Over one billion people worldwide have some kind of disability. Many need to or want to drive. Getty Images Education Images/Universal Images GroupTravelers with disabilities are being welcomed back to the world, which is a large sector of the industry that is often neglected. According to the International Transport Forum and the Fdration Internationale de lAutomobile, more than one billion people worldwide have some form of disability. Two Paris-based organizations launched a website earlier this month that offers information about the facilities and options available to people with special needs who travel by car around the globe.According to the press release, it can sometimes be difficult or impossible to find information about what they can do to help themselves in different countries and regions. It stated that the website is intended to be a guide for anyone who travels outside of their country and is not familiar with the rules and conditions of drivers with disabilities.These requests come in large numbers every year from people all over the world. They want to know if disabled people are allowed to drive in certain countries or if their disabled parking permit will be accepted. Michael Kloth, a spokesperson for the International Transport Forum (an intergovernmental organization of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), stated in an email. It was a natural idea to gather such information and make it easily accessible online.Kloth stated that the FIA collected data from its member motor clubs, and the ITF surveyed its members countries to obtain a current picture of rules and regulations applicable to disabled motorists.It's as easy as clicking on the country you wish to visit. Ann Frye Limited is a United Kingdom-based mobility specialist and consultant who assisted with the project. The topics include driver licensing requirements and where to find rental cars that are accessible for disabled drivers. Frye stated that if you are flying long distances with a disability, it is important to be able pick up a rental car just like any other driver.She said that the website has links specific to each country to assist users in further research, such as where they can find information about a source or someone to talk to.Frye stated that the main obstacle to drivers with disabilities access is that many countries still have too restrictive policies. She suggested that instead of focusing on the physical fitness aspect of who can drive, Frye would focus on the medical fitness approach, regardless if the medical condition affects the ability to drive. She said that a regular medical evaluation is appropriate for chronic degenerative conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis. However, it is not appropriate for permanent conditions like amputation.Frye stated that it would be great if there were international efforts to promote mobility as an option rather than a medical minefield.The United States market is huge and growing. The United States market is huge and growing. In the two years prior to the Covid-19 pandemic 27 million people with disabilities traveled on 81 million trips, spending $58.7billion. This compares with $34.6billion in 2015. Over the five years preceding Covid, nearly 4 out of 10 (37%) disabled travelers have visited the United States at least 3 times per year. These findings were compiled from a national market study that was commissioned by the Open Doors Organization in Chicago, which is a non-profit organization that assists people with disabilities in the U.S. in travel related issues.Eric Lipp, the executive director of Open Doors Organization and a person with reduced mobility, stated that he always questions the rules when he travels to places like Spain or Kuala Lumpur.It is important to me that I know which countries/states/cities can recognize my parking placard so that I can use it in Rome. He said that in some areas, you don't have to pay parking meters if you have a placard. This is the stuff I want.According to Mr. Lipp, the recent study by the group found that most people travel on vacation and require reliable sources of information. However, there isn't one website or app where you can find information about driving in other areas.This new resource is for disabled drivers.It's a great website, Mr. Lipp stated, but I believe it needs more development. However, he said that any information that is trustworthy and reliable is worth its weight. This is a great idea.Frye stated that the goal of the website is to keep it updated frequently and current as well as expand the information available as well as the number represented countries. Data for 59 countries is currently available.She said that outdated information is dangerous and that unsafe information is more dangerous than useless. I hope that the website will inspire people to search for what they are looking for.
