Industry First eLearning Curriculum Enables Travel Professionals to Plan Exceptional Accessible Travel Experiences
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 14, 2011 — Andrew J. Garnett, president and CEO of Special Needs Group (http://www.specialneedsgroup.com), the leading global provider of special needs equipment for the travel industry, announced today that the company is launching a powerful, unprecedented online SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocate course for all travel professionals. With the course, travel professionals around the world will have the knowledge and resources to provide exceptional service to the fastest-growing segment in the travel industry — the accessible travel market.
Special Needs Group has invested in the course to allow more travel professionals to help consumers with special needs experience and enjoy travel. Twenty percent (62 million) of the U.S. population has some form of disability, and the number of these individuals is increasing daily. Studies show that 24 million disabled Americans would travel/travel more frequently if their special needs were met. Consumers can now ask their travel professional if they are certified in accessible travel.
The accessible market also includes Baby Boomers and mature adults who may be "slow walkers" and do not consider themselves disabled, but who could benefit from special needs products and services.
The one-hour, three-module program objectives focus on understanding accessible travel, building expertise in accessible travel and demonstrating accessible travel advocacy skills. This groundbreaking initiative represents the first time travel professionals can become conversant with the accessible travel market through online study and testing.
The program will be available to travel professionals starting today, Nov. 14.
"We care about consumers with special needs, and feel it's very important to invest in this online certification course so travel professionals around the globe can better cater to these individuals," Garnett stated. "With the course, we hope to significantly further our mission of delivering an accessible world."
Special Needs Group has also formed a new advisory board, the SNG Inner Circle, consisting of key players in the travel industry such as cruise line CEOs, etc. The board will convene several times per year to discuss key travel accessibility issues and how to improve travel experiences for individuals with special needs. The SNG Inner Circle met for the first time on Nov. 3 at Travel Weekly's CruiseWorld 2011 in Fort Lauderdale.
For more information about the SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocate program and how it can benefit travelers with special needs, contact your local travel professional, or Special Needs Group at 1-800-513-4515 or http://www.specialneedsgroup.com/agents.
About Special Needs Group, Inc.
Special Needs Group, Inc. is the leading global provider of wheelchair rentals, scooter rentals, oxygen rentals and other special needs equipment rentals. It also offers a broad range of special needs equipment for purchase. Recommended by the world's major cruise lines for superior service and value, Special Needs Group also services guests visiting hotels, resorts, theme parks and convention centers. Special Needs Group is the only mobility and oxygen equipment supplier that is approved to deliver to all major cruise lines.
Special Needs Group is the industry's only total special needs travel solution. It is located at 2860 West State Road 84, Suite 107, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. For more information, visit http://www.specialneedsgroup.com or call 1-800-513-4515.
Special Needs Group Media Contact:
Duree Ross
Duree & Company, Inc.
Ph: 954-723-9350
Email
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