Air travel with disabilities

Consider using the personalized service of a travel agent. Contact: staff@suitevacations.com

TENAFLY, N.J. (PRWEB)
December 11, 2019

Select Flights & Seats Wisely

Schedule a non-stop or direct flight. It’s much less stressful for all travels involved. If you do have to fly on a connecting flight, avoid tight transfers to minimize anxiety. Book a flight for early in the day, since morning flights typically divert or delay less often. If you need more leg room or other accommodations, try to get a note from your doctor and the flight crew may be able to help you.

Tip: If you have special needs or want to maintain full control over your situation, work with a travel agent or a reservation agent with the airline of your choice. They do a lot of the legwork and you can easily confirm that your special requests have been recorded.

Confirm Dietary Needs

Most airlines have standard menu items that meet common dietary needs like gluten-free or vegetarian. However, it’s smart to ask about dietary options when you book your flight, especially for long flights. Purchase healthy snacks, after clearing security.

Request a Wheelchair or Cart

Airlines and airports provide wheelchair assistance from check-in all the way to the gate and even from the gate to baggage claim. There’s no fee, but tipping is advised. This helps you move through the airport faster and without the worry of missing a a flight. Some larger airports have gate-to-gate cart service for connecting passengers who need assistance, so make sure to ask about this service if you’ve got a tight connection or have to change terminals. Make these arrangements when you make your reservation and confirm at check-in.

Tip: Most Airlines have a customer service phone number specifically for making arrangements for special services like wheelchairs.

Check Bags

IIt may cost a little extra, but checking bags is a smart investment. Having fewer things to carry onto the plane can help reduce stress and you won’t have to worry about keeping track of too many things. It’s easier to move around and easier to board and get seated without having to manage large bags.

Tip: Choose a carry-on bag that’s just big enough for your necessities: medications, wallet, tablet or book, and travel documents. Double-check the dimensions for under-seat stowage on each flight. Request assistance when placing the bag in the overhead bin.

Make Security Work in Your Favor

Security can be anxiety inducing for people of all ages, but even more so for seniors with medical devices and mobility aids. You, or your caregiver, can work with the TSA to get a special card that describes an elderly person’s health conditions and disabilities. Showing the card (or a doctor’s note) to a TSA officer entitles you to special consideration, like sitting down in the checkpoint area, and different screening procedures.

Request Early Boarding

When you arrive at the gate, you, or your caregiver, should tell the agent you need a little extra time to get down the jet-bridge and settled into your seat. This is especially important if you have mobility issues or need help hoisting your bag up to the overhead bin.

For information about Suite Vacations, visit: http://www.suitevatons.com

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Connect Direct Engineered by CSD

Few things are more fundamental to our sense of fulfillment and purpose in life than the ability to connect freely and directly with others in your own preferred language. – Christopher Soukup, CEO of Communication Service for the Deaf

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
December 09, 2019

Connect Direct, a subsidiary of Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), announced today a new partnership with Google Accessibility that provides the deaf and hard of hearing community with direct Google customer support in American Sign Language (ASL). For the first time, deaf consumers can communicate directly in real time with the Google Disability Support team in ASL for questions related to Google accessibility features and functionalities within Google’s products.

CSD is the world’s largest deaf-led social impact organization and for more than 40 years has pioneered leading communications solutions for a more accessible and inclusive world. Connect Direct, Engineered by CSD, is the leading provider of comprehensive ASL customer contact center solutions, providing organizations with one-to-one customer service directly in ASL.

“We are very pleased to be working with Google Accessibility for a more inclusive world,” said Christopher Soukup, CEO of CSD. “Few things are more fundamental to our sense of fulfillment and purpose in life than the ability to connect freely and directly with others in your own preferred language. I commend Google for its leadership in removing barriers to a full communication experience for deaf and hard of hearing people and have no doubt that many other businesses will soon want to follow their example.”

With the Google Disability service powered by Connect Direct, deaf and hard of hearing consumers who are ASL users can contact the Google Disability Support team by clicking on an “ASL Now” button for any questions related to Google accessibility features and functionalities within Google’s products. The service provides an immediate connection to Google support representatives who are deaf and fluent in ASL through a videophone number and web-based real time communication (RTC).

