October, 2004 - Wheelchair Getaways

cruise, a murder afloat mystery cruise, and many more!
10. The Ghosts of Savannah Tour
For more information, visit www.savannahriverboat.com.
Finally, our list would not be complete without a little
Halloween fun. Join supernatural researchers as they
8.
Bonaventure Cemetery
narrate this 90-minute tour of Savannah, and hear
Savannah's most famous ghost stories and legends. These
An important stop on any Savannah tour, the
tours take place on paved sidewalks and are fully wheelBonaventure Cemetery is the
chair accessible. The tours have
final resting place of many
been featured on CNN Travel
famous Savannah founders
Guide, The Learning Channel,
and residents. The cemetery
The Discovery Channel, Home &
is most recently known for
Garden Television, and more!
being an important part of
For more information on these
the setting of the 1994
chilling guided tours, visit
novel, Midnight in the
www.theghostsofsavannah.com.
Garden of Good and Evil.
The Bonaventure Cemetery
(The only way to truly enjoy
makes an interesting, if not
your stay in the Peach State is
spooky, addition to your
to have reliable, accessible
Georgia trip.
transportation. For information
on accessible van rentals, contact Wheelchair Getaways
9.
Oktoberfest
of Georgia at 1-800-554-6893 or e-mail
[email protected])
A three-day event held on River Street in scenic
Savannah, Oktoberfest is a fun-filled celebration of
German cuisine. Live entertainment, arts and crafts,
wiener dog races, and all the food and beer you can
stomach are just part the fun that Oktoberfest has to
offer. The best part is that admission is free! E-mail
[email protected] for more information on event
schedules and operation hours.
Wheelchair
Getaways
®
Wheelchair
Getaways
Inside this issue:
“Visit Georgia! Top Ten Accessible Attractions in the Peach State”
“Purchasing an Adaptive Vehicle - What You Should Know”
“What To Do When Your Conversion Van is Involved in an Accident”
Visit Geor gia!
Top Ten Accessib le Attr actions in the
Peac h Sta te
1.
Underground Atlanta
With over 100 vendors, this group of shopping, dining, and
entertainment venues is conveniently located in the heart
of Atlanta's business district. Underground
Atlanta covers six city
blocks and is the hub of
some of the most recommended tourist spots in
the city. For more information on visiting
Underground Atlanta, visit
their website at
www.underground-atlanta.com.
World of Coca Cola
Many people are unaware that Atlanta is actually the city
responsible for providing the world with its favorite soft
drink…Coca Cola! The World of Coca Cola, located in the
middle of Underground Atlanta, is a museum detailing the
history, production, and distribution of Coca Cola. Visitors
are even invited to sample various recipes of Coke, distributed throughout the globe. The museum has a ramp located at the main entrance, for easy access, and elevators for
use by wheelchair users. For more info, visit the World of
Coca Cola website at www.woccatlanta.com.
PO Box 605
Versailles, KY 40383
3.
Daily - Weekly - Monthly
October 2004
®
2.
Accessible Van Rentals
Quar ter l y Customer Ne wsletter
Zoo Atlanta
For some family fun, visit Zoo Atlanta, the Southeast's most
renowned collection of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a vast
array of animals, including giant pandas, orangutans, and
exotic birds. The zoo is fully wheelchair accessible and
offers wheelchairs on a first come first serve basis. For visitor information, visit the zoo's website
at www.zooatlanta.org.
4.
Georgia's Stone Mountain State Park
Discovered by early American settlers in 1790, the aweinspiring Stone Mountain is one of the largest granite formations in the world. More than 300 million years old, the
mountain is now part of the protected Georgia Stone
Mountain State Park and delights visitors from all around the
country. The park's website offers detailed descriptions of
which areas of the park are wheelchair accessible on its
website, at www.stonemountainpark.com.
5.
The Varsity Drive-in
This nostalgic drive-in
restaurant has been captivating Georgians since its
first location opened in
1928. Serving such famous
patrons as Elvis Presley,
Katie Couric, and former
President Bill Clinton, the Varsity dishes out typical drive-in
cuisine: chili dogs, burgers, fries, and, of course, Varsity
Orange drink! For location and menu information, visit
www.thevarsity.com.
6.
