Barbara RogersBarbara RogersPresident & CEOPresident & CEO

National Emphysema/COPD AssociationNational Emphysema/COPD Association

DisclosureDisclosure

NoneNone

Travel & the Respiratory Travel & the Respiratory PatientPatient

Travel Issues: Travel Issues: International International Concerns, Insurance Concerns, Insurance Preparations, and Preparations, and Disability Act IssuesDisability Act Issues

Here’s How Respiratory Patients Here’s How Respiratory Patients Can Plan for a Safe Trip…Can Plan for a Safe Trip…

Pick a safe, healthy destinationPick a safe, healthy destination Consult with their doctorConsult with their doctor Buy health insuranceBuy health insurance Prepare and pack medications Prepare and pack medications

and medical equipment and medical equipment Arrange for oxygen supply and Arrange for oxygen supply and

equipment needsequipment needs Prepare for climate and air quality Prepare for climate and air quality

at their destinationat their destination Pace themselves- eat well, sleep well Pace themselves- eat well, sleep well

and don’t drink too muchand don’t drink too much

Pick a Safe and Healthy Pick a Safe and Healthy DestinationDestination

Make sure the vacation Make sure the vacation destination will be in a safe destination will be in a safe place, close to medical servicesplace, close to medical services

Avoid areas where there is inadequate or Avoid areas where there is inadequate or questionable medical helpquestionable medical help

Avoid places that can't provide smoke-free Avoid places that can't provide smoke-free accommodationsaccommodations

Avoid places filled with their respiratory triggers Avoid places filled with their respiratory triggers Avoid places with extreme temperatures (very cold, Avoid places with extreme temperatures (very cold,

or very hot and humid)or very hot and humid)

Communication!Communication!

The doctor should know:The doctor should know:

When they will leaveWhen they will leave Where they will goWhere they will go How long they will be traveling How long they will be traveling Will they be traveling alone Will they be traveling alone How they’ve been feeling over How they’ve been feeling over

the past few monthsthe past few months

Patient’s Should Consult Their Doctor Patient’s Should Consult Their Doctor Before They Leave…Before They Leave…

What the patient should What the patient should know prior to leaving…know prior to leaving…

Their health is stable and all necessary medications Their health is stable and all necessary medications and immunizations have been provided, as well as and immunizations have been provided, as well as any special needs (oxygen, face masks, ventilators, any special needs (oxygen, face masks, ventilators, etc.) can be metetc.) can be met

Some individuals who are not oxygen-dependent on Some individuals who are not oxygen-dependent on the ground may require oxygen during air travelthe ground may require oxygen during air travel

If supplemental oxygen is needed, verify that If supplemental oxygen is needed, verify that supplies of oxygen are available in those specific supplies of oxygen are available in those specific areasareas

Patients Should Have With ThemPatients Should Have With Them

A brief written medical history A brief written medical history with back-up copies for their with back-up copies for their records at homerecords at home

An updated medication schedule and written An updated medication schedule and written prescriptions for all medications, including a prescriptions for all medications, including a prescription for oxygen, if needed prescription for oxygen, if needed

Patients travelling overseas, can contact the Patients travelling overseas, can contact the IAMATIAMAT (the International Association of Medical (the International Association of Medical Assistance to Travelers). This non-profit world-Assistance to Travelers). This non-profit world-wide association has English-speaking doctors wide association has English-speaking doctors ready to help international travelersready to help international travelers

Basic Medical Information Basic Medical Information for Americans Abroadfor Americans Abroad

If an American citizen becomes seriously If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U.S. consular ill or injured abroad, a U.S. consular officer can assist in locating appropriate officer can assist in locating appropriate medical services and informing family or medical services and informing family or friends friends

Buying Health Insurance- Buying Health Insurance- Do I Need Medical/ Evacuation Do I Need Medical/ Evacuation

Coverage?Coverage?

