Avis offers aid for disabled

From: Akron Beacon Journal, OH - Dec 14, 2003

New York Times

Avis is working to make driving easier for its disabled customers. The company has established a toll-free number for customers to request equipment for drivers and passengers with hearing and mobility handicaps.

The equipment available includes hand controls for brakes and accelerators, panoramic rear-view mirrors for hearing-impaired drivers, spinner knobs that allow full turning of the steering wheel with one hand and swivel seats that permit the driver or passengers to turn in a car seat with limited effort. Customers who use wheelchairs can request a transfer board to help them into a car. There are also wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses. Avis does not charge extra for any of the equipment. In addition, designated-driver fees for the visually impaired will now be waived at all Avis locations.

The Avis Access program is in place at 20 airports, including Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, all three New York airports and San Francisco. The company expects to offer the service in 100 cities by next spring.

To reserve an Avis vehicle with this equipment, call 888-879-4273. The TTY/TDD number for hearing impaired customers is 800-331-2323.

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