Tibet can be a challenge for disabled travelers with its high altitudes, uneven roads and lack of access. Monasteries in particular usually have an uphill climb or steep, narrow steps. Airports and hospitals are the only places where wheelchairs can typically be provided. On the Tibetan plateau, very few hotels have access facilities for disabled travelers. Less than a handful of hotels have elevators and ramps. Bathrooms are rarely designed to be used for people with disabilities so be sure to ask explicitly when talking to an agent or operator about bathroom grab bars, and doorway widths. The best bet for disabled travelers is to travel with portable equipment from home and make certain a traveling companion is around to assist with stairs. While there are no tour operators in Tibet that are specifically for disabled people some local travel agents through their international operators will help with addition support for disabled clients.
Braille Without Borders
Blind visitors can contact this organization in Lhasa. This organization developed the first Tibetan Braille system and run a school for blind Tibetan children.
www.braillewithoutborders.org
BrailleWB@gmx.net, BLZtib@t-online.de
Lhasa Phone: 891-633-763
German Phone: 0049-2226-913403
German Fax: 0049-2226-913404
Navyo Nepal
A Nepal-based company with some experience in running tours for the disabled to Tibet and Nepal.
GPO BOX 8974, PCN 329, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977 1 4280056
Fax: +977 1 4287300
www.navyonepal.com
Access Adventures
Chestnut Ridge Rd
Rochester, NY 14624
(585) 889-9096 206
Flying Wheels Travel
A Division of Travel Headquarters, Inc.
143 W. Bridge Street
Owatonna, MN 55060
Phone: (507) 451-5005
Fax: (507) 451-1685
Hinsdale Travel Service
(630) 325-1335
Disability Rights Section for general complaints
US Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Box 66738
Washington, DC 20035
202-514-0301
Aviation Consumer Protection Division for air-related complaints
US Department of Justice
Aviation Consumer Protection Division
Box 66738
Washington, DC 20035
202-514-0301
Civil Rights Office for problems with surface transportation
US Department of Transportation
Departmental Office of Civil Rights
S-30, 400 7th St. SW, Room 10215
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-9371
Pamela Riis