Yes!Yes! Here’s a simple rule of thumb:Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

““If you are traveling outside your If you are traveling outside your home country, you need home country, you need emergency medical coverage”emergency medical coverage”

Travel Medical Insurance Travel Medical Insurance Basics Basics

Medical Coverage for Medical Coverage for Americans Abroad Americans Abroad

Most health insurance plans in the U.S. Most health insurance plans in the U.S. only cover patients while in the U.S., so only cover patients while in the U.S., so when they leave the country they have when they leave the country they have no medical or accident coverageno medical or accident coverage

This is also true for Medicare, which This is also true for Medicare, which does not cover patients outside the U.S.does not cover patients outside the U.S.

Medigap Plans in GeneralMedigap Plans in General

There are 12 standard Medicare There are 12 standard Medicare supplemental (Medigap) insurance plans supplemental (Medigap) insurance plans that help pay some of the costs in the that help pay some of the costs in the original Medicare Plan and for some health original Medicare Plan and for some health care costs it doesn't covercare costs it doesn't cover

All Medigap plans must cover certain basic All Medigap plans must cover certain basic benefitsbenefits

Each standard plan, labeled "A" through Each standard plan, labeled "A" through "L," offers a different set of benefits, fills "L," offers a different set of benefits, fills different "gaps" in Medicare coverage, and different "gaps" in Medicare coverage, and varies in price and out-of-pocket costsvaries in price and out-of-pocket costs

Foreign Foreign Travel Travel

Emergency/ Emergency/ Medicare and Medicare and

Medigap Medigap PlansPlans

Medicare does not cover any health Medicare does not cover any health care received outside of the U.S.care received outside of the U.S.

Medigap Plans C through J cover some Medigap Plans C through J cover some emergency care outside the U.S. emergency care outside the U.S.

Medigap Plans and Medigap Plans and Foreign Travel Foreign Travel

Emergency Covered by Emergency Covered by Plans C-JPlans C-J

After a yearly $250 deductible is met, After a yearly $250 deductible is met, Medigap Plans C-J will pay:Medigap Plans C-J will pay:

80% of the cost of emergency care during 80% of the cost of emergency care during the first 60 days of the patient’s tripthe first 60 days of the patient’s trip

There is a $50,000 lifetime maximumThere is a $50,000 lifetime maximum

Which Company Should Patients Buy Which Company Should Patients Buy Travel Insurance From?Travel Insurance From?

There are over 15 companies in the travel There are over 15 companies in the travel insurance business, and each one sells a insurance business, and each one sells a

variety of plansvariety of plans

These are easily found through an Internet These are easily found through an Internet search for medical travel insurancesearch for medical travel insurance

This depends on the type of plan, the coverage, and other factors

In general, a Package Plan will cost between 5-7% of the total trip cost

So, if the total insured trip cost is $5,000, a package plan would be around $250-350 (5-7% of $5,000)

How Much How Much Should Travel Should Travel Insurance Cost?Insurance Cost?

Travel Medical Coverage Can Travel Medical Coverage Can Provide Coverage for Medical Provide Coverage for Medical

Expenses Such as:Expenses Such as:

Transportation to Transportation to the hospitalthe hospital

The services of a The services of a physicianphysician

Charges for hospital Charges for hospital stays and operating stays and operating roomsrooms

Travel Medical Coverage also Travel Medical Coverage also Provides Important Benefits for Provides Important Benefits for Emergency Medical EvacuationEmergency Medical Evacuation

Oftentimes, special medical flights, or Oftentimes, special medical flights, or “evacuations”, are required to get an “evacuations”, are required to get an injured or sick traveler back to their home injured or sick traveler back to their home countrycountry

Medical evacuations can easily cost ten’s Medical evacuations can easily cost ten’s of thousands of dollars, and in some cases of thousands of dollars, and in some cases upwards of $100,000upwards of $100,000

EXAMPLE Policy #  2620975EXAMPLE Policy #  2620975PROTECT ASSISTPROTECT ASSIST

306700   P1  3/2007306700   P1  3/2007Coverage effective date Coverage effective date

06/19/200806/19/2008

Total cost $120.00Total cost $120.00

Trip detailsTrip detailsDeparture date Departure date

06/20/200806/20/2008Return date 07/01/2008Return date 07/01/2008

Trip deposit dateTrip deposit date

Contact InformationContact InformationTraveler #1 Traveler #1

Insured on Policy Trip Insured on Policy Trip CostCost

Traveler #1 Traveler #1 $2,000.00$2,000.00

Selling AgencySelling AgencyAgency “XAgency “X

Phone:  Phone:  

"Prex waiver applies to the first $30,000 "Prex waiver applies to the first $30,000 of trip cost. of trip cost.

