Mast Travel Network has partnered with Special Needs Group (SNG), a travel services company specializing in accessibility solutions for travelers with special needs.
Through the partnership, Mast Travel Network members will gain access to educational resources, including SNG’s Certified Accessible Travel Advocate (CATA) program, which equips travel professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to better serve clients with mobility and other accessibility needs.
Members who earn CATA certification will be eligible to receive referrals through SNG’s website and gain access to the company’s mobility and medical equipment rental services, including wheelchairs, scooters, oxygen and other specialized equipment.
The CATA program provides training on the accessible travel market and how to accommodate travelers who require mobility assistance and other specialized services. Travel professionals can earn the certification by completing a three-module online curriculum and required testing or attending a live presentation and testing session.
“Accessible travel begins long before a traveler reaches their destination,” said Andrew J. Garnett, president, founder and CEO of Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea. “It starts with a knowledgeable travel advisor who understands their client's needs and knows what resources are available.”