WonderW: I wasn't in channel more than 10 mins today
WonderW: hi Denise
MsAmazin: hi :)
Lonewolf: Ok meeting time
Mooooooo: okay :o)
Lonewolf: Tonight we are going rto discuass traveling with disabilities
Lonewolf: This is a hard one for me because I don't travel
Lonewolf: So everyone polease jump in
Lonewolf: 1. What modes of transportation have you used?
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MsAmazin: Amtrak, greyhound, my car, plane, boat
WonderW: paratransit
Mooooooo: plane, bus, and automobile
suzze: amtrak, plane, car
Lonewolf: oh good-we have a lot of topics
Kark: plane and car
Lonewolf: amtrack?
suzze: train
Kark: train
Lonewolf: oh
MsAmazin: amtrak train and bus
Lonewolf: could you all tell about your experiences?
anny1: car plane and train
suzze: some good, some bad
WonderW: I like planes
Lonewolf: what special accomodations did you require?
MsAmazin: Amtrak was good....met most of our needs
Lonewolf: what about wheelchairs though
WonderW: aisle seats
MsAmazin: buses with lifts were available
suzze: had major problem getting wheelchair at arrival gate
suzze: horrible experience
Lonewolf: I'm sorry WW what is an aisle seat?
MsAmazin: but about 1/2 were inoperable
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WonderW: gel cell batteries are usually ok
anny1: i dislike those little puddle jumper planes, the big jets are fine
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WonderW: which is what I now have
Lonewolf: that's a lot of help Ms
MsAmazin: heh...we complained
WonderW: yeah, big much better
Lonewolf: has it improved?
MsAmazin: yes! tremendously
Lonewolf: great
MsAmazin: train service was excellent
Lonewolf: suzze what happened to you?
WonderW: oh, aisle seats are seats at end of aisle
Lonewolf: oh
MsAmazin: conductor made sure all of our needs were met, I could use my oxygen concentrator on the train
Lonewolf: jeez I'm dumb
WonderW: np, dear
Lonewolf: can u use it on a plane?
suzze: had ordered w/c upon arrival, it never arrived
MsAmazin: I can on United
WonderW: oh no
Lonewolf: oh my suzze what did you do?
suzze: i waited for a really long time, and nothing happened
Lonewolf: why not the others MS?
suzze: finally, i had to walk, was horrible experience, i was very sick
Lonewolf: sorry suzze did you complain
suzze: yes
MsAmazin: some airlines do not permit...just there policy...and airlines charge for use of their oxygen too
Lonewolf: what did they say?
WonderW: didn't united have a lawsuit over that?
anny1: i have always have had good luck with tranportation assistance in the airport
suzze: i got 2 $100 flight certificates
Lonewolf: oh
MsAmazin: I'm on sure WW
Lonewolf: so anny your experience has been positive
MsAmazin: on = not
MsAmazin: we will not go greyhound
Lonewolf: I have to pack a suitcase to go to town
WonderW: I think they did, so now it's allowed
anny1: yes except for the planes you have to board via stairs on the tarmack
Lonewolf: ok what's a tarmack?
MsAmazin: flight deck/runway
anny1: where the planes park big open space
Lonewolf: so no wheelchairs on those
anny1: donno if spelled correctly
Lonewolf: ??
Lonewolf: np
Lonewolf: has everyone here been on a plane?
suzze: yes
MsAmazin: I have
Mooooooo: yep
Woz: hehe
MsAmazin: my crutches were taken away a few yrs ago lol
Angel_27: i have twice
Lonewolf: on a plane ms?
MsAmazin: yes
suzze: they took my cane
Lonewolf: WHY
suzze: dangerous
MsAmazin: a guy across the aisle got them back when the attendant left
Lonewolf: what if ya have to go potty?
WonderW: I can't
Kark: planes I don't have much troubles but there are planes with stairs, I have been lucky not to have been on one
MsAmazin: exactly, and mine fit under the seat anyway
WonderW: use diapers on long flights
Lonewolf: so someone in a chair just holds it?
WonderW: yep
Lonewolf: yuck
MsAmazin: some planes have chairs that
MsAmazin: fit in the aisle and accessible restrooms
anny1: brb
Lonewolf: do you have to pay extra for that?
MsAmazin: no
WonderW: but if I were to travel alone, that wouldn't help
Lonewolf: hum I have only been on a plane once over 20 years ago-terrified me the entire 20 minutes-lol
WonderW: I have to be transferred
Lonewolf: no me either laura I wud need a bit of help
Lonewolf: do you all travel alone?