Only valid if prex requirements are met."Only valid if prex requirements are met."

Coverages & Benefit LimitsCoverages & Benefit LimitsStandard PackagesStandard Packages ACCID & SICKNESS MED EXP $25,000.00/InsuredACCID & SICKNESS MED EXP $25,000.00/InsuredAIG TRAVEL ASSIST -- Per AIG TRAVEL ASSIST -- Per

InsuredInsured

BAGGAGE & TRAVEL DOCS $1000.00 Per InsuredBAGGAGE & TRAVEL DOCS $1000.00 Per Insured

BAGGAGE DELAY $300.00 Per BAGGAGE DELAY $300.00 Per InsuredInsured

CONCIERGE SERVICES -- Per InsuredCONCIERGE SERVICES -- Per Insured

EMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 Per EMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 Per InsuredInsured

ID THEFT ASSIST SVCS -- Per InsuredID THEFT ASSIST SVCS -- Per Insured

LIVETRAVEL ASSISTANCE -- Per InsuredLIVETRAVEL ASSISTANCE -- Per Insured

MISSED CONNECTIONS $250.00 Per InsuredMISSED CONNECTIONS $250.00 Per Insured

TRAVEL DELAY $750.00 Per TRAVEL DELAY $750.00 Per InsuredInsured

$150.00 Payout Limit Per Day$150.00 Payout Limit Per Day

TRIP CANCELLATION 100% Trip Cost Per InsuredTRIP CANCELLATION 100% Trip Cost Per Insured

TRIP INTERRUPTION150% Trip Cost Per InsuredTRIP INTERRUPTION150% Trip Cost Per InsuredTRIP INTERRUPTION - RET AIR $750.00/InsuredTRIP INTERRUPTION - RET AIR $750.00/Insured

Optional PackagesOptional PackagesOptional Umbrella PackageOptional Umbrella PackageACCID DEATH/DISMEM $25000.00 / InsuredACCID DEATH/DISMEM $25000.00 / InsuredEMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 / InsuredEMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 / InsuredMED COV UPGRADE $25,000.00 Per MED COV UPGRADE $25,000.00 Per

InsuredInsured

EXAMPLE Policy #  2620969EXAMPLE Policy #  2620969PROTECT ASSISTPROTECT ASSIST

306700   P1  3/2007306700   P1  3/2007Coverage effective date Coverage effective date

06/19/200806/19/2008

Total cost $154.00Total cost $154.00

Trip detailsTrip detailsDeparture date Departure date

06/20/200806/20/2008Return date 07/01/2008Return date 07/01/2008

Trip deposit dateTrip deposit date

Contact InformationContact InformationTraveler #2Traveler #2

Insured on Policy Trip Insured on Policy Trip CostCost

Traveler #2 Traveler #2 $2,000.00$2,000.00

Selling AgencySelling AgencyAgency “X”Agency “X”

Phone:  Phone:  

"Prex waiver applies to the first $30,000 "Prex waiver applies to the first $30,000 of trip cost. of trip cost.

Only valid if prex requirements are met."Only valid if prex requirements are met."