“We’re thrilled to have partnered with Connect Direct and TELUS international to offer American Sign Language support for the deaf community on Google’s products,” said Kyndra LoCoco, Partner and Community Programs Manager, Google Accessibility. “This is just one more step towards our mission to provide the most accessible support possible and we implore others to join us in this journey.”

“Leveraging next-gen digital solutions, advanced contact center technology and inspired agents, TELUS International, alongside Connect Direct and Communication Service for the Deaf, is pleased to provide leading customer experiences to support Google’s mission to deliver accessible products and apps for all users to enjoy,” said Ali Wilson, Senior Global Manager, Analyst Relations and PR, TELUS International.

“Providing direct customer service in our native language for the deaf community is something we are working every day to make possible and Google shares the same values as we do when it comes to equal communication access for everyone,” said Craig J. Radford, Director of Strategy and Business Development for Connect Direct. “This is just the beginning. There is no question that we will see the expansion of these services, giving the deaf community equal access to communication in our native language, helping improve customer service and creating employment opportunities for deaf people. All of this aligns perfectly with what we do at CSD and Connect Direct.”

About Connect Direct & CSD

Connect Direct, a division of CSD, is leading business and technology solutions for contact center programs, specifically geared for deaf and hard of hearing consumers, while creating employment opportunities for the deaf community. Connect Direct benefits include: custom technology solutions developed by and for the deaf community; overall improved customer service and efficiencies for existing and potential deaf and hard of hearing customers; the elimination of third-party services creating increased and more accurate brand representation; the recruitment, hiring and training of deaf talent to provide direct ASL service; and increased productivity with the decrease of call times by as much as 42 percent.

Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is the largest deaf-led social impact organization in the world. For more than four decades, CSD has been a leader in creating and providing accessible technology solutions for the deaf community. Today, CSD continues its work to create opportunities for personal and economic growth within the deaf community, specifically addressing leadership and employment. CSD’s Social Venture Fund is one of the first angel funds and incubators in the world supporting deaf entrepreneurs and deaf-owned and operated businesses. For more information about CSD and Connect Direct please visit http://www.csd.org and http://www.csd.org/impact/direct.

About Google Disability

The Google Disability Support team is composed of inclusion advocates who are eager to work with the community and Googlers to improve and shape Google’s products with user feedback. Visit the Google Accessibility Help Center to learn more about Google Accessibility and head to Google Accessibility support to connect with an ASL specialist today.

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“User1st supports and joins the United Nations’ commitment to creating pathways for tangible change for persons with disabilities,” said Amihai Miron, co-founder and CEO of User1st.

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
December 04, 2019

User1st, the provider of the most innovative web accessibility solutions on the market, yesterday participated in the United Nations’ (UN) annual observance of its International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Invited to UN headquarters for the event, User1st showcased its digital accessibility software solutions that help make websites and mobile apps more accessible to persons with disabilities. The theme of this year’s event – increasing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities – strikes at the core of any discussion about workplace diversity and inclusion.

“User1st supports and joins the United Nations’ commitment to creating pathways for tangible change for persons with disabilities,” said Amihai Miron, co-founder and CEO of User1st. “Employment for persons with disabilities is a paramount issue of inclusion, and organizations can benefit from a larger talent pool of candidates by making their digital environments accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. To attract the most diverse and qualified pool of job applicants – and unlock the vast talents and energies of persons with disabilities – digital accessibility is imperative.”

According to The Brookings Institution, only 40% of working-age adults with disabilities have a job – a rate that is about half that of persons without disabilities. Nearly 30 years after the passage of the American with Disabilities Act, the largest group of unemployed Americans is still persons with disabilities.

Recent court decisions have propelled forward the issue of online accessibility of employment opportunities. DISH Network recently agreed to pay $1.25 million to settle claims that it maintained an inaccessible process of job applications. Earlier this year, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas settled a lawsuit alleging that a job applicant with a hearing impairment was not able to complete the company’s application process. The process included an assessment with an audio portion that did not contain captions or other accommodations.