MsAmazin: I've flown to Puerto Rico and back several times....long way to hold it
suzze: i have
Lonewolf: yup
MsAmazin: I have...I flew to Va
WonderW: I have, yes, but only on short flights
Lonewolf: this all just amazes me
MsAmazin: my first solo flight
Lonewolf: oh
Kark: Yes but met someone at the other end
MsAmazin: was very smooth
WonderW: and somewhere where care needs taken care of
Angel_27: I flew from VA to Florida
suzze: i would prefer not to travel alone, have no choice
WonderW: which is rare
Lonewolf: what about the amtracks?
suzze: only did that once
MsAmazin: I've use amtrak twice
Lonewolf: there is no such thing around here
Lonewolf: accomodating?
MsAmazin: yes, and they give discounts to ppl with mobility probs
suzze: the agents/phone were really great
WonderW: I generally don't travel because I have to pay attendants ticket, accomodations, and time
MsAmazin: 15%
Lonewolf: wow
suzze: but..i got there late, and had reserved special seating, i believe these ppl tood my seating
MsAmazin: cuz of a lawsuit
Lonewolf: only place I have ever heard that give the disabled a dsiscount
suzze: was very uncomfortable on that leg of trip
suzze: going back was better
Lonewolf: IC suzze-what lawsuit ms
MsAmazin: they have train car specifically for ppl with disabilities...lift, HUGE restroom
WonderW: I called amtrack once when I was going to go to Phoenix, ended up not going, but they were great
MsAmazin: conductor will get food/drinks for you
Lonewolf: wow
Lonewolf: 5. Airplanes-is it safe to travel this way when you are handicapped? (or
Lonewolf: not)
suzze: i was going to/coming back from a disability conference
MsAmazin: a couple tried to travel by amtrak...couldn't get around and sued on behalf of ppl with disabilities and won
suzze: trains were overcrowded w/disabled
Lonewolf: IC
Lonewolf: suzze do you go to disability conferences often?
suzze: no, once a year
MsAmazin: I go monthly
suzze: that was only time i was on train
Lonewolf: wish you would do a meeting on them afterwards
Lonewolf: really?
Lonewolf: same with you ms
suzze: me?
Kark: are trains were overcrowded w/disabled because they are more accessable then other means of transportation
Lonewolf: bet you could teach us a lot
MsAmazin: yes, I'm involved in Partners in Policymaking
suzze: omg, don't know if i could
MsAmazin: we graduation in September
Lonewolf: great
Lonewolf: would u consider doing a meeting?
MsAmazin: yikes
Lonewolf: yes you could suzze
suzze: lol, my thought exactly
MsAmazin: heh...on?
Lonewolf: the meetings
Lonewolf: what's new
Lonewolf: what we need to know
Lonewolf: etc
Lonewolf: back to question
Lonewolf: 5. Airplanes-is it safe to travel this way when you are handicapped? (or
Lonewolf: not)
MsAmazin: we've had conferences on inclusive education, parliamentary procedure, SS,
anny1: i think planes are generally safe
MsAmazin: I haven't had a problem with airplanes
suzze: i think it is important to talk to the airlines if you are having any problems
WonderW: speaking of paratransit, my bus is late
WonderW: :)
Lonewolf: 4. List some safety and comfort measures for car travel.
MsAmazin: heh
WonderW: case in point
Lonewolf: what is paratransit?
WonderW: dial a ride, minivans
suzze: i only travel short distances by car
Lonewolf: oh ok
MsAmazin: safety measure: take enuff oxygen
Lonewolf: helps if needed
WonderW: that cover given areas
MsAmazin: :)
Lonewolf: IC
suzze: brink all your meds with you
Lonewolf: not available to me
Lonewolf: I feel like I pack a suitcase
suzze: i'm trying to keep some of my meds in car, so, if i unexpectedly am late, i have meds
MsAmazin: I went to AAA before my last trip and found out everything I needed to know about the route
Lonewolf: water, meds, extra pillows, chair, reading material for sitting and waiting
Lonewolf: but is that safe suzze-heat and all?
