17 Juil. 2023 · 5 min de Lecture
Accessible holidays for visually impaired or blind people?
Are you searching for places or destinations that provide guaranteed accessibility for individuals with visual impairments? Whether it is for yourself or a loved one, we are here to offer our advice and guidance to assist you in making an informed choice and planning your vacation in the most optimal manner.
The choice of destination
Just like any holiday, selecting the destination is a crucial step that necessitates careful consideration, particularly when you have a disability.
Below are some websites and service providers that can assist you in developing your travel plan:
• Mobee Travel : a specialized holiday booking platform catering to individuals with reduced mobility and disabilities.
• AdapTours : specialized in crafting customized trips tailored to the needs of individuals with reduced mobility. Their teams ensures that all destinations and sites are thoroughly evaluated and validated for their accessibility, guaranteeing a seamless experience.
• Be Handi : an agency staffed with highly trained guides who specialize in accommodating specific needs throughout the entire stay. They are dedicated to providing personalized support and ensuring that your experience is tailored to your unique requirements.
And for your children?
Are you seeking to provide your children with an unforgettable summer camp experience, but struggling to find organizations that offer accessible stays? Fret not, as we are here to lend a helping hand!
• Discover the C.A.V.L.A, a holiday and leisure activity center specifically designed to welcome children and teenagers ( they also offer stays tailored for adults with disabilities).
• Additionally ANAE specializes in providing accessible holidays and leisure activities. They assist in creating fully adapted trips, ensuring holiday centers are equipped to cater to the needs of children and adults with disabilities.
Transportation
Travelling by train with a disability:
If you are visually impaired and you are traveling with a companion, the SNCF (the French rail network) provides many options to ensure your journey is accessible and caters to various forms of visual impairment. The SNCF offers discounts for individuals accompanying those with reduced mobility, allowing you to be accompanied by a loved one at an affordable price.
To go even further, the SNCF also offers a free assistance service called Acces Plus, which allows people with reduced mobility to be accompanied to their place on the train. Upon arrival, an agent picks you up and guides you to the exit.
Air travel with a disability:
First of all, it is important to emphasize that in France and across European Union Member States, it is porhibited to deny you acess on board due to your disability, in accordance with regulation (EC) n °1107/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006.
Airlines are implementing numerous measures to facilitate air travel for people who are blind or partially sighted. If necessary, they have a legal obligation to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities. This assistance covers various stages of your journey, from the drop-off point at the airport entrance to your seat on the plane, as well as for arrival and connections.
It's crucial to note that this assistance is fully provided by the airline and does not incur any additional costs. You can easily add this assistance when booking your ticket by checking a box where you can indicate your specific needs.
If you are traveling with a guide dog, they are permitted to accompany you throughout your trip, as they are allowed to travel free of charge with their handler in the cabin of the aircraft.
Organised trips:
When it comes to specially designed trips for the visually impaired, transportation is one aspect your don't need to worry about.
These trips are carefully curated to be fully accessible to different disabilities, including visual impairments.
We hope that with our advice you can build a holiday that is fully accessible and meets your needs.
For more articles about visual impairment we invite you to click on the button below.