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Use our checklist to tick off the items you already have completed & then print out a copy as a handy reminder.
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Westpac Bank is the Official Olympic Bank and VISA is the Olympic Partner of the Sydney 2000 Games and Preferred Payment Card and will be more widely accepted. Be aware that only Visa payment cards will be accepted at Olympic Venues to pay for goods and services and to obtain cash at ATMs. When using ATMs a PIN is essential. So if you think you'll need cash or credit, organise your Visa card and PIN now with your bank.
Carol Randall is the co-owner of Access-Able Travel Source, a free Internet information service for travellers with disabilities, located at http://www.access-able.com.
When you make your reservation, make it as far in advance as possible.
Tell the reservation clerk you are travelling with a wheelchair or scooter.
Inform the reservation clerk if you need boarding assistance, or an aisle chair to get to your seat. An aisle chair is a high-backed narrow wheelchair designed to fit down the aisle of an airplane. It is used to assist passengers that cannot walk.
If you are able to use a standard aeroplane restroom but are unable to walk, request an aisle chair also be available on your flight. Request an aisle seat with a lift-up armrest (if available), as it makes transferring easier.
Always confirm your requests 48 hours prior to departure.
When you get to the airport: Arrive early.
Check your chair or scooter at the boarding gate (no sooner), and request it be brought to you at your arrival gate.
It is suggested you use gel-filled or foam-filled batteries in your scooter or power chair, as they are not required to be removed for transport (acid-filled batteries are required to be removed). Double-check with your chosen airline company. Carry the paperwork on the batteries with you in case any questions arise.
Your folding wheelchair can be stowed in the onboard coat closet. There is usually only room for one wheelchair and it is available on a first come basis, so arrive early to make your request. Make sure your name and address is on your equipment, and it has a gate delivery tag if it is being stowed below.
For damage control, tape clear disassembly instructions on all scooters or power chairs. This includes battery disconnection instructions, along with instructions for any other disassembly required for transport. Remember, even if you are available to give instructions to the crew at your departure airport, the crew at your arrival airport didn't see how your equipment came apart.
If you need assistance transferring to the airplane seat, take responsibility for yourself and tell the staff how to help you. Yes, they should be trained, but you are always safer if you don't assume anything.
Before landing remind the flight attendant that you will need your equipment brought to the gate, so they can radio ahead to make the arrangements.
If you have any problems or your equipment is damaged, ask to speak to the "Complaint Resolution Officer" (CRO).
If you are travelling with a scooter or power chair make sure you arrange for transportation that can accommodate your equipment at your destination.
The key to a safe and comfortable trip is planning. If you don't want to deal with all these details, consider using a travel agent experienced in trip planning for travellers with physical limitations. If you only need a scooter or wheelchair for distance, you may prefer to rent one at your destination for a day or the entire trip. Many theme parks and other attractions that require a lot of walking also have scooters or wheelchairs available for rent or loan.
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