I have been to CSUN a number of times and have traveled to a conference
with my director who uses a power wheelchair.  Flying with a power chair
is always a challenge.  However, the problems can be minimized by tking
a direct flight, if a t possible.  Also, if you have things that are
removable like your joystick and/or foot rests, taking a bag to put them
in as carry on is also a good idea.  My director took a bag and
disconnected his joy sitck and put it in the bag for carryon before he
turned the chair over to the airlines.  You also need to make sure your
batteries are gel - they don't like the ones with acid in them.

Super Shuttle has accessible vans that you can arrange for ahead of
time.  Also, they provide shuttle service that is free during the
conference to go back and forth between the two hotels.  As far as
accessibility goes, either location is great.  I have stayed at both
hotels and found the Marriott to have more of the receptions, after
hours get togethers, etc.  It also houses most of the exhibits and a
little over half of the sessions.  The Hilton is the quieter of the two
hotels and the one I prefer to stay at.  It's really a matter of
personal preference.

I use a scooter for long distances as I work at a medium size
univeristy.  I haven't taken it with me to CSUN yet because of the
shuttle.  However, there have been times when I've wished I had it just
from the ability to go between the two hotels in the evening and
maneuvering around the hotels themselves.

Have fun.  Please don't hesitate to contact me directly if I can answer
any more questions.

Katherine Myers
Assistant Director
Office of Disability Services
Wright State University
E186 Student Union
Dayton, OH 45435
937-775-5680
fax 937-775-5795
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Mary J. Barnett wrote:

> I'm planning to attend CSUN in March., and am hoping to see you and some
> of the other EASI folks there.
>
>
>
> I have bilateral hip and knee replacements and use a power wheelchair
> for walking long distances at conferences, although I walk normal
> distances without difficulty. I also have a modified van to carry the
> chair around, but plan to fly, not drive to CSUN.
>
> I've never flown with my chair, and I was wondering if someone could
> refer me to anyone with similar mobility issues who was planning to
> attend CSUN who might be able to advise a newbie.
>
> I'm curious about which of the hotels might be better to stay in;
> whether I need to get a day early; and whether there are wheelchair
> accessible vans to get from the airport proper to the airport hotels.
>
> Thank you!