Woz: blanket for car
suzze: would be great safety measure to have a cell phone
Lonewolf: yes blanket
Lonewolf: I have to have a reclining seat
MsAmazin: we have cell phones...but no service
suzze: just my diabetes stuff, that's most important
Lonewolf: IC
MsAmazin: in the middle of the desert to vegas
Lonewolf: I have cell phone
Lonewolf: hum
suzze: i don't have cell phone:o)
WonderW: me too
suzze: wish i could
Lonewolf: I have to wear cervical collar in car
anny1: yes cell phones can be a lifesaver if car breaks down
MsAmazin: it came in handy when we were in the flood
Lonewolf: can't drive
Lonewolf: vibration on fragile disks
suzze: i should carry water with me all the time
suzze: i don't
MsAmazin: yes, I got cellphone for traveling to Ty's
Lonewolf: how many of you have wheel chair lifts in your vehicles
Angel_27: I do
MsAmazin: not me...I have a grand am
Lonewolf: what kind angel?
Lonewolf: would be hard in trans am
Angel_27: just a hydrolic lift to get us in van
MsAmazin: grand am
WonderW: my mom
Lonewolf: is it one you ride up on?
WonderW: has a van with lift
Lonewolf: IC
Angel_27: yes
Lonewolf: I have a lift that raises chair into back of mini van-not with me in it
Angel_27: its a van with a lift on it
anny1: i saw a really cool lift that moved a chair in and out of a pickup bed, you know the wheelchair cowboys here in tx hehe
Angel_27: we stay in chairs
Lonewolf: never seen that before
MsAmazin: hehe..have those here too
Lonewolf: even while in car?
Lonewolf: do chairs lock in place some way?
Angel_27: yes we have locks in the van
Lonewolf: what do you do for a seat belt
MsAmazin: do you drive Bev?
Angel_27: we have seatbelts on our chaors
Angel_27: chairs
Angel_27: not a t the moment
Angel_27: used to drive a car
Lonewolf: I do too-somewhere
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Lonewolf: hand controls?
Angel_27: hi reader
Angel_27: oops soory
Lonewolf: reader we are talking about car riding right now
Angel_27: no hand controls on van yet
Lonewolf: cud you still drive if you had them?
MsAmazin: I have handcontrols
Angel_27: yes if I learto drive a van, its bigger than my car was
Lonewolf: work well?
Lonewolf: hand controld I mean
Lonewolf: s
MsAmazin: yes...Ty is learning to drive
MsAmazin: too
Lonewolf: great
Lonewolf: WW do you drive?
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Lonewolf: guess her bus got there
Lonewolf: reader
Reader_13: I have a van but I'm pretty sure I'll never drive due to the level of my injury...
Lonewolf: who drives you?
Lonewolf: ok this is kinda nosey but how do you guys afford to get the lifts etc?
Reader_13: friends or I use public para transportation
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MsAmazin: hand controls for my vehicle were under $100
Reader_13: I was working full time when I bought mine... the lift...
MsAmazin: Nv has a program that will help ppl with modifications on vehicle
Lonewolf: how much was it?
Lonewolf: what's it called MS
Reader_13: $3000
Lonewolf: wow
MsAmazin: and also car companies will help with some costs $1000-$1500
Angel_27: we had some very dear friends that presented us with a van with lift as a suprise..the one we had was so old and breaking down all the time..They raised the money for this one
Lonewolf: that's really sweet bev
suzze: there are some programs
Angel_27: that was 2 yrs ago....the old van didnt have locks for chairs
suzze: Ford mobility program
Lonewolf: IC
Angel_27: it was a total suprise at Christmas
Lonewolf: I'm sure
Reader_13: OVR won't help with transportation unless the disabled person can drive... here in Pennsylvania
Lonewolf: have no idea what Ky has to offer
MsAmazin: check with DMV?
Lonewolf: but sure sould use a better lift
Lonewolf: good idea
Lonewolf: anyone else have anything to say?
anny1: there is program that will help ppl with developmental dis. get lifts/van's etc. called in-home family support
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Lonewolf: we have a program in Ky kinda like that but you can only apply once a year in April
Lonewolf: ROCK we are talking about cars and lifts etc
ROCK-: ok,tanks
Lonewolf: what about buses?
Lonewolf: anyone?
suzze: haven't been on acc buses
MsAmazin: greyhound sucks
Angel_27: we have a handicapped bus here that gets my husband back and forth to work sometimes
Lonewolf: so I gather amtrack and United Airlines are the best two travel choices
anny1: hard for me to climb steps on buses
MsAmazin: heh..sorry
Lonewolf: rock
Reader_13: PA uses large vans for the disabled...