Margaret Mitchell House
The Margaret Mitchell House is one of Georgia's many historical treasures. Margaret Mitchell, author of the best selling
novel, Gone with the Wind, wrote the majority of her
famous book in this beautiful home, which now serves as a
museum to southern literature and Margaret Mitchell's own
literary legacy. The house is accessible, although visitors
must bring their own wheelchairs. For more information
about the Margaret Mitchell House, go to www.gwtw.org.
7.
Savannah Riverboat Cruises
A great way to enjoy the beauty of Georgia is by taking a
Savannah Riverboat Cruise down the gorgeous Savannah
River. The 400 passenger River Queen and the 600 passenger Georgia Queen are both wheelchair accessible, and offer
several tour packages, including: a narrated
sight seeing cruise, a dinner entertainment
Happy Halloween!
(continued on back)
Purchasing an Adaptive Vehicle What You Should Know
2. Evaluate Your Needs
Evaluating your adaptive equipment needs requires the
assistance of a driver rehabilitation specialist. In addiPurchasing an adaptive vehicle, or modifying a vehicle
tion to vision screening, the specialist will assess such
you currently own, is a major step toward independence. skills as muscle strength, range of motion, coordination,
Transportation is fundamental to participating in the nor- reaction time, and decision-making abilities. The specialmal activities that make up our daily lives. However,
ist will then give you a report as to what restrictions and
while taking this step is exciting, it can also come with
driving requirements you will have. To find a qualified
its own set of obstacles and frustrations. Luckily, there
evaluator contact your local rehabilitation center, your
are several agencies and organizations out there ready to insurance company, or the Association for Driver
help you every step of the way. Driver rehabilitation
Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED). Before you ever meet
specialists and other professionals who work with individ- with a driver rehabilitation specialist, be sure to consult
uals with disabilities have come up with a process that
your physician. Being evaluated too soon after an injury
can ease the transition into adaptive vehicle ownership:
can result in costly unnecessary purchases. If there is a
possibility that you will not be permanently injured, con1. Investigate Cost Saving Opportunities & Licensing
sider renting an accessible van and avoid paying for an
Requirements
entire vehicle modification. Renting a vehicle during
driver evaluation can also help alleviate the possibility of
Vehicle modifications are very expensive, costing anypurchasing equipment that may not be sufficient.
where from $20,000 all the way up to $80,000, depending
on what type of equipment is required for you to drive.
3. Select the Right Vehicle
This is why it is important to pursue any public or private
financial assistance that is available. A good place to
The selection of an appropriate vehicle will require the
start is the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). input of you, your driver rehabilitation specialist, and a
If a driver plans on returning to work, VR will often cover qualified vehicle modification dealer. Taking the time to
at least part of the cost of vehicle modification and driv- consult with professionals first will save both time and
er rehabilitation. You should also look into any non-profit money. Keep in mind, that you will need to procure
agencies or grant programs available for vehicle modifica- insurance for your vehicle, even if you are not driving it
tions. Check with your health or workers' compensation
yet. When deciding on what type of vehicle to modify,
provider to see if vehicle modification is covered under
there are many things to consider. First, you must conyour insurance policy. You may even be eligible for a
sider whether you will need to modify a van or some
sales tax waiver or other tax savings, depending on the
other type of vehicle. Then, you must consider whether
state in which you live. Finally, check with your vehicle
or not the vehicle you choose will accommodate all of
manufacturer to see if they offer rebates or reimburseyour required adaptive equipment, as well as all of your
ment plans for modified vehicles.
family or other passengers once the vehicle has been
modified. You must also determine whether or not there
While checking into cost saving opportunities, also make is adequate parking at both home and work for the vehisure to find out about any licensing requirements in your cle that you choose. Finally, if a third party is covering
state. All drivers are required to have a permit or dripart or all of the cost of vehicle modification, obtain a
ver's license to receive driver evaluation, but some states written statement of exactly what vehicle, adaptive
may require that you have a restricted license depending devices, and modification costs they will cover, before
on what type of equipment you will be using to drive.
making a purchase.
