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Accessible RV Checklist
Access Travel Rights
Handicapped Travel Club
Rolling Down The Trail
Family RVing
Schooling Options for RVers
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Oscar Scherer State Park
10 RVing Tips for Newbies
The Accessible RV Site
Riding The Rails
The Enabled RVer Resources
Access Travel Guides
Selecting a Cane for Travel
Fulltime RVing Challenges
Campground Access
HTC Accessible Park List
Arizona Day Drive
Touring Arizona
Columbia River Region
RVing with Kids
Volunteering and RVing
RVing and Children
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| Access Travel Guides |
| Free Travel Information |
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| Access Guide Review: San Francisco Access 2000 by Hope Sykes If there was only one word that I could use to describe this newly released guide, it would be "indispensable." Without a doubt, the guide answers important questions of what there is to do and see in San Francisco by its tastefully presented 31 pages. This is the first access guide for San Francisco and it is FREE. Thirteen sections cover a broad range of access whether it be hearing, vision, or mobility needs. The non-profit organization, Access Northern California, produced the guide. Bonnie Lewkowicz, the founder, is dedicated to access-travel. "I wanted to produce an access guide that was more than just fluff; something that I would find useful if I were a tourist," Bonnie comments. Did she accomplish that goal? I would have to say that that is a definite yes. In section one, she covers "Things to Know." Here you'll find the basics for getting around but with an insider's point-of-view. And, throughout the guide, she highlights access from a number of perspectives: mobility, low vision, blindness, hard of hearing, deafness, and oxygen needs. Here are some of the highlights from the guide: • Did you know that San Francisco has a series of "Talking Signs?" She'll give you information about where to request a receiver and lists a web site so that you can find out more. • If you decide to visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, you'll discover that they have wheelchairs to loan, where you can park, and that audio description of certain exhibits are available. • Concerning wheelchair access, you'll find additional comments about access for some locations regarding the size of wheelchair used or anti-tip mechanisms. • If you really like the outdoors, she can point you in the direction of non-profit organizations that can arrange whitewater rafting, kayaking, and sailing. • Bonnie also addresses the more difficult to find features such as large print floorplans, assisted listening devices, printed scripts of tours, and ASL (American Sign Language) interpreters. "San Francisco is really a great city to visit," boasts Lewkowicz, "but you still need to plan ahead and do your research as far as access is concerned. "Actually," she adds, "you should do that wherever you go. Our print access guide, combined with the updated information on our web site, just streamlines this whole process." "Access 2000 San Francisco" is available free from the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau at 415-391-2000 or (TDD) 415-392-0328. Alternatively you can pick up a copy at the Visitors Information Center located on the lower level of Hallidie Plaza at Market & Powell, or order one on line at www.AcssNCA.com. Note: This excellent guide is updated each year. Copyright © 2000-2002. Hope Sykes. • Review: Access Wyoming By Hope Sykes While this is an older guide (1995), the information does seem presented in a straight forward approach. The authors indicate that ratings are "tempered with a common sense evaluation of 'usability.'" For big city dwellers, Wyoming has a slower (but very welcome) pace than you might be used to so if you have a question about an access feature, don't forget to explain your needs and simply ask. Friendliness is one of the state's best assets. The guide resembles a spiral cookbook in size and even some of the smallest of communities are included. You'll even find accessible comments about the often overlooked ATMs (Automated Teller Machines). There is an ample supply of simple maps of some of the larger communities and the maps could be easily enlarged on a copier for easier visibility, if needed. Topics covered include: TDDS; assistive listening devices; audio and visual alarms; roll-in showers; accessible bathrooms; braille signs and notices; and wheelchair access. The guide is refreshingly frank "not enough knee clearance at sink" and detailed "has low washers, dryers, and folding tables." A couple of extra nice features include: • Highlighting of free overnight RV and tent camping areas. Note: If you have a larger rig, you might want to inquire ahead of time to make sure that the site will work for you. • Outfitters who can accomodate special needs. • Accessible fishing areas and boat ramps. To request a guide, contact Wyoming Tourism and Travel in Cheyenne, Wyoming at 1-800-225-5996. Copyright © 2000-2002. Hope Sykes. |
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