Like most islands in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands should do more to welcome vacationers with disabilities. If you have a disability, we'd recommend that you confine your visit to Grand Cayman and not venture to the remote islands of Cayman Brac or Little Cayman. Your best bet is to check into one of the major resorts along Seven Mile Beach, which are far more accessible than the smaller lodgings on the island. It is always advisable to call a hotel and discuss your individual needs before booking a stay there.
Organizations that offer a vast range of resources and assistance to travelers with disabilities include MossRehab (tel. 800/CALL-MOSS [2255-6677]; www.mossresourcenet.org), the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) (tel. 800/232-5463 or 212/502-7600; www.afb.org), and Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH) (tel. 212/447-7284; www.sath.org). Air Ambulance Card (tel. 877/424-7633 or 205/297-0060; www.airambulancecard.com) is now partnered with SATH and allows you to preselect top-notch hospitals in case of an emergency.
Access-Able Travel Source (tel. 303/232-2979; www.access-able.com) offers a comprehensive database of travel agents from around the world with experience in accessible travel; destination-specific access information; and links to such resources as service animals, equipment rentals, and access guides.
Many travel agencies offer customized tours and itineraries for travelers with disabilities. Among them are Flying Wheels Travel (tel. 507/451-5005; www.flyingwheelstravel.com) and Accessible Journeys (tel. 800/846-4537 or 610/521-0339; www.disabilitytravel.com).
Flying with Disability (www.flying-with-disability.org) is a comprehensive information source on airplane travel. Avis Rent a Car (tel. 800/331-1212 in the U.S.; www.avis.com) has an "Avis Access" program that offers services for customers with special travel needs. These include specially outfitted vehicles with swivel seats, spinner knobs, and hand controls; mobility scooter rentals; and accessible bus service. Be sure to reserve well in advance.
Also check out the quarterly magazine Emerging Horizons (www.emerginghorizons.com), available by subscription online (US$16.95 a year in the U.S.; US$21.95 outside the U.S.).
The "Accessible Travel" link at Mobility-Advisor.com offers a variety of travel resources to individuals with disabilities.
British travelers should contact Tourism For All (tel. 0845/124-9971 in the U.K. only; www.tourismforall.org.uk) for a wide range of travel information and resources for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