Coverages & Benefit LimitsCoverages & Benefit LimitsStandard PackagesStandard Packages ACCID & SICKNESS MED EXP $25,000.00/InsuredACCID & SICKNESS MED EXP $25,000.00/InsuredAIG TRAVEL ASSIST -- Per InsuredAIG TRAVEL ASSIST -- Per Insured

BAGGAGE & TRAVEL DOCS $750.00 Per InsuredBAGGAGE & TRAVEL DOCS $750.00 Per Insured

BAGGAGE DELAY $250.00 Per InsuredBAGGAGE DELAY $250.00 Per Insured

CONCIERGE SERVICES -- Per InsuredCONCIERGE SERVICES -- Per Insured

EMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 Per InsuredEMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 Per Insured

ID THEFT ASSIST SVCS -- Per InsuredID THEFT ASSIST SVCS -- Per Insured

LIVETRAVEL ASSISTANCE -- Per InsuredLIVETRAVEL ASSISTANCE -- Per Insured

MISSED CONNECTIONS $250.00 Per InsuredMISSED CONNECTIONS $250.00 Per Insured

TRAVEL DELAY $1500.00 Per TRAVEL DELAY $1500.00 Per InsuredInsured

$150.00 Payout Limit Per Day$150.00 Payout Limit Per Day

TRIP CANCELLATION 100% Trip Cost Per InsuredTRIP CANCELLATION 100% Trip Cost Per Insured

TRIP INTERRUPTION 100% Trip Cost Per InsuredTRIP INTERRUPTION 100% Trip Cost Per InsuredTRIP INTERRUPTION - RET AIR $750.00/InsuredTRIP INTERRUPTION - RET AIR $750.00/Insured

Optional PackagesOptional PackagesOptional Umbrella PackageOptional Umbrella PackageACCID DEATH/DISMEM $25000.00 / InsuredACCID DEATH/DISMEM $25000.00 / InsuredEMERG MED ASST & REPATRIATION --/Insured EMERG MED ASST & REPATRIATION --/Insured

EMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 Per InsuredEMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 Per Insured

Coverages & Benefit Limits Coverages & Benefit Limits TRAVELER #1 TRAVELER #1 Standard Packages Standard Packages

ACCID & SICKNESS MED EXP $25,000.00/InsuredACCID & SICKNESS MED EXP $25,000.00/Insured

AIG TRAVEL ASSIST -- Per InsuredAIG TRAVEL ASSIST -- Per Insured

BAGGAGE & TRAVEL DOCS $1000.00 Per InsuredBAGGAGE & TRAVEL DOCS $1000.00 Per Insured

BAGGAGE DELAY $300.00 Per InsuredBAGGAGE DELAY $300.00 Per Insured

CONCIERGE SERVICES -- Per InsuredCONCIERGE SERVICES -- Per Insured

EMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 Per InsuredEMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 Per Insured

ID THEFT ASSIST SVCS -- Per InsuredID THEFT ASSIST SVCS -- Per Insured

LIVETRAVEL ASSISTANCE -- Per InsuredLIVETRAVEL ASSISTANCE -- Per Insured

MISSED CONNECTIONS $250.00 Per InsuredMISSED CONNECTIONS $250.00 Per Insured

TRAVEL DELAY $750.00 Per InsuredTRAVEL DELAY $750.00 Per Insured $150.00 Payout Limit Per $150.00 Payout Limit Per

DayDay

TRIP CANCELLATION 100% Trip Cost / InsuredTRIP CANCELLATION 100% Trip Cost / Insured

TRIP INTERRUPTION 150% Trip Cost / InsuredTRIP INTERRUPTION 150% Trip Cost / Insured

TRIP INTER - RET AIR $750.00/InsuredTRIP INTER - RET AIR $750.00/Insured

Optional PackagesOptional Packages

Optional Umbrella PackageOptional Umbrella Package

ACCID DEATH/DISMEM $25,000.00 / InsuredACCID DEATH/DISMEM $25,000.00 / Insured

EMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 / InsuredEMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 / Insured

MED COV UPGRADE $25,000.00 / InsuredMED COV UPGRADE $25,000.00 / Insured

Coverages & Benefit Limits Coverages & Benefit Limits TRAVELER TRAVELER #2#2

Standard Packages Standard Packages

ACCID & SICKNESS MED EXP $25,000.00/InsuredACCID & SICKNESS MED EXP $25,000.00/Insured

