August 2011 THEME PARKS IN THE OFF SEASON: AN EASIER TIME TO NAVIGATE Summer is practically over, the lines are shorter, and it's a great time to visit a theme park. For individuals with special needs, the off-season is a prime time to enjoy theme parks to the fullest, as small crowds equal easier navigation. Whereas in the past, even in the off-season, many individuals and families with children and special needs skipped theme park vacations…
More and more cruise lines are now enforcing smoking policies that prohibit smoking in staterooms. Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines and Holland America Line recently announced that smoking will soon be banned in all of their ships’ staterooms. The three companies join other cruise lines including Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania and Azamara in banning passengers from lighting up in staterooms. Officials from the three companies stated that the change is a reflection of guest preferences.…
June/July 2011 CRUISE LINES' SMOKING BANS HELP PASSENGERS TRAVELING WITH OXYGEN BREATHE MORE EASILY AND SAFELY More and more cruise lines are now enforcing smoking policies that prohibit smoking in staterooms. Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines and Holland American Line recently announced that smoking will soon be banned in all of their ships' staterooms. The three companies join other cruise lines including Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania and Azamara in banning passengers from…
It’s a fact: 93 million Americans are overweight. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in three Americans is overweight. Another one-third is obese, meaning they are at least 20 percent heavier than their ideal body weight. Approximately one in 20 people is morbidly obese, or 50 to 100 percent above his/her ideal body weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of acquiring serious medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, certain types…
May 2011 HOW THE RISE OF OBESITY IN AMERICA IS INCREASING DEMAND FOR BARIATRIC EQUIPMENT FOR TRAVEL AND MORE It's a fact: 93 million Americans are overweight. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in three Americans is overweight. Another one-third is obese, meaning they are at least 20 percent heavier than their ideal body weight. Approximately one in 20 people is morbidly obese, or 50 to 100 percent above his/her…
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Special Needs Group, Inc. (www.specialneedsgroup.com), a global provider of special needs equipment for the travel industry, was recently named the exclusive special needs equipment supplier for Norwegian Cruise Line (www.ncl.com), one of the world’s major cruise companies. The agreement, which is effective immediately, applies to all 11 ships of Norwegian’s fleet including their newest and largest ship the 4,100-guest Norwegian Epic. “We are proud to be affiliated with Norwegian Cruise Line, an outstanding cruise company…
Thursday, 14th April 2011 Norwegian Cruise Line appointed Special Needs Group as its exclusive supplier of mobility and oxygen equipment. The cruise operator formerly worked with CareVacations. Effective immediately, the agreement applies to all 11 NCL ships. Andrew Garnett, founder and CEO of Special Needs Group, noted that larger ships such as Norwegian Epic, coupled with an aging US and European population and an existing market of 43m individuals with disabilities, increases the need for wheelchairs, oxygen, scooters…
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Special Needs Group, Inc., a global provider of special needs equipment for travelers and the travel industry, recently announced that it will expand its special needs equipment rental services to major Orlando locations, including theme parks, hotels, resorts, villas, the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando Science Center and more. As the preferred mobility and oxygen supplier to Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Carnival and other major cruise lines, Special Needs Group will now deliver the same high-quality,…
As baby boomers are now in or reaching their mature years, a record number of people are driving around in mobility scooters, whether it be on vacation, in a supermarket, at a convention, etc. While those driving scooters deserve the respect of others in order to smoothly operate their equipment, driving a scooter is a two-way street. If scooter drivers are conscious and courteous of those around them, they make it safer and more pleasurable for pedestrians and others. Surprisingly,…
In October of 2010 Special Needs Group donated a new transport wheelchair to 12-year old, Rita de Santos of Ceara, Brazil. Rita, a child born with both physical and mental disabilities, and her mother, Tieta, live alone in the barrio community of Favela dos Cocos. Tieta works various odd jobs including cleaning houses and vending on the streets to provide her daughter and her with bare essentials. In order for Tieta to arrive at her jobs, to take Rita to…
Jan. / Feb. 2011 MOBILITY SCOOTER ETIQUETTE/TIPS As baby boomers are now in or reaching their mature years, a record number of people are driving around in mobility scooters, whether it be on vacation, in a supermarket, at a convention, etc. While those driving scooters deserve the respect of others in order to smoothly operate their equipment, driving a scooter is a two-way street. If scooter drivers are conscious and courteous of those around them, they…
The New Year is here. Whether your journeys are to foreign lands or to visit family and friends, Special Needs Group offers these tips to help you stay healthy while away from home. Be Informed Before traveling, check with the Center for Disease Control for updates on any outbreaks or health warning for the countries on your itinerary. The recent outbreak of Cholera in Haiti is an example. The CDC will also recommend any shots or vaccinations required…
Nov./Dec. 2010 NEW ONLINE RESERVATION AND BOOKING SERVICE FOR WHEELCHAIR AND SCOOTER RENTALS Travelers with special needs and slow walkers can now book wheelchair rentals and scooter rentals online through Special Needs Group's new internet booking tool. The new online booking tool enables you to book equipment 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. Travelers may choose from a variety of scooters, accommodating up to 500 pounds or wheelchairs, accommodating travelers weighting up to 750 pounds. Once booked…
October 2010 CRUISE LINE ACCESSIBILITY With all the cruise ships currently sailing and the cruise industry's recent building "boom" - - 52 NEW vessels delivered or on order between 2009 and 2010 - - it is not always clear as to which ships are the most accessible and the best for sailing. Special Needs Group highly recommends that you work with travel professionals who have experience booking special needs travel. A specialized agent can help…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…