Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Travelers With Disabilities
Texas has gone a long way toward ensuring accessibility at attractions, in hotels and on public transit.
Communication
Braille
Many ATMs and elevators have instructions in braille.
Telephone
Companies are required to provide relay operators for the hearing impaired.
Public Spaces & Accessibility
Guide dogs
May legally be brought into restaurants, hotels and other businesses.
Lodging
Most hotels and motels have rooms set aside for disabled guests.
Public buildings
Hotels, restaurants, theaters, museums etc. Required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to
be wheelchair accessible and have accessible restroom facilities
Road crossings
In major cities at main intersections there are audible crossing signals as well as dropped curbs at busier
roadway intersections.
Resources
Mobility International USA
(
www.miusa.org
)
Access-able Travel Source
(
www.access-able.com
)
Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality
(
www.sath.org
)
Transportation
Note that in general public transportation is not extensive or overly useful in Texas.
Airlines
Will provide assistance for connecting, boarding and deplaning the flight, but you need to request when making
your reservation.
Buses
Both buses and trains must have wheelchair access available.
Parking
Disabled parking sites with blue-colored demarcation is by permit only.
Standard car rental companies
Some standard companies have hand-controlled vehicles or vans with wheelchair lifts
by reservation.
Wheelchair Accessible Vans
(
www.txwheelchairvans.com
)
Hires vans in several Texas cities.
Visas
Note that visa rules change frequently and travelers should always double-check current requirements at the
Depart-
ment of State
(
http://travel.state.gov/visa
), where downloadable forms are also available.