AIG TRAVEL ASSIST -- Per InsuredAIG TRAVEL ASSIST -- Per Insured

BAGGAGE & TRAVEL DOCS $750.00 Per InsuredBAGGAGE & TRAVEL DOCS $750.00 Per Insured

BAGGAGE DELAY $250.00 Per InsuredBAGGAGE DELAY $250.00 Per Insured

CONCIERGE SERVICES -- Per InsuredCONCIERGE SERVICES -- Per Insured

EMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 Per InsuredEMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 Per Insured

ID THEFT ASSIST SVCS -- Per InsuredID THEFT ASSIST SVCS -- Per Insured

LIVETRAVEL ASSISTANCE -- Per InsuredLIVETRAVEL ASSISTANCE -- Per Insured

MISSED CONNECTIONS $250.00 Per InsuredMISSED CONNECTIONS $250.00 Per Insured

TRAVEL DELAY $1500.00 Per InsuredTRAVEL DELAY $1500.00 Per Insured $150.00 Payout Limit Per $150.00 Payout Limit Per

DayDay

TRIP CANCELLATION 100% Trip Cost Per InsuredTRIP CANCELLATION 100% Trip Cost Per Insured

TRIP INTERRUPTION 100% Trip Cost Per InsuredTRIP INTERRUPTION 100% Trip Cost Per Insured

TRIP INTER - RET AIR $750.00/InsuredTRIP INTER - RET AIR $750.00/Insured

Optional PackagesOptional Packages

Optional Umbrella PackageOptional Umbrella Package

ACCID DEATH/DISMEM $25,000.00 / InsuredACCID DEATH/DISMEM $25,000.00 / Insured

EMERG MED ASST & REPATRIATION --/InsuredEMERG MED ASST & REPATRIATION --/Insured

EMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 Per InsuredEMERG MED TRANS $500,000.00 Per Insured

10 Questions to Ask When 10 Questions to Ask When Buying Travel Medical Buying Travel Medical

InsuranceInsurance

1.1. Plans and policies vary greatly. Ask for Plans and policies vary greatly. Ask for a printed copy outlining a printed copy outlining exactlyexactly which which emergency medical treatment and/ or emergency medical treatment and/ or medical evacuation and transport medical evacuation and transport services are provided.services are provided.

2. 2. Ask about a Ask about a waiver of any pre-waiver of any pre-existing medical existing medical

conditions conditions exclusion.exclusion.

3. What type of 3. What type of emergency medical emergency medical

evacuation evacuation transport service is transport service is

provided?provided? Not all M.E.T services are Not all M.E.T services are

the same!the same!

• Some offer worldwide travel Some offer worldwide travel medical evacuation that will medical evacuation that will transport the patient home or transport the patient home or to the hospital of their choice, to the hospital of their choice, plus cover any qualified plus cover any qualified accompanying travel medical accompanying travel medical expenses incurredexpenses incurred

• Other plans only cover Other plans only cover evacuation and transportation evacuation and transportation to the nearest adequate to the nearest adequate medical facilitymedical facility

4. Ask if there are any 4. Ask if there are any deductibles or deductibles or copayments.copayments.

• Are there charges for treatments, exams Are there charges for treatments, exams and tests?and tests?

• Are there charges for drugs, medicines Are there charges for drugs, medicines and other services and supplies?and other services and supplies?

5. Find out if all coverages 5. Find out if all coverages are primary. are primary.

Will the insurance Will the insurance company pay foreign company pay foreign hospitals and foreign hospitals and foreign doctors directly or will doctors directly or will the patient have to pay the patient have to pay out-of-pocket and be out-of-pocket and be reimbursed later?reimbursed later?

6. Will they refill lost prescriptions?6. Will they refill lost prescriptions?

7. Will the plan cover on-going medical 7. Will the plan cover on-going medical expenses?expenses?

Many plans will cover Many plans will cover necessary medical necessary medical expenses up to one expenses up to one year after the sickness year after the sickness or injury, provided or injury, provided injury or sickness injury or sickness occurred while on the occurred while on the trip and the patient trip and the patient received received initial treatment while initial treatment while on their trip.on their trip.