4. Choose a Qualified Dealer to Modify Your Vehicle
Every detail (and penny) counts when it comes to vehicle
modification, so make sure that the dealer modifying
your vehicle is qualified. Find out what professional
organizations they belong to,
how many years experience
they have, and how they train
their staff. Obtain references,
estimates, and before and after
pictures of vehicles they have
modified. You must be comfortable with the dealer's qualifications in order to be comfortable driving the vehicle he
or she modifies. While waiting
for your vehicle to be modified,
you will probably have to be available for fittings and
measurements. Consider renting an accessible vehicle in
the interim, so that you can get to and from appointments as conveniently as possible.
5. Obtain Training on the Use of New Equipment
Both the equipment dealer and driver rehabilitation specialist should be able to provide information and off road
instruction on how to use all of the equipment on the
vehicle. VR and other agencies can also provide a driver
trainer to help instruct both you and another family
member or significant other (in case of an emergency) on
how to use the adaptive features of your vehicle. If
your evaluator or VR agency cannot direct you to a certified driving instructor, contact your local department of
motor vehicles for assistance.
6. Maintain Your Vehicle
Broken or faulty equipment is
not only an inconvenience, but
it is also dangerous. Be sure to
maintain your vehicle and
adaptive equipment through
regular maintenance. Often,
regular maintenance is actually
a requirement in order to comply with your vehicle's warranty. Regular vehicle maintenance does not have to be a
hassle. Just plan to rent a wheelchair accessible van,
while your vehicle is being repaired!
(This article is adapted from information provided by
the National Highway Transportation Safety
Administration (NHTSA). For more information and a
list of additional resources visit the NHTSA website at
www.nhtsa.dot.gov or visit the National Mobility
Equipment Dealers Association website at
www.nmeda.org.)
NATIONWIDE SERVICE LOCATIONS
CORPORATE
(800) 536-5518
ALABAMA:
Birmingham
(800) 554-6893
Mobile
(877) 416-0175
ARIZONA:
(888) 824-7413
ARKANSAS:
(800) 781-0663
CALIFORNIA:
Northern
(800) 638-1912
(888) 468-9055
NORTH DAKOTA: (Eastern)
(888) 256-5807
Ft. Wayne
(800) 398-5165
OHIO:
(800) 398-5165
IOWA:
(800) 781-0663
OKLAHOMA:
(866) 846-8029
KANSAS:
(800) 781-0663
OREGON:
(800) 351-8267
KENTUCKY:
(800) 458-1115
PENNSYLVANIA:
(800) 221-6501
LOUISIANA:
(877) 416-0175
RHODE ISLAND:
(800) 727-1656
MARYLAND:
(800) 438-8465
SOUTH CAROLINA:
(866) 288-8118
MASSACHUSETTS:
NH, VT
(800) 727-1656
SOUTH DAKOTA: (Eastern)
(888) 256-5807
MICHIGAN:
(800) 887-7868
TENNESSEE:
Eastern & Central
(888) 245-9944
MINNESOTA:
(888) 256-5807
Western
(800) 781-0663
MISSISSIPPI:
(877) 416-0175
TEXAS:
Dallas, Ft. Worth
(877) 688-4695
MISSOURI:
(800) 781-0663
MONTANA:
(800) 630-8267
NEVADA:
(888) 824-7413
Central & Southern
Los Angeles, Orange Co
(800) 659-1972
San Diego, Palm Springs
(877) 388-4883
COLORADO:
(800) 238-6920
CONNECTICUT:
(800) 228-0185
DELAWARE:
(800) 221-6501
The vehicle modification industry has made great strides in increasing the safety of adaptive equipment. In fact, a March 2004 study of disabled drivers showed that the majority (73%) felt either safe or very safe with their modified vehicle. Drivers of modified vehicles can help prevent accidents through proper use of all equipment, including wheelchair securement systems and safety belts, and through routine maintenance of the vehicle and adaptive equipment. Unfortunately, no matter how cautious or prepared a driver may be, accidents still happen.
Here are some common sense tips for what to do if you are involved in an accident:
FLORIDA:
Orlando, St. Petersburg,
Sarasota, Tampa
(800) 242-4990
Miami, Ft. Meyers, Naples,
Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm
Beach
(800) 637-7577
1. CALL 9-1-1 if there is any chance of injury to those involved in the accident. Emergency medical personnel can quickly assess both the
presence and severity of injuries, so it's better not to take any chances.
