Tech-Ease/ Get Together with Technology
Regina Drop-In Meeting
Summary Notes
March 24, 2018
Sponsored by Vision Impaired Resource Network (VIRN),
Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB)
And the
Regina Public Library
Assistive Technology Peer Support by and for people who are blind/low vision
Attendance: 10 in person and 2 on the phone from Saskatoon.
topic: Travel with disability: Plane, Train, Car Airport procedures, reliefe etc:
Train/subway:
Toronto subway system audible announcements very effective and functional, Calgry C train same, ETS(Edmonton) LRT accessible without question
Mexico City accessible transit system for subway for the VI community, other aspects of city less accessible
Bus:
Most city transit systems have stop announcements, Regina recent and primarily functional most of the time, Saskatoon rarely functional currently in process of change.
Other cities have accessible systems in place
Car:
Dogs are trained for back seat, or floor in front. Front floor placement not recommended as airbags if deployed can injure the dog fatally.
It is illegal under ADA in the USA to disallow service (guide) dogs into cabs/ubers/lift services
Airports:
Ticket booking:
WestJet is very accessible both on web base and application.
Does not provide discounted price for attendant for VI passengers
Document to receive this accomidation requires you to be declared basically unable to travel alone. Fear of issues if flying solo due to this documentation.
Disallows self checkin for those who have declared a service animal
AirCanada:
Provides discount price for attendant for a Vision impaired passenger upon presentation of CNIB client number.
Disallows self check in if service dog is declared
Web base is not very accessible nor is application
Both airlines provide over the phone service for both medical desk and ticket booking.
Form for service dog, on both airlines requires all dimensions of dog, width/height/gerth/weight/length name, and breed.
Airport Navigation and special areas:
Upon request assistance to security can be provided
Security may pull you aside and do your security check in another section of checkpoint for benefit of you.
Assistance from check point to your gate (via cart) in larger airports
Will assist you through customs
Do research before departing to find out the relieving areas at each airport you will be going to. Some may have internal relieving areas, some require you going outside the secure area. Vancouver for example has internal near International terminal.
There is an app for iOS and android. That is free. Called working like dogs. Where to Go.
gives the general directions of use their indoor relief areas for United states airports . or directions to the nearest area outside the terminal.
Denver has a Special Needs room, for handlers and dog to relax in, or disabled folks or seniors while not having to worry about flight or gate changes.
Bus:
To catch the Greyhound bus you are now travelling to Regina airport. And there is a tiny counter near the car rental counters. For grey hound bus service.
For in the province travelling between cities. In Sask. Right now it’s a 15 passenger van service called rider express..
if you tell the driver or receptionist when you buy your ticket. that you have a disability . you have the ability to get on board first. Service dogs ride free and are welcome. As stated on rider express website.
Also if you’re vision impaired. And travelling with a human companion. Ask about the two-for-one discount on ticket.
Their physical office is located downtown Regina. 1517 11th Ave.. in other major cities there drop off places / pick up locations . are typically Tim Hortons parking lots. Saskatoon also has a 2nd pick up drop off location at Subway on 8 th Avenue. As well The Tim Hortons on 22nd St w.
Please check www.riderexpress.ca for more details.
| Riders Express Transportation » Transportation to Estevan …
PLEASE NOTE: Our new office location is Unit #36, 1736 Quebec Ave, Saskatoon, SK. This location is the only location to pickup and drop off in Saskatoon effective April 11. |
In the works with a different disability organization. Within the province ,. they are working on a wheelchair accessible transportation service. So hopefully that will not be restricted to just a van . Maybe something bigger.
General discussion on airport and travel experiences
Brit mentioned that purchasing a “burner” or prepay phone in country you are visiting is beneficial and sometimes much cheeper than using home countries phone
Discussion of next month topics.. thoughts were online banking / accessible banks. and shopping online on Amazon
Notice:
Saskatoon/YXE Tech-Ease termination for summer. Attendence will be welcome via phone or Facetime
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