8. Do they offer 8. Do they offer 24/7 emergency 24/7 emergency

assistance for anywhere assistance for anywhere in the world?in the world?

When in a foreign country, there are several potential When in a foreign country, there are several potential problems in the event of a medical emergency. problems in the event of a medical emergency.

•The patient might not speak the languageThe patient might not speak the language

•They probably won’t know where the hospital isThey probably won’t know where the hospital is

•They may not be able to communicate with the They may not be able to communicate with the doctordoctor

•They won’t know if the hospital can provide They won’t know if the hospital can provide adequate careadequate care

9. Do they have live 9. Do they have live messaging?messaging?

Will they relay Will they relay e-mail or e-mail or phone phone messages to messages to the patient’s the patient’s family, friends family, friends or business or business associates?associates?

10. Know the policy’s General Exclusions. In 10. Know the policy’s General Exclusions. In addition to any other exclusions that may addition to any other exclusions that may

apply to a particular benefit.apply to a particular benefit.

Prepare & Pack Medications & Medical Prepare & Pack Medications & Medical Equipment & Filling Prescriptions AbroadEquipment & Filling Prescriptions Abroad Carry a letter from the attending physician, describing Carry a letter from the attending physician, describing

preexisting medical condition and any prescription preexisting medical condition and any prescription medicationsmedications

All medications carried overseas should be clearly All medications carried overseas should be clearly labeled in their original container labeled in their original container

Verify with the foreign embassy of the destination Verify with the foreign embassy of the destination country that all required medications are legal country that all required medications are legal

Take duplicate copies of prescriptions (in generic Take duplicate copies of prescriptions (in generic names) names)

Carry your drugs on board rather than packing them in Carry your drugs on board rather than packing them in luggage luggage

Carry a sufficient quantity of required medications and Carry a sufficient quantity of required medications and inhalers. Certain locations such as China & Mexico inhalers. Certain locations such as China & Mexico may have pollution problems in major cities & may pose may have pollution problems in major cities & may pose special risks for the individual with lung disease. special risks for the individual with lung disease.

Carry a supply of medication for the recurrences of Carry a supply of medication for the recurrences of bronchitis. The antibiotics that are customarily taken bronchitis. The antibiotics that are customarily taken for bronchitis may not be available in destinationfor bronchitis may not be available in destination

Prepare & Pack Medications & Medical Prepare & Pack Medications & Medical Equipment & Filling Prescriptions AbroadEquipment & Filling Prescriptions Abroad

Obtain a special filtration mask and avoid outside Obtain a special filtration mask and avoid outside exposure when pollution, humidity, and pollen are exposure when pollution, humidity, and pollen are severe in areas of travelsevere in areas of travel

Check with a physician about the advisability of Check with a physician about the advisability of traveling while using a respiratortraveling while using a respirator

Check voltage/amperage in destination locations (if a Check voltage/amperage in destination locations (if a respirator is used) to make sure there are proper respirator is used) to make sure there are proper power transformerspower transformers

Carry some medical alert information, preferably a Carry some medical alert information, preferably a Medical Alert wristband containing the diagnosis of Medical Alert wristband containing the diagnosis of pulmonary disease. Also include a history of any known pulmonary disease. Also include a history of any known allergies or sensitivities, especially to medicationsallergies or sensitivities, especially to medications

If possible, obtain the names and contact information If possible, obtain the names and contact information of physicians and preferred medical facilities in the of physicians and preferred medical facilities in the destination cities, in case complications should arise. destination cities, in case complications should arise.

Prepare for the Destination’s Prepare for the Destination’s Climate and Air Quality Climate and Air Quality

Before leaving, look in the paper, on TV, or Before leaving, look in the paper, on TV, or online to find the local weather and air online to find the local weather and air quality conditionsquality conditions

Anticipate respiratory triggers that might Anticipate respiratory triggers that might be at the new destination: will there be be at the new destination: will there be pollen or air pollution? Will it be extremely pollen or air pollution? Will it be extremely cold, extremely hot, or humid? cold, extremely hot, or humid?

plan to cope with these triggersplan to cope with these triggers

Pace Themselves! Pace Themselves!

