by Roberta Rosenberg

Happy New Year!  2022 has certainly arrived with a punch. Most of us believed that things would be much better by now.  Unfortunately, Covid had a different idea and brought us Omicron, in full force just as this New Year arrived. I would venture to say that, at the very least,  most of us are really tired of dealing with it. That being said, we still do need to be careful, both for ourselves, loved ones, co-workers, etc. 

Even though we want to be careful, some still want to go out to meet friends for dinner, etc. Masks are required in many places, with enforcement being rather lax. New York City has met the problem by requiring vaccinations for restaurants and other indoor spaces. Long Island has not embraced this line of thinking, but some Long Island restaurants have taken it upon themselves to do what NYC has done, and require proof of vaccination for indoor dining.

This article is not about accessibility for those with mobility challenges. It is about venues that are requiring proof of Covid vaccination for indoor dining.  The information comes from a Newsday article by Erica Marcus. Before I list the places, I must caution you to check for yourself, if the policy is still in existence when making a reservation.  I discovered that several of the restaurants I initially knew about have since changed their policies. During these uncertain times things can change quickly. As we tell visitors to our website, www.destinationaccessible.org, you always need to check a venue’s website, or call personally, to “know before you go,” for up-to-the-minute information. 

If you visit any of these venues, please share with our their policies,  as well as their accessibility.  If you know of any others, we would love to add them to our list. The only one we have personally visited was West End Cafe, and that was well before Covid. 

1. West End Cafe, Carle Place, www.westendli.com, (516) 294-5605 

2. Kristi Mediterranean Grill, Woodbury,  www.krinti.com, (516) 224-4661

3. Sandbar, Cold Spring Harbor, www.sandbar.com, (631) 498-6188

4. Takumi, Commack, www.takuminy.com, (631) 543-0101

5. Grasso’s, Cold Spring Harbor, www.grassosrestaurant.com (631) 367- 6060

6. BTW, Oceanside, www.btwoceanside.com, (516) 208-5322

7. Black Sheep Ale House, Mineola, www.blacksheepalehouse.com. (516) 307 - 1280

Most of us have library cards and generally know about the wonderful array of services our libraries offer. Depending on your local library, besides borrowing actual books, books on tape, and audio versions, they may offer performances, classes both in person and on zoom, reference help, and services for patrons with disabilities. 
I was recently reminded of another great perk that comes with having a library card.  Your Long Island Library Card doesn’t cost anything to get, and doesn’t have any fees. It does, however, come with many perks, including one that many people don’t seem to know about - the Museum Pass Program. 
The Museum Pass Program offers card holders the opportunity to reserve free passes to many Long Island and New York City museums. From the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan to the Parrish Art Museum on the East End of Long Island, you can find a museum to visit. Whether you admire art, want to learn about science and history, or  explore different cultures, visiting a museum lets you discover new things. 
Go to your local library’s website to find out what museums it offers passes for. You can usually reserve a pass for up to four people at a time.  Some passes can be printed online, others require pick-up at the library. Check your library’s website for details, as each library seems to have a somewhat different set up. Library offerings differ and there are restrictions, so be sure to check. If you have any difficulties you might want to pay a visit to your library or call for assistance. Librarians are always ready and willing to help.

Spring is in full swing and summer is right around the corner. The weather has been good to us and hopefully, we have all had opportunities to be outdoors.  New York State has more than 250 parks, historic sites, nature centers, etc. that can be available to us at reduced rates, or in some cases, even free. There are 37 State Parks just on Long Island, and another 33 in NYC and north to Albany. From Normal Levy Park, to Jones Beach State Park, to Bethpage Golf Course, one doesn’t need to travel very far to find a great place to visit.  The Empire Pass is a wonderful card that “permits unlimited vehicle access  (parking) to most facilities operated by NY State Office of Parks, Recreation Historical Preservation, and the Department of Environmental Conservation Facilities.” (website)  There are one year, three year, five year and lifetime passes available. You can check the cost at “www.parks,ny.gov,”  There are also free reductions at historic sites and state operated golf courses.  If you are over the age of 62 and only intend to visit these venues Monday - Friday (not including holidays), you can use your drivers’ license or non-driver ID, for free access. There are also reduced rate passes for persons with disabilities (Access Pass) and veterans (Patriot Plan). Please visit www.parks.ny.gov, for more information on obtaining your Empire Pass. You won’t be sorry you did it! You can "know before you go," about many of these parks by visiting www.destinationaccessible.org.