The UN’s annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 by UN General Assembly resolution 47/3. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

About User1st

User1st provides the most advanced web accessibility solutions on the market for testing, remediation, monitoring and compliance. User1st is the only company that offers both customized short-term fixes and tailored long-term solutions for meeting the international specifications of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Trusted by organizations of all sizes, including Fortune 500 companies and large government organizations, User1st’s solutions are deployed in a variety of industries worldwide, including financial services, retail, government and healthcare. For more information, visit http://www.user1st.com/ and follow on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter @User1st.

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Paralympic Silver Medalist Brittani Coury serves as a mentor to snowboarders at the race camp that takes place at The Hartford Ski Spectacular.

I actually spent my very first Alive Day in Breckenridge. From coming to re-learn how to walk and spending my first alive day snowboarding was just awesome. I’m thrilled to return to The Hartford Ski Spectacular to snowboard and support other wounded veterans, Warfighter Dan Acosta.

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. (PRWEB)
December 03, 2019

Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA) is hosting the 32nd annual The Hartford Ski Spectacular at Beaver Run Resort and Breckenridge Ski Resort in Breckenridge, Colorado December 9 – 15. The week-long event is among the nation’s largest and longest running winter adaptive sports festivals for individuals with physical disabilities. More than 800 participants, ranging in ability from first-time skiers to members of the U.S. Paralympic Team, will come together.

Paralympians participating include Brittani Coury, Noah Elliott, Keith Gabel, Michael Spivey and Tyler Carter, all members of Team USA at the 2018 Winter Paralympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea. In addition, U.S. paratriathlete and 2016 Paralympic silver medalist Hailey Danz will be at the event.

As part of their rehabilitation, more than 100 wounded military veterans, service members, family and military medical staff from the U.S. and Great Britain will take part in the event. Wounded or injured service members are coming from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, San Antonio Military Medical Center, Naval Medical Center San Diego, Fort Carson Warrior Transition Battalion, and the Tampa VA. Since 2003, Disabled Sports USA has served more than 15,000 severely wounded or injured veterans, service members and family members, offering nationwide programs in more than 50 different adaptive sports.

One participating wounded military veteran will be retired Air Force Staff Sergeant Dan Acosta. Acosta served seven years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician. He suffered life threatening injuries that included the loss of his left arm when a roadside bomb detonated as he was disarming multiple IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) in a residential neighborhood of Baghdad. He spent the next 30 months at San Antonio Military Medical Center rehabilitating from his injuries. For his service he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

“I actually spent my very first Alive Day in Breckenridge,” said Acosta. “That was the milestone that just really was the tipping point to want to live happy. From coming to re-learn how to walk and spending my first alive day snowboarding was just awesome. I’m thrilled to return to The Hartford Ski Spectacular to snowboard and support other wounded veterans.”

“Learn to” programs in alpine and Nordic skiing, biathlon, sled hockey, curling and snowboarding will be offered. In addition, The Hartford Ski Spectacular also strengthens and expands adaptive snow sports programs in communities across the country by training staff and volunteers at DSUSA chapters through the National Adaptive Academy. The ski instructor academy, endorsed by Professional Ski Instructors of America – American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), offers training for instructors in the latest and safest adaptive ski and snowboard techniques for individuals with disabilities.

“We are delighted to offer this unique event thanks to The Hartford and our generous supporters,” says Glenn Merry, executive director of DSUSA. “The Hartford Ski Spectacular launches the adaptive sport winter season and is an ideal event for individuals with disabilities to receive world-class instruction in skiing and snowboarding. This event is essential to supporting athletes achieve their goals and gain independence through sports.”

The Hartford is a leading provider of group disability insurance and has a long-held belief that sports are an important part of physical rehabilitation following a disabling illness or injury. At the event, The Hartford, through its Ability Equipped program, will give more than $100,000 in adaptive sports equipment to community-based organizations and youth athletes with disabilities. Ability Equipped, named a 2019 Rings of Gold award recipient by U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, is a $2.2 million program that enables individuals with disabilities to experience the life-changing power of sports by making adaptive sports equipment available nationwide.