Don't do too much, or they may get run down Don't do too much, or they may get run down and vulnerable to infections and flare-upsand vulnerable to infections and flare-ups

Get enough sleep, especially if they’ve Get enough sleep, especially if they’ve crossed time zones and are coping with jet crossed time zones and are coping with jet lag lag

Remember to eat well; too much food may Remember to eat well; too much food may make breathing more difficult make breathing more difficult

High altitudes may also change how alcohol High altitudes may also change how alcohol affects them affects them

In short: take it easy, and their trip will be In short: take it easy, and their trip will be more enjoyable!more enjoyable!

People with Disabilities are a People with Disabilities are a Powerful and Growing Powerful and Growing

Segment of the PopulationSegment of the Population

According to the U.S. Census According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2002 Survey of Bureau’s 2002 Survey of Income and Program Income and Program Participation (SIPP) there are Participation (SIPP) there are 51.2 million Americans with 51.2 million Americans with disabilities. disabilities.

Let’s Put That Into Perspective…Let’s Put That Into Perspective…

The 2002 SIPP indicated that the U.S. The 2002 SIPP indicated that the U.S. population’s percentage of people with population’s percentage of people with disabilities was 18.1% disabilities was 18.1%

That is larger than the percentage of That is larger than the percentage of Hispanics in the U.S. population (13.3%), Hispanics in the U.S. population (13.3%), the country’s largest ethnic, racial, or the country’s largest ethnic, racial, or cultural minority groupcultural minority group

Diversity Within the Disabled Diversity Within the Disabled PopulationPopulation

Each U.S. ethnic, racial, and cultural group has Each U.S. ethnic, racial, and cultural group has members with disabilitiesmembers with disabilities

The 2002 SIPP reported that at least 11.5% of each The 2002 SIPP reported that at least 11.5% of each of these groups self-identified as having disabilitiesof these groups self-identified as having disabilities

For example: Black Americans For example: Black Americans reported 19.8%reported 19.8%

Hispanics/Latinos reported Hispanics/Latinos reported 13.8%13.8%

Whites reported 19.0%Whites reported 19.0%

Asians or Pacific Islanders Asians or Pacific Islanders reported 11.5%reported 11.5%

Spending Power of Americans Spending Power of Americans

with Disabilitieswith Disabilities

The growing market of people with disabilities The growing market of people with disabilities has $175 billion in discretionary spending, has $175 billion in discretionary spending, according to the U.S. Department of Labor according to the U.S. Department of Labor

$175 billion is more than four times the $175 billion is more than four times the spending power of “tweens” (8-14 year-olds), a spending power of “tweens” (8-14 year-olds), a demographic sought after by businesses demographic sought after by businesses

An Open Doors Organization study estimated in An Open Doors Organization study estimated in 2003 that diners with disabilities would spend 2003 that diners with disabilities would spend $35 billion in restaurants that year$35 billion in restaurants that year

The New York Times reported that spending by The New York Times reported that spending by travelers with disabilities exceeds $13.6 billion travelers with disabilities exceeds $13.6 billion annuallyannually

Examples of the Global Spending Power Examples of the Global Spending Power of People with Disabilities Include:of People with Disabilities Include:

In In 2005 that there were approximately 2005 that there were approximately 10 million adults with disabilities in the 10 million adults with disabilities in the UK. The estimated annual purchasing UK. The estimated annual purchasing power of people with disabilities there power of people with disabilities there is £80 billionis £80 billion

Canada reported in 2001 that the Canada reported in 2001 that the combined annual disposable income of combined annual disposable income of working-aged Canadians with working-aged Canadians with disabilities is CAN $25 billiondisabilities is CAN $25 billion

Global Population of People with Global Population of People with Disabilities Disabilities

The World Health The World Health Organization (WHO) Organization (WHO) estimates that there estimates that there are 600 million people are 600 million people with disabilities around with disabilities around the worldthe world

Collective Voices of People with Collective Voices of People with Disabilities and Their Allies Around the Disabilities and Their Allies Around the

World Have Been Strong and PersistentWorld Have Been Strong and Persistent

At least 40 countries have adopted legislation At least 40 countries have adopted legislation addressing the rights of persons with disabilities. addressing the rights of persons with disabilities.