by Roberta Rosenberg

“January 29th, is National Puzzle Day, the perfect day to do a little brain exercise. Whether it’s a crossword, jigsaw, or Sudoku, (to name just a few) puzzles engage our brains in more ways than one. Scientists have discovered that when we work on a jigsaw puzzle, we utilize both sides of the brain, improving memory, cognitive function and problem solving skills in the process. By utilizing puzzles, people can stimulate the brain to improve a number of skills.” (National Calendar Day)

But, I think the best thing about puzzles is that they are fun!  Whether working on The New York Times crossword (not me), doing a Sudoku, wordsearch, jumble, or having a jigsaw puzzle out on a table, we are usually enjoying ourselves. Puzzles are generally relaxing and engrossing, yet sometimes frustrating.  Finishing one offers a sense of accomplishment. And, puzzles are inexpensive indoor activities, especially during the winter months.

The first jigsaw puzzle ( initially called “dissected maps” ) was probably made in 1767, by a mapmaker. The world’s first crossword was published in December, 1913 in the “New York World” Newspaper. During the Great Depression, puzzle sales soared to over 10 million per week. During our Covid Pandemic, puzzle sales increased 300-400%, probably because puzzles are well-suited to staying at home. (information obtained from "The Jstor Daily,” article by Rebecca Bodenheimer - 12/16/20)

Considering all of the benefits of puzzles and, between winter in full swing and Covid still keeping many of us indoors,  I thought now would be a good time to research some of the best places to obtain puzzles, both puzzles to do online, and places to get puzzles to do “in person.”

From my research I am listing some of what seem to be the best places to get the best puzzles. This list is, by no means, complete.  If you have other suggestions PLEASE share them with us.

Best Places to purchase Jigsaw puzzles:

- Amazon   -   biggest selection

- Dawdle  and Mondo   -   great selections

- Jiggy   -   most beautiful artwork

- Puzzle Masters   -   unique object puzzles

- ebay   -   rare vintage puzzles

- Walmart   -   kids’ puzzles

Free puzzles online:

www.dictionary.com   -   daily crossword puzzles

www.boatloadpuzzles.com    -   free online  crosswords

www.washingtonpost.com  and www.games@washingtonpost.com

www.games@aarp.com   -   daily crosswords

www.thewordsearch.com   -   free word searches

www.razzlepuzzzles.com   -   you select the difficulty 

www.247wordsearch.com   -   good selection 

www.arkadium.com   -   a variety of free word games

www.sudoku.com

https://.games.usatoday.com

by Roberta Rosenberg

Are you or someone you know on the Autism Spectrum and preparing for a flight?  If there are communication, social interaction and/or sensory sensitivities you can watch and learn what to expect during airport security screening by viewing a short video on the www.tsa.gov website.

TSA Cares is a helpline that has been created “to provide travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process.” (TSA website) 

Take note that this is only available for help through the screening checkpoint. If you need in-flight assistance, or wheelchair assistance from curb to flight you need to contact your airline.

The TSA Cares helpline ( 855 - 787 - 2227) is available on weekdays from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm ET and weekends from 9:00 am to 8:00pm. You can also all the federal relay at 711. If your flight is within 72 hours you must call. If you are getting in touch earlier than that, you can go online to fill out the required form for assistance. 

At some airports across the country there is a program called “Wings For All,” for children with special needs. I would describe it as a flying rehearsal, The child (and family) get to go to the airport to see what it is all about. You can find out more about it online as well. As far as I can tell, in the New York Metro Area,  it is only available at JFK and Newark airports.

We at Destination Accessible always advise you to “look at a venue’s website,” to get more information. We ask you to do this for more  information and to see the video. 

We hope that this has been helpful.

Enjoy your flight!

by Roberta Rosenberg

Destination Accessible US, Inc. is excited to welcome our newest sponsor, Bussani Mobility. Their vision of “helping those with disabilities regain their ability to enjoy full and complete lives,” is compatible with our mission of “enriching the lives of people with mobility challenges.” We are proud to have them support us!

Bussani Mobility was founded in 1974 by John Bussani, who had been injured while in the Service. When he returned home and saw fellow servicemen who had become disabled, he wanted to do something to help them have normal lives again. He started by installing hand controls for their cars, in their driveways, and one by one, was building cars for them to drive or be transported in. From there, the business has grown into a full dealership with multiple locations.   (information from their website)

Bussani is an automotive dealership for people with disabilities. Specially modified vehicles can accommodate someone with carpal tunnel syndrome to someone who is a quadriplegic. Because of his commitment and the experienced team of professionals at Bussani Mobility, many people with special needs have regained independence and freedom. Their motto is “If you can dream it, we can get you there.” What sets them apart is their ability to meet the needs of the owner. The vision behind Bussani Mobility has always been to help those with disabilities regain their ability to enjoy full and complete lives.  (information from their website)

Visit their website, www.bussanimobility.com, or call (516) 938-5207, for more information.

compiled by Roberta Rosenberg - Destination Accessible US, Inc.

