Transport and Facilities
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 Quebec-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.
Your Tip for Quebec
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