than onboard, no problem.…

Read More

Delivering an Accessible World

A few months ago, I was filling up one of our Special Needs Group delivery vans at a gas station. A woman approached me about the logo on the side of the van and wanted to know what it meant. I told her that we deliver oxygen and mobility equipment to cruises, hotels and airports around the world. The woman was amazed; she did not know that a service like this even existed. As it turned out, her mother had…

Read More

FIRM HELPS TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES FULFILL VACATION DREAMS

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – For the 40 million Americas with limited mobility, oxygen requirements or other form of disability--and who want to travel, Special Needs at Sea, (www.specialneedsatsea.com) can help make any trip easier and more hassle-free. Now entering its third year, Special Needs at Sea delivers a full range of special needs equipment and services to hotels, resorts and cruise ships around the world, so that it’s waiting and ready to go when you are. Special Needs at Sea…

Read More

SPECIAL NEEDS AT SEA BECOMES FIRST ACCESSIBILITY PREFERRED SUPPLIER FOR CLIA, WORLD’S LARGEST CRUISE LINE ASSOCIATION

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL, USA – Special Needs at Sea, (www.specialneedsatsea.com), a Special Needs Group Inc. company, is now a preferred partner benefits supplier for the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise line association, becoming the first accessibility partner registered with this international organization. The announcement was made February 18, by Andrew Garnett, founder and CEO of Special Needs at Sea. “We are proud to be affiliated with CLIA, an organization that works to ensure a safe, secure…

Read More

SPECIAL NEEDS AT SEA A SUPPORTING SPONSOR OF CRUISE3SIXTY

APRIL 2-6 IN FORT LAUDERDALE  Exhibiting at Booth #1207 FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (March 25, 2009) – Special Needs at Sea, (www.specialneedsatsea.com), a one-stop source for mobility aides, oxygen and other equipment for travelers with disabilities, is a supporting sponsor of Cruise3Sixty, a premiere educational and networking event for the travel industry, scheduled for April 2 through April 6 at the Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. Cruise3Sixty is hosted by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). “Now more than ever the cruise…

Read More