Note: The following suggestions are a result of my research. It is by no means complete. Since I grew up long before electronics became a necessity in our lives, I drew on things my family, friends and I used to do and enjoy. I’m sure you will be able to add more.

- complete a puzzle you have - trade puzzles with others
- do crossword puzzles, Suduko, or other word games- start a journal about  this time (I used to keep a “diary”)- meditate- practice yoga

- write actual letters to family and/or friends

- get a pen pal

- knit, crochet, needlepoint, hook a rug

- paint, draw,  learn to scrapbook,

- interview grandparents, parents, other relatives or friends

over the phone - save the audio and create a story about

the person

- write a book with your family - choose a topic - each person

writes a chapter on the topic 

- look at family photos - make a photo collage for your room of

for a gift

- make birthday cards in advance

- learn calligraphy

- create a list of things you want to do when we get out again

- get a free trial of a TV streaming service and binge watch as

much as you can before it expires  (be careful of end date)

- watch a tv show at the same time as a friend - talk on the 

phone as you watch or as soon as it is over

- try new recipes - or learn to cook or bake

- libraries are open for “pick-up” borrow a really long movie

you have always wanted to watch

- borrow a cookbook

- borrow videos

- borrow books on topics that interest you

by Roberta Rosenberg

I recently found out about “TSA Cares, a helpline from the Transportation Security Administration, that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process.” (TSA website)  The website states that “this is only available for help through the screening checkpoint. If you need in flight assistance or wheelchair assistance from curb to flight, you need to contact your airline.”

Although I have not called myself, I have spoken to several people who have utilized it. They feel that it is very worthwhile and each spoke of the positive experiences they had.

This program seems to offer more help to passengers than just having a wheelchair brought to them. Here are some examples of assistance that are listed on the website: 

- difficulty standing or waiting in line; 

- difficulty following instructions; 

- mobility limitations, including lifting your arms; 

- internal/external body devices; 

- transporting medically necessary liquids, gases, etc. over 3.4 ozs; 

- religious or cultural items;

- concerns regarding screening for transgender or gender diverse individuals.  

You can check the website for more examples (www.tsa.gov)  and call for clarification of your personal needs and to request assistance. (855) 787-2227. The website states that you should call if your flght is within 72 hours. If it is before that you can either call or click the link on the TSA website to fill out the required form.

We at Destination Accessible, believe that one should always check a website to “know before you go.” We believe you should take the time to look at "www.tsa.gov>travel>passengersupport"  to find out more about it before giving them a call. 

Whatever your destination we wish you a good flight!

In October, Uber announced on their website that they are to launch their latest service to London. The new addition to the taxi-hailing app, named UberASSIST, provides additional assistance to the company’s disabled users.

Uber believe that the new app, which has already been launched in several different US cities, represents progress for London’s transport system. The company states that disabled people are ‘underserved byLondon’s transport network’ and that ‘only 24% of London’s underground stations have step free access.’

Furthermore, research conducted by the disabled charity Scope confirms that disabled people are more likely to use taxis and private car hires than non-disabled people – an added financial burden that should be controlled and regulated. The research concludes that the car hire industry often over-charges passengers that require additional assistance. The new service costs the same as a normal UberX ride without any additional fees. Uber claims that more than one hundred of their London drivers have already signed up to the new scheme before it has even been launched.

HowDoes The App Work?

Firstly users download the Uber app onto their Smartphone and set up a personal profile.

Passengers who require additional service have to enter the code ASSISTUK into the promotion screen. The user then has the option to select a trained driver who has completed a disability equality course. Drivers are then informed of this request ahead of time.

So What’s All The Fuss About?

Uber has become a topic of discussion recently due to their controversial nature that has sparked protest from the black taxi cab drivers. Uber’s rapid expansion due to their low fares is believed to have threatened the black cab industry.

With this additional service for the disabled, Uber is attempting to avoid more controversy. Black cabs are designed to accommodate non-folding wheelchairs as well as easy access. However, up until now, Uber has made little effort to accommodate disabled passengers. Uber has stated that they plan to add “additional fully accessible vehicles” next year. The company also plans to improve the app to accommodate the needs of their blind and deaf passengers.

It’s too early to tell for sure whether the scheme will be successful or whether it is mainly a PR exercise. But the fact that Uber is atleast taking steps to address the problems that their ride-share service poses to the disabled community is a welcome addition to the discussion.