Trips & Tours: Disability Info - FAQ
Q: Are all of your tour destinations accessible?
A: No, all of the destinations are not fully accessible. Some of the historic properties are not accessible, or have limited accessibility features. All of our destinations typically have accessible areas, such as visitor centers, grounds or restrooms. Some of our destinations may have limited access areas or rugged, uneven terrain.
Q: Is your motorcoach accessible?
A: Yes, the motorcoach itself is accessible. The company has motorcoaches that are equipped with wheelchair lifts and must be requested 10 business days in advance of the tour date. Each bus driver brings a small step to make it easier for passengers to board, and the driver will also assist passengers with boarding and disembarking. The restroom is not wheelchair accessible; however, a courtesy stop can be requested at a public rest area.
Q: Do I need to request an accommodation?
A: Yes, customers needing an ADA accommodation must make their request 10 business days in advance of the tour date. We strongly advise ADA requests be made at the time of registration.
Q: How can I make an accommodation request?
A: Requests should be made 10 business days in advance of the tour date. Requests may be made by phone to the tours Program Assistant at 703-324-5220; by phone to the ADA Coordinator at 703-324-8563; in writing by mail to FCPA/Parktakes, P. O. Box 4606, Fairfax, VA 22038; in writing by fax to 703-631-2004; or by TTY to 703-803-3354. The request should include the name of the customer, the name and date of the tour for which the customer is registered, and the type of accommodation requested.
Q: What types of accommodations do you offer?
A: We can provide a wheelchair accessible bus, assistance stowing a collapsible wheelchair and assistance on and off of the bus. We can confirm with the tour destination that it is accessible, if it offers rental or complementary wheelchairs, or other equipment. We can provide sign language interpreters and assistive listening devices.
Q: I use a manual wheelchair. Will you provide someone to push my chair?
A: No, pushing a wheelchair is not an accommodation under the ADA. You are welcome, however, to register a friend or companion to assist you throughout the trip.
Q: What if I might only need assistance when I encounter a rough spot or a hill or have difficulty walking?
A: It is possible that another group member might be able to lend a hand, but it is not recommended that you count on this possibility. We can provide information on accessible routes at the tour location.
Q: Will the escort assist me with my personal care needs?
A: No, this request is not an accommodation under the ADA. If you require this service, you must provide your own companion.
Q: Are wheelchairs available at all destinations?
A:This depends on the tour location and the availability of rental or complimentary wheelchairs. You must request such an accommodation 10 business days in advance of the tour date to confirm the availability of a wheelchair. The Park Authority does not provide loaner equipment. Any fees for loaner equipment are the responsibility of the customer.
Q: I have a disability and use a service animal. May I bring my animal on the trip?
A: Yes, under the ADA, service animals are allowed on the motorcoach and at tour locations. Please advise us of this 10 business days prior to the date of the trip so that we can alert the motorcoach company.
Q: I have a visual impairment and walk with a cane. Will your escort assist me?
A: Please request your accommodation 10 business days in advance of the tour date. Depending on the level of assistance needed, we can possibly accommodate your request, but it is not recommended that you count on this possibility. The Park Authority does not assign guides to assist on an individual basis.
Q: I have a visual impairment. May I receive any trip handouts in a large print format?
A: Yes, but request this as an accommodation 10 business days in advance of the tour date.
Q: I am hard of hearing (or deaf) and use sign language. Do your escorts sign?
A: No, our escorts are not trained in sign language. All communication from our escorts is either printed matter or verbal communication. If you need a sign language interpreter, you must request this accommodation 10 business days in advance of the tour date, and specify the type of sign language interpreter needed. Sign language interpreters are not provided for tours that are experiential in nature, as opposed to tours offering formal guided tours.
Q: Are assistive listening devices available at all destinations?
A: There is no guarantee that assistive listening devices will be available at all destinations. Please request this accommodation at least 10 business days in advance of the tour so that arrangements can be made to provide this device. Any fees for loaner equipment are the responsibility of the customer.
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