Special Needs Group Launches SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocate Program

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 Accessible Travel Advocate course for all travel professionals.

The one-hour, three-module program objectives focus on understanding accessible travel, building expertise in accessible travel and demonstrating accessible travel advocacy skills. These are critical subject matter areas for travel professionals if they wish to service the fastest-growing segment in the travel industry -- the accessible travel market. This groundbreaking initiative represents the first time travel professionals can become conversant with this market segment through online study and testing.

The program will be available on Nov. 14 and can be accessed via the SNG Travel Agent Resource Center. Agents can access this by registering for the SNG Travel Affiliate Program at http://www.specialneedsgroup.com/agents.

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 will be meeting for the first time on Nov. 3 at Travel Weekly's CruiseWorld 2011 in Fort Lauderdale.

Twenty percent (62 million) of the U.S. population has some form of disability, and the number of these individuals is increasing daily. Americans with disabilities spend $13.6 billion annually on travel. Studies show that 24 million disabled Americans would travel/travel more frequently if their special needs were met.

Baby Boomers and mature adults took 340 million domestic vacations in 2006 and 110 million international trips from 2004-2006. The mature market alone spent $192 billion in travel expenditures. These markets contain many "slow walkers" individuals who do not consider themselves disabled, but who could benefit from special needs products and services.

"With this course, we hope to not only help travel professionals generate incremental and profitable business, but to also play a critical role as we strive to fulfill our mission of delivering an accessible world," Garnett stated.

For more information about the SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocate program, SNG Travel Agent Affiliate Program and the SNG Resource Center, please call 1-800-513-4515 or visit 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 Contacts:

Duree Ross
Duree & Company, Inc.
Ph: 954-723-9350
[email protected]

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Special Needs Group, Inc.