Pensacola
(877) 416-0175
Central
(800) 221-0034
GEORGIA:
(800) 554-6893
Southern
2. CALL THE POLICE. Even if the accident is just a minor fender bender, always call the police and get them to file a report. Without a
police report, it is just your word against the other driver's. Make sure to write down the police report number to give to your insurance agent.
(Here's a tip: keep the non-emergency police number programmed into your cell phone, in case of minor accidents).
Augusta
(866) 288-8118
NEW MEXICO:
What To Do When Your Conversion Van is Involved in an Accident
3. CALL YOUR INSURANCE AGENT. Call your insurance agent as soon as possible so that he or she can begin processing your claim and
get you a replacement vehicle, if necessary. At this point, the claim is in the hands of the adjuster. While most claims are handled in good
faith, if you feel your claim has been handled unfairly ask your agent whether or not your policy has a mediator clause. A third party mediator
will be able to determine whether or not a claim was handled reasonably. If this clause is not in your policy: 1) get a new policy and 2) file a
complaint with your state's department of insurance.
El Paso
(800) 408-2626
Houston
(866) 616-8267
San Antonio, Austin
(800) 723-6028
UTAH:
Salt Lake City
(866) 886-3100
(800) 221-6501
VIRGINIA:
Central & Southern
(877) 271-9826
(800) 408-2626
Northern Virginia
(800) 438-8465
WASHINGTON, DC:
(800) 438-8465
WASHINGTON:
(888) 376-1500
(800) 221-6501
NEW JERSEY:
Northern NJ, NY City, Brooklyn (800) 344-5005
HAWAII:
(800) 638-1912
ILLINOIS:
Chicago & Northern, IL
NEW YORK:
Long Island, NY City
(800) 637-2597
Central & Southern
(800) 781-0663
Upstate NY, Syracuse, NYC,
Albany, Westchester Co
(866) 725-1803
WEST VIRGINIA:
NORTH CAROLINA:
(800) 662-7572
WISCONSIN:
(866) 748-3004
(866) 288-8118
WYOMING:
Cheyenne
(800) 238-6920
INDIANA:
Northern
(800) 826-9764
Charlotte
(800) 379-3750
NATIONWIDE RENTAL INFORMATION:
(800) 642-2042
www.wheelchairgetaways.com
Purchasing an Adaptive Vehicle What You Should Know
2. Evaluate Your Needs
Evaluating your adaptive equipment needs requires the
assistance of a driver rehabilitation specialist. In addiPurchasing an adaptive vehicle, or modifying a vehicle
tion to vision screening, the specialist will assess such
you currently own, is a major step toward independence. skills as muscle strength, range of motion, coordination,
Transportation is fundamental to participating in the nor- reaction time, and decision-making abilities. The specialmal activities that make up our daily lives. However,
ist will then give you a report as to what restrictions and
while taking this step is exciting, it can also come with
driving requirements you will have. To find a qualified
its own set of obstacles and frustrations. Luckily, there
evaluator contact your local rehabilitation center, your
are several agencies and organizations out there ready to insurance company, or the Association for Driver
help you every step of the way. Driver rehabilitation
Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED). Before you ever meet
specialists and other professionals who work with individ- with a driver rehabilitation specialist, be sure to consult
uals with disabilities have come up with a process that
your physician. Being evaluated too soon after an injury
can ease the transition into adaptive vehicle ownership:
can result in costly unnecessary purchases. If there is a
possibility that you will not be permanently injured, con1. Investigate Cost Saving Opportunities & Licensing
sider renting an accessible van and avoid paying for an
Requirements
entire vehicle modification. Renting a vehicle during
driver evaluation can also help alleviate the possibility of
Vehicle modifications are very expensive, costing anypurchasing equipment that may not be sufficient.
where from $20,000 all the way up to $80,000, depending
on what type of equipment is required for you to drive.
