What services or resources can you suggest that are especially helpful to blind travelers?
We have the great fortune of being able to provide information to our clients in "accessible format." Gary is a certified access technology specialist and has the ability to translate print into electronic format, large print and even Braille. Gary can be seen in the Cruise Line International Association video - "Selling Strategies" where he is shown using his Braille embosser.
There is an excellent resource tool, called Globetrotting Pets, a book written by Dr. David Forsythe, which lists almost every country in the world and what they require for a person to enter with their pets. This is a great reference because even though a service animal is not a "pet," it gives contact information for the government agencies in charge of importation of animals.
The Travel Institute has just added a course on Accessible Travel to their curriculum. This excellently presented material was prepared by Roberta Schwartz, CTC, the Director of Accreditation and Professional Studies of SATH. I would highly recommend any travel professional to take advantage of this educational opportunity.
Support can come from your local chapters of the American Council of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind. These consumer groups know the market you are questioning and are a most valuable resource. The Guide Dog Users, Inc. is another group that specializes in issues that their members experience.
In my personal opinion, the best source of information available to the consumer, the travel provider, and the hospitality industry is the Society of Accessible Travel and Hospitality. SATH is a group comprised of well-traveled, educated, and caring professionals. If they don't have an answer, they will use their extensive networking system to try to find one. You can visit SATH at www.sath.org. In January of every year, SATH holds its annual Congress in Miami. This is the most dynamic travel industry event because not only are the participants eager to share - they are also a group who cares. Their motto, "Disability is Not Inability," says it all.
You make travel sound challenging - but worth the effort.
Why would a blind person want to travel when they can't "sightsee?" Once again, we go back to the multi-sensory approach to travel.
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