GLOBAL ACCESS NEWS VOLUME II

GLOBAL ACCESS NEWS TRAVEL E-ZINE
VOLUME II, NUMBER 5, May 2001
Copyright © 2001, Global Access News
http://www.globalaccessnews.com/

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Please note: Any Internet links mentioned in this e-zine were verified as functioning as of the date at the top of this e-zine. Websites and e-mail addresses, however, change frequently, so changes may have occurred after that date.

Welcome to the May 2001 issue of the Global Access News Travel E-Zine. Thanks for sharing your tips, insights and travel experiences with our subscribers.

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CONTENTS

1. SOUTH AFRICAN ACCOMMODATIONS
2. CARNIVAL INCREASES ACCESS
3. VILLA SOLEIL, ST. CROIX
4. WASHINGTON, D.C. DISABILITY GUIDE
5. ACCESS ISRAEL LAUNCHES NEW SITE
6. PUERTO VALLARTA
7. SOUTH CARIBBEAN CRUISE

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1. SOUTH AFRICAN ACCOMMODATIONS

Thanks to André and Lynde Opperman for sharing the debut of their new website, Accessible Horizons, which features accessible accommodations in South Africa, including visits to such magnificent game parks as Krueger. André is a T5 paraplegic from a motorcycle accident in 1998 and is well versed in traveling disabled. Lynde has been in the travel industry for 10 years doing everything from reservations, check-in, and running an international airline office at Cape Town International Airport. The couple has traveled extensively in South Africa and found that it can be very difficult for wheelchair users to locate what they need if they don’t have the know-how. According to the Oppermans, many hotels claim to be “wheelchair friendly” when they are not fully aware as to what “wheelchair friendly” includes. Their Accessible Horizons service ensures that the hotels they promote are wheelchair friendly in all aspects, and unless otherwise stated, clients can be assured that all the hotel facilities are accessible. To learn more, visit www.ontheroll.co.za

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2. CARNIVAL INCREASES ACCESS

Mary M, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, shared the latest news about access to Carnival Cruise ships. According to the Associate Press article she sent, the cruise line recently settled a discrimination lawsuit by promising to make its cruise ships more accessible to their disabled travelers. The agreement calls for Carnival to make up to 25 cabins on each of its ships more accommodating to disabled people. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Access Now, a nonprofit group for Americans with disabilities.

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3. VILLA SOLEIL, ST. CROIX

The handicapped accessible Villa Soleil on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands is now available for holiday rentals. The villa is co-owned by a woman with an above-the-knee amputation. All of the main floor rooms, as well as the pool area of the villa, are on the same level, so there are no stairs to negotiate. The doorways are wide, allowing access for most wheelchairs. In addition, the master bath has a removable showerhead for bathing, and, if requested, the owners can install a ramp for the front door.

Villa Soleil is a five-minute walk to the ocean, features 300-degree views, and is only a short drive to Christiansted. The spacious villa has enough privacy for a couple on their honeymoon or can comfortably accommodate up to 14 people.
To learn more, visit http://www.villasoleil.com/

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4. DISABILITY GUIDE WASHINGTON, D.C.

If you’re headed for the Washington D.C. area (including Virginia and Maryland), check out
disabilityguide.com for an extensive list of accessible hotels, restaurants, transportation, wheelchair repairs, personal assistant providers and airport information. Thanks to co-founders Greg Snider and Russell Holt for sending us their URL: http://www.disabilityguide.com

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5.ACCESS-ISRAEL LAUNCHES NEW SITE

Access-Israel recently launched their new site in Hebrew. This site features a database listing accessible hotels, attractions and day trips. Learn more at www.access-israel.org
webmaster@access-israel.com

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6. PUERTO VALLARTA

Christel Donia-Beauveser, of the Netherlands, treasured her three-week visit to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, which features many accessible opportunities. Whether it was swimming with dolphins or visiting the mystical Huichol Indians, Christel returned to Europe with unforgettable memories. Share her adventure at http://www.globalaccessnews.com/puertovallarta01.htm

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7. SOUTH CARIBBEAN CRUISE

Vladimir and Elfrieda Drobashevsky, of Wexford, PA, explored the ups and downs of a South Caribbean cruise on the Dawn Princess. Their seven-day cruise included the islands of Trinidad, Barbados, Antigua, Tortola and St. Thomas. Experience their cruise at http://www.globalaccessnews.com/scaribbean01.htm

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Global Access News welcomes your travel reports, tips and comments at clearpath@cox.net
Thanks for sharing!

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