“The Hartford is honored to be the title sponsor of this incredible event for the 26th consecutive year,” said Jonathan Bennett, head of Group Benefits at The Hartford. “Our partnership with DSUSA spans more than two decades and the programs we support together demonstrate our Ability Philosophy, which focuses on what a person can do, versus a perceived limitation. We believe that people are capable of achieving amazing things with the right team, technology and support.”

Through grant support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), DSUSA and other organizations receive funding to increase, expand and enhance the quantity and quality of adaptive sport activities available for disabled veterans and members of the U.S. armed forces to participate in physical activity within their home communities and more advanced U.S. Paralympic and adaptive sport programs at the regional and national levels. VA provides essential equipment and technical support to The Hartford Ski Spectacular. For more information on VA Adaptive Sports programs visit http://www.va.gov/adaptivesports.

Event sponsors include: Veritas Capital, Oshkosh Defense, Wash Depot, Bob Woodruff Foundation, Tee It Up for the Troops, Medical Center Orthotics & Prosthetics, Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center, Breckenridge Ski Resort and Breck Sports.

DSUSA’s Host Chapter for the event is Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center. Contributing DSUSA chapters include Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports, Mount Snow Adaptive Sports Inc., New England Disabled Sports, Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports, and Wintergreen Adaptive Sports. Partnering organizations include Professional Ski Instructors of America-American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), Vail Adaptive Sports, USA Curling and Colorado Adaptive Sports Foundation.

Follow the action at The Hartford Ski Spectacular on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Look for @DisabledSportUS and #skispec on Twitter and Disabled Sports USA on Facebook, as well as @TheHartford on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. To get involved and pledge support, please visit https://www.disabledsportsusa.org/get-involved/donate/.

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About Disabled Sports USA

Founded in 1967, Disabled Sports USA is a national charitable organization that provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in sports. What began as a program to serve Vietnam veterans has since grown into one of the nation’s largest multi-sport, multi-disability organizations, annually serving more than 70,000 wounded warriors, youth, and adults with disabilities. A member of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Disabled Sports USA offers programs in more than 50 summer and winter sports through its nationwide network of 140 community-based chapters. For more information, visit http://www.disabledsportsusa.org.

“Caregiving doesn’t have to be unsupported or isolating,” said Josephine Kalipeni, Policy Director of Caring Across Generations. “Together, we can build a holistic system. . . makes care supports accessible, affordable, and flexible for 21st-century families.

WASHINGTON (PRWEB)
November 26, 2019

Today, the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) in partnership with Caring Across Generations released Burning the Candle at Both Ends: Sandwich Generation Caregiving in the U.S. This new report illuminates the challenges facing working parents who are providing intergenerational care. More than 11 million Americans are caring for an adult family member due to health needs or disability, while also caring for children at home.

The report analyzes data from more than 300 Sandwich Generation caregivers, and compared to non-sandwich caregivers from a nationally representative dataset from the 2015 study, Caregiving in the U.S. (conducted initially by NAC and the AARP Public Policy Institute). The research firm, Greenwald & Associates, conducted the data analysis with input from a small Advisory Committee of nationally- and internationally-recognized researchers. Dr. Joe Caldwell from Brandeis University, Dr. Feylyn Lewis of the University of Sussex, and Dr. Margaret Longacre of Arcadia University reviewed the findings and provided perspectives from their fields of study. The report also includes caregiver vignettes and policy implications drawn from the quantitative findings.

Compared to other types of caregivers, the Sandwich Generation caregivers are younger, more ethnically diverse, and newer to caregiving than non-Sandwich Generation caregivers. Many represent Generation X and Millennials, who are launching careers and families while caring for an older relative.