Lonewolf: great
ROCK-: school busses now are equiped for that
MsAmazin: Reno has a bus program ...door to door service
Lonewolf: see I live wayyyyyyy out in the boonies-no services like those mentioned available
Angel_27: yep I rode school busses the whole time I was in school
anny1: we have a paratransit sys. but i hear its not too reliable
MsAmazin: we have 1 w/c accessible bus in my town
Lonewolf: hum
MsAmazin: a school bus
Lonewolf: I have no alternatives past family transport
Lonewolf: and it has to be in my car so the lift is available
MsAmazin: there isn't anything here either, LW
MsAmazin: I would be out of luck if I didn't drive
Lonewolf: good you can drive
anny1: yes lw rural definately has some disadvantages
Lonewolf: yes also live in small town
Lonewolf: well anymore horror stories?
MsAmazin: no taxi service here either
Lonewolf: here either
Lonewolf: wish we had amtrack
Reader_13: public para transit has its drawbacks-you can be bumped whenever they wish, you must inquire days ahead for rides, if you're late you may get stranded
MsAmazin: if you are in a w/c and caught in a flood in Vegas ..do NOT expect to catch a taxi!
Lonewolf: that could be bad reader
Lonewolf: very bad denise
suzze: big bonus to have disabled plates, allows me to go lots of places, downtown where i wouldn't go otherwise
MsAmazin: Ty experiences that often Reader
Lonewolf: I have the disabled placard
MsAmazin: I have placard...plates make me nervous
Lonewolf: know what aggravates me though?
suzze: why?
Lonewolf: small handicapped parking places-no room to get chair by caar
anny1: nervous??
Angel_27: i agree
MsAmazin: some ppl target ppl with plates
Reader_13: since I can't drive I can only use the placard
Lonewolf: what do you mean denise?
ROCK-: me too
Angel_27: handicapped spaces but not enough room to let lift down aggrivates me
MsAmazin: for crimes
Mooooooo: get plates -and- NRA Member stickers
anny1: hehe
Woz: hehe yup
suzze: lol, i've never had a problem
MsAmazin: haha
Lonewolf: oh IC
Mooooooo: im serious
Lonewolf: stolen placards have been common around here
MsAmazin: happened to a friend and I in Reno several yrs ago
Woz: me 2
Mooooooo: some car rental agencies put NRA stickers on rental cars
Lonewolf: oh my daniel
Lonewolf: why?
Mooooooo: criminals don't like people who can kill them first
suzze: rental cars=tourists
Lonewolf: IC
suzze: tourists crime targets
Lonewolf: max
anny1: is that rollin' and packin' huh mooooo
Woz: police advised me to remove nra sticker from front door
Mooooooo: yep
Woz: it scares them
Lonewolf: have any of you with placard had trouble with them falling apart before renewal time?
Mooooooo: thats why there are so few drive-by shootings and car robberies in Arizona
Reader_13: scares the police?
Woz: yes
suzze: i think it's the heat daniel
Lonewolf: rock
Mooooooo: we shoot back
ROCK-: mine is permanant and I forgot the rest,sorry
Lonewolf: np
MsAmazin: just got my new ones
Lonewolf: my newest one is only a year old and already taped together
anny1: what is it made of lw?
MsAmazin: can you request 2?
Lonewolf: anyone know of a way to prevent it?
Lonewolf: plastic
Lonewolf: rock
suzze: the one i had couldn't be broken
Reader_13: Laminate it
Lonewolf: I did
MsAmazin: mine is pretty sturdy too!
Lonewolf: don't laugh
Lonewolf: I used the iron on lamination
Lonewolf: it warped
anny1: mine seems to hold up fine
MsAmazin: that was prolly what made it fall apart lol
ROCK-: mine is permanent,but when it gets torn,it takes 2-3 months to get a new one
Lonewolf: my last one was all stapled together
Reader_13: put it between 2 clear pieces of plexiglass...
Lonewolf: that might work
Woz: dont leave plackards on car seats
Lonewolf: we stash mine under the seat
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Reader_13: van pockets
Lonewolf: well that's about it tonight
Woz: especialy plastic car seats
Lonewolf: I learned a lot tonight
anny1: glove compartment hee
anny1: here
Lonewolf: thanks everyone for all the input
Woz: plastics outgass
suzze: this must be a state thing, cause the ones they issue here, really they r unbreakable
Lonewolf: not here
suzze: yes, u live in cheap state
Lonewolf: you see tape and stuff on everyones
MsAmazin: same here suze
Lonewolf: lol-yup
Reader_13: lol
Angel_27: lol
suzze: your prisoners prob make them
suzze: badly on purpose
Lonewolf: yup
Lonewolf: sure do
Lonewolf: meeting is over
suzze: ok
Lonewolf: continue to talk as long as you wish
ROCK-: ok
END