Special Needs at Sea is a company dedicated to fulfilling the special needs requirements for persons who want to travel but may need mobility aides, oxygen or other equipment. Making travel easy, comfortable and accessible, their trained delivery agents in 55 cities in 20 countries across the globe help them fulfill that mission. Now, The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) says it will recognize and accept the Special Needs Group Certified Accessible Travel Advocate achievement for CLIA Certification credit of travel agents.
“Over 20 percent (63 Million) of the North American population have a form of disability and this number will only increase as the Baby Boom Generation continues to turn 65 at the rate of 10,000 people per day. This program provides CLIA Members with the knowledge base to confidently serve a largely untapped customer base,” reports Travel Agent Central.
The program, introduced in 2011 has already certified nearly 400 travel professionals with their Accessible Travel Advocate Certification. The certification was created to give travel professionals with an understanding of the size, scope, opportunities, and needs of the Accessible Travel/Special Needs market via a three module, 65 minute, online certification course.
“Our goal in creating this industry-first training was to provide all travel professionals with non-commercial content that would allow them to differentiate themselves, expand their client base and deliver more value in the marketplace,” said Special Needs Group President Andrew Garnett.
Special Needs at Sea, a Special Needs Group, Inc. company, is the leading global provider of wheelchair rentals, scooter rentals, oxygen rentals and other special needs equipment rentals. Recommended by the world’s major cruise lines for superior service and value, Special Needs Group also services guests visiting hotels, resorts, theme parks and convention centers.
Porthole Cruise Magazine has named Special Needs Group the leading global provider of special needs equipment for the travel industry, as the winner of its Editor-in-Chief Award 2012 for “Best Travel Assistance For Cruisers With Disabilities.”
Another source, WheelChairCruising is home of the world’s largest photo gallery devoted to accessible cruising presents this video. Clients booking Oasis of the Seas through Connie George Travel Associates will have access to an alternate six minute narrated video that discusses accessiblity details (good as well as short-comings) of the accessible cabins as well as the expertise of a specialist to discuss the ship’s overall accessibility and to guide you with your vacation details and needs.
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