3. Select the Right Vehicle
This is why it is important to pursue any public or private
financial assistance that is available. A good place to
The selection of an appropriate vehicle will require the
start is the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). input of you, your driver rehabilitation specialist, and a
If a driver plans on returning to work, VR will often cover qualified vehicle modification dealer. Taking the time to
at least part of the cost of vehicle modification and driv- consult with professionals first will save both time and
er rehabilitation. You should also look into any non-profit money. Keep in mind, that you will need to procure
agencies or grant programs available for vehicle modifica- insurance for your vehicle, even if you are not driving it
tions. Check with your health or workers' compensation
yet. When deciding on what type of vehicle to modify,
provider to see if vehicle modification is covered under
there are many things to consider. First, you must conyour insurance policy. You may even be eligible for a
sider whether you will need to modify a van or some
sales tax waiver or other tax savings, depending on the
other type of vehicle. Then, you must consider whether
state in which you live. Finally, check with your vehicle
or not the vehicle you choose will accommodate all of
manufacturer to see if they offer rebates or reimburseyour required adaptive equipment, as well as all of your
ment plans for modified vehicles.
family or other passengers once the vehicle has been
modified. You must also determine whether or not there
While checking into cost saving opportunities, also make is adequate parking at both home and work for the vehisure to find out about any licensing requirements in your cle that you choose. Finally, if a third party is covering
state. All drivers are required to have a permit or dripart or all of the cost of vehicle modification, obtain a
ver's license to receive driver evaluation, but some states written statement of exactly what vehicle, adaptive
may require that you have a restricted license depending devices, and modification costs they will cover, before
on what type of equipment you will be using to drive.
making a purchase.
4. Choose a Qualified Dealer to Modify Your Vehicle
Every detail (and penny) counts when it comes to vehicle
modification, so make sure that the dealer modifying
your vehicle is qualified. Find out what professional
organizations they belong to,
how many years experience
they have, and how they train
their staff. Obtain references,
estimates, and before and after
pictures of vehicles they have
modified. You must be comfortable with the dealer's qualifications in order to be comfortable driving the vehicle he
or she modifies. While waiting
for your vehicle to be modified,
you will probably have to be available for fittings and
measurements. Consider renting an accessible vehicle in
the interim, so that you can get to and from appointments as conveniently as possible.
5. Obtain Training on the Use of New Equipment
Both the equipment dealer and driver rehabilitation specialist should be able to provide information and off road
instruction on how to use all of the equipment on the
vehicle. VR and other agencies can also provide a driver
trainer to help instruct both you and another family
member or significant other (in case of an emergency) on
how to use the adaptive features of your vehicle. If
your evaluator or VR agency cannot direct you to a certified driving instructor, contact your local department of
motor vehicles for assistance.
6. Maintain Your Vehicle
Broken or faulty equipment is
not only an inconvenience, but
it is also dangerous. Be sure to
maintain your vehicle and
adaptive equipment through
regular maintenance. Often,
regular maintenance is actually
a requirement in order to comply with your vehicle's warranty. Regular vehicle maintenance does not have to be a
hassle. Just plan to rent a wheelchair accessible van,
while your vehicle is being repaired!
(This article is adapted from information provided by
the National Highway Transportation Safety
Administration (NHTSA). For more information and a
list of additional resources visit the NHTSA website at
www.nhtsa.dot.gov or visit the National Mobility
Equipment Dealers Association website at
www.nmeda.org.)
NATIONWIDE SERVICE LOCATIONS
CORPORATE
(800) 536-5518
ALABAMA:
Birmingham
(800) 554-6893
Mobile
(877) 416-0175
ARIZONA:
(888) 824-7413
ARKANSAS:
(800) 781-0663
CALIFORNIA:
Northern
(800) 638-1912
(888) 468-9055
NORTH DAKOTA: (Eastern)
(888) 256-5807
Ft. Wayne
(800) 398-5165
OHIO:
(800) 398-5165
IOWA:
(800) 781-0663
OKLAHOMA:
(866) 846-8029
KANSAS:
(800) 781-0663
OREGON:
(800) 351-8267
KENTUCKY:
(800) 458-1115
PENNSYLVANIA:
(800) 221-6501
LOUISIANA:
(877) 416-0175
RHODE ISLAND:
(800) 727-1656
MARYLAND:
(800) 438-8465
SOUTH CAROLINA:
(866) 288-8118
MASSACHUSETTS:
NH, VT
(800) 727-1656
SOUTH DAKOTA: (Eastern)
(888) 256-5807
MICHIGAN:
(800) 887-7868
TENNESSEE:
Eastern & Central
(888) 245-9944
MINNESOTA:
(888) 256-5807
Western
(800) 781-0663
MISSISSIPPI:
(877) 416-0175
TEXAS:
Dallas, Ft. Worth
(877) 688-4695
MISSOURI:
(800) 781-0663
MONTANA:
(800) 630-8267
NEVADA:
(888) 824-7413
Central & Southern
Los Angeles, Orange Co
(800) 659-1972
San Diego, Palm Springs
(877) 388-4883
COLORADO:
(800) 238-6920
CONNECTICUT:
(800) 228-0185
DELAWARE:
(800) 221-6501
The vehicle modification industry has made great strides in increasing the safety of adaptive equipment. In fact, a March 2004 study of disabled drivers showed that the majority (73%) felt either safe or very safe with their modified vehicle. Drivers of modified vehicles can help prevent accidents through proper use of all equipment, including wheelchair securement systems and safety belts, and through routine maintenance of the vehicle and adaptive equipment. Unfortunately, no matter how cautious or prepared a driver may be, accidents still happen.