Some of this legislation prohibits discrimination as Some of this legislation prohibits discrimination as its primary goal; other laws address the positive its primary goal; other laws address the positive duty of the State and the community to ensure the duty of the State and the community to ensure the welfare of persons with disabilities and their welfare of persons with disabilities and their access to social support access to social support

Many countries have both types of legislationMany countries have both types of legislation

The United NationsThe United Nations

In December 2006 the United Nations adopted In December 2006 the United Nations adopted The Convention on the Rights of Persons with The Convention on the Rights of Persons with DisabilitiesDisabilities

The Convention is the first comprehensive human The Convention is the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century. As of November rights treaty of the 21st century. As of November 2008, 41 countries have ratified the Convention; 2008, 41 countries have ratified the Convention; many more countries have been signatories many more countries have been signatories indicating they are likely to ratify the treatyindicating they are likely to ratify the treaty

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was historic in a number of ways – it Disabilities was historic in a number of ways – it was the fastest negotiated human rights treaty was the fastest negotiated human rights treaty and had the highest number of signatories on its and had the highest number of signatories on its opening day in U.N. history opening day in U.N. history

Laws and Conditions Laws and Conditions “On the Ground” Vary “On the Ground” Vary

from Country to from Country to Country… So Know Your Country… So Know Your

Rights!Rights!

For example…

The Americans The Americans With Disabilities ActWith Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (Pub. L. 101-336) (ADA) was Act (Pub. L. 101-336) (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990 signed into law on July 26, 1990 and was amended (P.L. 110-325) and was amended (P.L. 110-325) in 2008, with changes effective in 2008, with changes effective January 1, 2009January 1, 2009

The ADA is a wide-ranging civil The ADA is a wide-ranging civil rights law that prohibits, under rights law that prohibits, under certain circumstances, certain circumstances, discrimination based on disabilitydiscrimination based on disability

Other Countries Other Countries Disabilities ActsDisabilities Acts

A number of countries have passed laws prohibitingdiscrimination on the basis of disability since 1990,and the model of the ADA certainly influenced manyof these laws

For example, Australia passed a Disability Discrimination Act in 1992, and Great Britain enacted its Disability Discrimination Act in 1995

Each of these laws was affected, to a greater or lesser extent, by the U.S. enactment of the ADA, and borrowed concepts and language from it

Journal Article Excerpt: Disability Rights in the USA and Abroad - Robert L. Jr. Journal Article Excerpt: Disability Rights in the USA and Abroad - Robert L. Jr. Burgdorf Burgdorf

Other Countries Other Countries Disabilities ActsDisabilities Acts

The British and Australian laws illustrate,however, that various nations have followed very different paths in passing laws that canbe loosely considered "ADA-like"

The Australian Disability Discrimination Act is extremely comprehensive, forceful, and specific

The British version of a Disability Discrimination Act, in contrast, is much less broad, specific, and substantial than the ADA

Journal Article Excerpt: Disability Rights in the USA and Abroad - Robert L. Jr. Journal Article Excerpt: Disability Rights in the USA and Abroad - Robert L. Jr. Burgdorf Burgdorf

The key to a safe and The key to a safe and enjoyable trip is enjoyable trip is preparation and planning!preparation and planning!

Thank You!Thank You!

Debra KarstadtDebra Karstadt

for your invaluable research and help for your invaluable research and help with this presentationwith this presentation

You need to You need to be the change be the change

you want to you want to seesee-- Gandhi-- Gandhi

Thank You!Thank You!

Barbara RogersBarbara Rogersbrogers@necaweb.orgbrogers@necaweb.orgwww.necaweb.orgwww.necaweb.org