Aviation Consumer Protection Division
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 7th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590

Cactus Language is a leading UK provider of language holidays and can arrange language training almost anywhere on the planet. Since its formation in 1998, Cactus has helped thousands of people learn a variety of languages in 45 countries and 150 destinations around the world. Whether you want to take a French course in Paris or learn Italian in Rome, Cactus has the expertise and network to help you.

Cactus has a strong relationship with language schools around the world, meaning that learners are offered a fantastic variety of locations in which to learn French, learn Italian and so on. The company takes pride in visiting and experiencing the schools offered through the Cactus website. The staff of Cactus speak 12 languages between them and have personally visited all the locations offered to clients - often taking the language courses themselves.

The best thing about the course offered by Cactus is that you have the choice to learn languages in countries where you get plenty of opportunity to practice outside of the classroom. There is no substitute for immersion when you want to learn to communicate in a new language. When you have to conduct your daily business in a new language you have little choice but to practice and experiment. A Spanish course in Argentina, for example, gives learners a chance to explore one of South America's most beautiful cities while picking up new vocabulary in the Argentine capital's many cafes and bars. If you choose to learn Spanish in Buenos Aires be sure to take in el Teatro Colon (the city's stunning theatre with some of the world's best acoustics) and a Boca Juniors match. Maradona's team is one of the best in South America and has won the Copa de Libertadores de America five times.

If you take a German course in Berlin, you should take the opportunity to visit Brandenburger Tor (the Brandenburg Gate) and see the point which came to symbolise the meeting of East and West. Other attractions in Germany's capital city include Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche (a bombed out church which has come to symbolise the destruction of war) and the beautiful Schloss Charlottenburg palace, which is seen as one of the finest palaces in Europe.

Learning a new language can be rewarding both emotionally and financially. The thrill of having your first conversation in a new language is quite unique, while numerous studies have shown that people with more than one language can expect higher wages and greater career options. For more information on the learning a new language, check out the government's Languages Work site, which is full of useful information. Other useful information can be found at CILT, the National Centre for Languages, who have a number of useful fact sheets and a large achive of language-related news items.

More Cactus courses:

Learn German

Learn English

Learn Spanish

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Air Travel Tips for Wheelers And Slow Walkers

Travel by its very nature is an adventure. Factor a disability into that equation and things can get pretty scary. One of the biggest areas of concern for disabled travelers is air travel. People just don't know what to expect. But it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, a little consumer education can give you the confidence and knowledge to effectively deal with problems as they arise. With that in mind, here's some tips to help you along the way.

Before You Fly

Educate yourself on the Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA). Get the free publication, "Accessible Air Travel" from EPVA at 800-444-0120. Travel on a US based airline whenever possible, as the entire ACAA applies only to US carriers. If you must travel on a foreign carrier, learn the access laws of that country too.

Ask a lot of questions before you book your flight. Under the ACAA, US airlines are required to provide prospective passengers with basic information about the accessibility of their facilities, services, and aircraft. Such information can include facts like the location of seats with movable aisle armrests, the locations and dimensions of storage facilities for mobility aids, and the availability of an onboard accessible lavatory.

Inform the reservation clerk if you need boarding assistance, or the use of an aisle chair. The aisle chair is a narrow high backed chair used to board non-ambulatory passengers.

Consider your toilet options and plan ahead. Accessible lavatories on aircraft are quite small and generally speaking you need to be able to transfer independently in order to use them. Airline staff will not assist you in the lavatory. If you use a catheter, devise a system for emptying your leg bag while en route.

Consider switching to gel cell batteries. Gel cell batteries are merely disconnected for air transport, while other batteries are removed and packaged separately. If you already have gel cell batteries, make sure they are clearly marked, so they won't be inadvertently removed.

Reconfirm all arrangements directly with the airline at least 48 hours in advance. Make sure they have all your access needs noted.

At The Airport

In times of heightened security, curbside check-in may be discontinued. Check with your airline and airport to determine if this service is available. If curbside check-in has been discontinued, inform your airline that you need curbside assistance.

Advise the customer service agent at the check-in counter if you need to have a non-ticketed escort accompany you to the gate. Your escort will be asked for photo identification and then given a security checkpoint pass.

Allow plenty of extra time to get through security. All sharp objects, or anything that could be used as a weapon will be confiscated at security checkpoints. Carry your wheelchair repair tools in your checked baggage.

Advise the gate agent that you would like to preboard the aircraft. Your assistive device will only get priority space in the onboard closet if you preboard the aircraft.

Stay in your own wheelchair until you transfer to the airline aisle chair. Airline personnel may try to get you to transfer to an airline wheelchair at check-in or at curbside, but you are not required to do this unless you have batteries that need to be removed and packaged separately (spillable batteries). Gate-check your wheelchair, and have it brought directly to you at your arrival gate.

Attach clear assembly and disassembly instructions (in Spanish and English) to your wheelchair or scooter.

Remove any loose or protruding parts from your wheelchair or scooter. Protect your joystick with some type of hard covering. A plastic cup and packing tape works well.

Let a little bit of air out of your wheelchair tires. Carry-on all gel cushions. Baggage compartments are not pressurized.

During The Flight

Let the flight attendant know if you need to use the onboard wheelchair.

Remind the flight attendant 30 minutes before landing that your wheelchair needs to be delivered to you at the gate.

If Problems Arise

Ask to speak to the Complaints Resolution Officer (CRO). The CRO is trained and educated on travelers' rights and airline responsibilities under the ACAA. All US airlines are required to have a CRO on duty 24 hours a day.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons (www.EmergingHorizons.com), and the author of Barrier-Free Travel; A Nuts And Bolts Guide For Wheelers And Slow Walkers. She can be reached at horizons@EmergingHorizons.com.