Here are some common sense tips for what to do if you are involved in an accident:
FLORIDA:
Orlando, St. Petersburg,
Sarasota, Tampa
(800) 242-4990
Miami, Ft. Meyers, Naples,
Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm
Beach
(800) 637-7577
1. CALL 9-1-1 if there is any chance of injury to those involved in the accident. Emergency medical personnel can quickly assess both the
presence and severity of injuries, so it's better not to take any chances.
Pensacola
(877) 416-0175
Central
(800) 221-0034
GEORGIA:
(800) 554-6893
Southern
2. CALL THE POLICE. Even if the accident is just a minor fender bender, always call the police and get them to file a report. Without a
police report, it is just your word against the other driver's. Make sure to write down the police report number to give to your insurance agent.
(Here's a tip: keep the non-emergency police number programmed into your cell phone, in case of minor accidents).
Augusta
(866) 288-8118
NEW MEXICO:
What To Do When Your Conversion Van is Involved in an Accident
3. CALL YOUR INSURANCE AGENT. Call your insurance agent as soon as possible so that he or she can begin processing your claim and
get you a replacement vehicle, if necessary. At this point, the claim is in the hands of the adjuster. While most claims are handled in good
faith, if you feel your claim has been handled unfairly ask your agent whether or not your policy has a mediator clause. A third party mediator
will be able to determine whether or not a claim was handled reasonably. If this clause is not in your policy: 1) get a new policy and 2) file a
complaint with your state's department of insurance.
El Paso
(800) 408-2626
Houston
(866) 616-8267
San Antonio, Austin
(800) 723-6028
UTAH:
Salt Lake City
(866) 886-3100
(800) 221-6501
VIRGINIA:
Central & Southern
(877) 271-9826
(800) 408-2626
Northern Virginia
(800) 438-8465
WASHINGTON, DC:
(800) 438-8465
WASHINGTON:
(888) 376-1500
(800) 221-6501
NEW JERSEY:
Northern NJ, NY City, Brooklyn (800) 344-5005
HAWAII:
(800) 638-1912
ILLINOIS:
Chicago & Northern, IL
NEW YORK:
Long Island, NY City
(800) 637-2597
Central & Southern
(800) 781-0663
Upstate NY, Syracuse, NYC,
Albany, Westchester Co
(866) 725-1803
WEST VIRGINIA:
NORTH CAROLINA:
(800) 662-7572
WISCONSIN:
(866) 748-3004
(866) 288-8118
WYOMING:
Cheyenne
(800) 238-6920
INDIANA:
Northern
(800) 826-9764
Charlotte
(800) 379-3750
NATIONWIDE RENTAL INFORMATION:
(800) 642-2042
www.wheelchairgetaways.com
cruise, a murder afloat mystery cruise, and many more!
10. The Ghosts of Savannah Tour
For more information, visit www.savannahriverboat.com.
Finally, our list would not be complete without a little
Halloween fun. Join supernatural researchers as they
8.
Bonaventure Cemetery
narrate this 90-minute tour of Savannah, and hear
Savannah's most famous ghost stories and legends. These
An important stop on any Savannah tour, the
tours take place on paved sidewalks and are fully wheelBonaventure Cemetery is the
chair accessible. The tours have
final resting place of many
been featured on CNN Travel
famous Savannah founders
Guide, The Learning Channel,
and residents. The cemetery
The Discovery Channel, Home &
is most recently known for
Garden Television, and more!
being an important part of
For more information on these
the setting of the 1994
chilling guided tours, visit
novel, Midnight in the
www.theghostsofsavannah.com.