Key findings highlighted some of the pain points:

• Sandwich caregivers spent an average of 22 hours a week to caring for someone, while often simultaneously juggling work
• Roughly one-third of Sandwich Caregivers reported emotional stress, and one of five indicate a high level of financial and physical strain.
• Sandwich Caregivers most commonly help with transportation (80%), housework (76%), and preparing meals (62%).
• Very few feel prepared to do the medical/nursing tasks (19%)

“Families are squeezed, and they need help to balance work and home life,” said C. Grace Whiting, J.D., President/CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving. “National conversations are heating up on paid family and medical leave, universal childcare, and the need to expand long-term services and supports. Now is the time to invest in workplace flexibility and a robust national infrastructure that can support and augment care for the friends and family who need our care.”

Data revealed that most Sandwich Caregivers supported programs that would supplement their income while they were caregiving or an earned income tax credit to compensate them for their work, even if these programs were unavailable or hard to access.

Other challenges align with potential workplace solutions. The data show that:

• One in five sandwich caregivers report feeling financial strain as a result of being a caregiver, and 25% said it was hard to find affordable services for their friend or family member.
• Caregivers often lack workplace benefits, such as paid leave. As a result, Sandwich Caregivers miss work or cut down work hours during their prime working and long-term saving years.
• More than eight out of ten (85%) wanted information on at least one caregiving related topic, including managing stress (44%)

“So many of us are already dealing with the dual stresses of Sandwich Generation caregiving, and it will only get worse if we don’t receive the support that we need,” said Josephine Kalipeni, Policy Director of Caring Across Generations. “Caregiving doesn’t have to be unsupported or isolating. Lawmakers have the opportunity now to make real change for our nation’s caregivers. Together, we can build a holistic system that acknowledges our varied caregiving needs, across cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and that makes care supports accessible, affordable, and flexible for 21st-century families.”

“Many characteristics and issues facing Sandwich Caregivers mirror those facing caregivers in general,” said Joe Caldwell, Ph.D., of the Community Policy Living Center, Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University. “However, the report highlights some important differences, particularly greater time demands and potential implications for health and economic well-being. Moreover, not only are Sandwich Caregivers more racially/ethnically diverse, there is great variation within this population. The report reminds us of the need to develop policies and practices that are flexible and approach families holistically, using a person- and family-centered approach based on an assessment of their unique situation and needs.”

NAC and Caring Across Generations will release the report in a national briefing with a live webcast. Hosted at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the briefing will honor the contributions of caregivers ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday and celebrate the role of friends and family in the spirit of National Family Caregivers Month. Caregivers with lived experience balancing work and intergenerational care needs will provide their perspectives alongside national policy experts and researchers.

Made possible with grant funding from MassMutual, the report and live cast will be available on Tuesday, November 26, at 9 AM ET. To watch live, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/NA4Caregiving. The report will be available at http://bit.ly/WorkCareSandwich.

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About the National Alliance for Caregiving

Established in 1996, the National Alliance for Caregiving is a non-profit coalition of national organizations focusing on advancing family caregiving through research, innovation, and advocacy. The Alliance conducts research, does policy analysis, develops national best-practice programs, and works to increase public awareness of family caregiving issues. Recognizing that family caregivers provide significant societal and financial contributions toward maintaining the well-being of those they care for, the Alliance supports a network of more than 80 state and local caregiving coalitions and serves as Secretariat for the International Alliance of Carer Organizations (IACO). Learn more at http://www.caregiving.org.

About Caring Across Generations

Caring Across Generations is a national movement of families, caregivers, people with disabilities, and aging Americans working to transform the way we care in this country. By harnessing the power of online and grassroots organizing and culture change work, we are shifting how our nation values caregiving and calling for policy solutions that enable all of us to live well and age with dignity. For more information, please visit http://www.caringacross.org.

About Mass Mutual

The SpecialCare program, developed by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, provides access to information and resources to families with dependents of any age who have a disability. The program’s holistic approach involves a person with special needs’ network of advisors, including a Special Care Planner or other financial professional that specializes in working with special needs. Our mission is to help educate families and caregivers of people with special needs about the importance and steps in creating a life care plan to help provide a secure financial future. For more information about Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its SpecialCare program, please visit http://www.massmutual.com/specialcare.

About Greenwald and Associates

Greenwald & Associates is a full-service custom research firm, specializing in the areas of healthcare, financial services, and employee benefits. Learn more at http://greenwaldresearch.com.

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