Most airlines , both transatlantic and internal, will do
whatever they can to ease your journey, and will usually allow
attendants of more seriously disabled people to accompany them at
no extra charge - Air Canada is the best-equipped carrier.
The larger car-rental companies, like Hertz and Avis, can
provide cars with hand controls at no extra charge, though these
are only available on their most expensive models; book one as far
in advance as you can - Hertz insists on the request being made
five days before the car is needed and supplies are limited. A
wheelchair-accessible coach with hydraulic lift and on-board
accessible toilet can be rented from National Motor Coach Systems,
Box 3220, Station B, Calgary, AB T2M 4L7 (tel 403/240-1992). In
order to obtain a parking privilege permit , disabled
drivers must complete the appropriate form from the province in
question. Contact addresses and organizations vary from province to
province, though the permit, once obtained from one province, is
valid across Canada. Contact provincial tourist offices for
details. In British Columbia you should contact the Social Planning
and Research Council of British Columbia, 106-2182 W 12th Ave,
Vancouver, BC V6K 2N4 (tel 604/736-8118, fax 736-8697). Their
conditions are typical: enclose a letter with name, address, phone
number and date of birth; the medical name of the disabling
condition; a letter from a doctor with original signature (
not a photocopy) stating the disability that makes it
difficult for a person to walk more than 100m and whether the
prognosis is temporary or permanent. You should also include date
of arrival and departure in Canada (BC), a contact address if
known, a mailing address for the permit to be sent to, date and
signature, and a cheque or money order for $15 to cover
processing.
All VIA Rail trains can accommodate wheelchairs that are
no larger than 81cm by 182cm and weigh no more than 114kg, though
24 hours notice is required for the Québec-Windsor corridor and 48
hours on other routes. They offer an excellent service, including
served meals, roomettes at no extra charge for blind people
travelling with a guide dog, as well as help with boarding and
disembarking. Those who need attendants can apply for a two-for-one
fare certificate under the " Helping Hand " scheme; it's
available from the Canadian Rehabilitation Council for the
Disabled, if you submit a medical certificate and an application
signed by a doctor.
Although buses are obliged to carry disabled passengers
if their wheelchairs fit in the luggage compartment, access is
often difficult. However, nearly all bus companies accept the
two-for-one "Helping Hand" certificates, and drivers are usually
extremely helpful.
Larger hotels like Holiday Inn often have
specially designed suites for disabled guests, and major motel
chains like Best Western and Journey's End have full
access - but it is always worth checking with the tourist offices
(and the particular hotel) to confirm facilities.