Garden of Good and Evil.
The Bonaventure Cemetery
(The only way to truly enjoy
makes an interesting, if not
your stay in the Peach State is
spooky, addition to your
to have reliable, accessible
Georgia trip.
transportation. For information
on accessible van rentals, contact Wheelchair Getaways
9.
Oktoberfest
of Georgia at 1-800-554-6893 or e-mail
[email protected])
A three-day event held on River Street in scenic
Savannah, Oktoberfest is a fun-filled celebration of
German cuisine. Live entertainment, arts and crafts,
wiener dog races, and all the food and beer you can
stomach are just part the fun that Oktoberfest has to
offer. The best part is that admission is free! E-mail
[email protected] for more information on event
schedules and operation hours.
Wheelchair
Getaways
®
Wheelchair
Getaways
Inside this issue:
“Visit Georgia! Top Ten Accessible Attractions in the Peach State”
“Purchasing an Adaptive Vehicle - What You Should Know”
“What To Do When Your Conversion Van is Involved in an Accident”
Visit Geor gia!
Top Ten Accessib le Attr actions in the
Peac h Sta te
1.
Underground Atlanta
With over 100 vendors, this group of shopping, dining, and
entertainment venues is conveniently located in the heart
of Atlanta's business district. Underground
Atlanta covers six city
blocks and is the hub of
some of the most recommended tourist spots in
the city. For more information on visiting
Underground Atlanta, visit
their website at
www.underground-atlanta.com.
World of Coca Cola
Many people are unaware that Atlanta is actually the city
responsible for providing the world with its favorite soft
drink…Coca Cola! The World of Coca Cola, located in the
middle of Underground Atlanta, is a museum detailing the
history, production, and distribution of Coca Cola. Visitors
are even invited to sample various recipes of Coke, distributed throughout the globe. The museum has a ramp located at the main entrance, for easy access, and elevators for
use by wheelchair users. For more info, visit the World of
Coca Cola website at www.woccatlanta.com.
PO Box 605
Versailles, KY 40383
3.
Daily - Weekly - Monthly
October 2004
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2.
Accessible Van Rentals
Quar ter l y Customer Ne wsletter
Zoo Atlanta
For some family fun, visit Zoo Atlanta, the Southeast's most
renowned collection of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a vast
array of animals, including giant pandas, orangutans, and
exotic birds. The zoo is fully wheelchair accessible and
offers wheelchairs on a first come first serve basis. For visitor information, visit the zoo's website
at www.zooatlanta.org.
4.
Georgia's Stone Mountain State Park
Discovered by early American settlers in 1790, the aweinspiring Stone Mountain is one of the largest granite formations in the world. More than 300 million years old, the
mountain is now part of the protected Georgia Stone
Mountain State Park and delights visitors from all around the
country. The park's website offers detailed descriptions of
which areas of the park are wheelchair accessible on its
website, at www.stonemountainpark.com.
5.
The Varsity Drive-in
This nostalgic drive-in
restaurant has been captivating Georgians since its
first location opened in
1928. Serving such famous
patrons as Elvis Presley,
Katie Couric, and former
President Bill Clinton, the Varsity dishes out typical drive-in
cuisine: chili dogs, burgers, fries, and, of course, Varsity
Orange drink! For location and menu information, visit
www.thevarsity.com.
6.
Margaret Mitchell House
The Margaret Mitchell House is one of Georgia's many historical treasures. Margaret Mitchell, author of the best selling
novel, Gone with the Wind, wrote the majority of her
famous book in this beautiful home, which now serves as a
museum to southern literature and Margaret Mitchell's own
literary legacy. The house is accessible, although visitors
must bring their own wheelchairs. For more information
about the Margaret Mitchell House, go to www.gwtw.org.
7.
Savannah Riverboat Cruises
A great way to enjoy the beauty of Georgia is by taking a
Savannah Riverboat Cruise down the gorgeous Savannah
River. The 400 passenger River Queen and the 600 passenger Georgia Queen are both wheelchair accessible, and offer
several tour packages, including: a narrated
sight seeing cruise, a dinner entertainment
Happy Halloween!
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