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The Faces of Comfort Medical: Meet Sherry Hernandez, Corporate Trainer  

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Not all of our employees at Comfort Medical have the opportunity to work directly with our customers. One example is Corporate Trainer Sherry Hernandez who we’re featuring for this month’s post in our ‘Faces of Comfort Medical’ series. You will never talk to Sherry on the phone, yet she plays an important role in creating an unrivaled experience for every person who puts their trust in Comfort Medical for their ostomy or catheter supply needs. Let’s find out how!

Sherry, how did your prior professional experience help prepare you for your current role?

All of my roles have been people-centered since the learning and organizational development function is usually within the Human Resources department. This has provided me with the ability to effectively manage relationships with people of varying personalities at different levels of an organization.

Graduate school was the biggest eye-opener in this regard because there were a lot of group projects. My program was unique in that it was consultancy-centered. We were lucky to work with companies and government agencies and provide real-life solutions — and we all had solutions. It was not always easy picking the best suggestions knowing that others’ ideas would remain on the cutting room floor.

Describe your typical work day at Comfort Medical.

Every day is different, which is the most exciting part of my position. A typical day includes developing new and ongoing training, updating current documentation, meetings, facilitating training sessions, assisting teammates with process or technical issues, and more meetings.

How does what you do at Comfort Medical affect the customer experience?

There is one degree of separation between myself and the customers we service. One of the most important roles I have is to ensure that our teams have the resources they need to not only perform their job but also continuously educate themselves on the emerging changes in our industry. Knowledge, and sharing knowledge, is a key component in their success.

What do you enjoy most about working at Comfort Medical?

The people. We have amazing people working at Comfort Medical, each with their own unique personality. We are very close here, and it really feels like a family.

What’s your daily breakfast routine?

You can always catch me with matcha or coffee in the morning. I always get asked what matcha is, and it is a finely-milled green tea powder that is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It is packed with antioxidants and has a rare amino acid that increases focus.

If you could spend all day, every day doing one activity, what would it be?

Half-sleeping while watching Netflix. I love to sleep, and I love Netflix, but I can’t watch Netflix while asleep. I think half-asleep is a good compromise.

What’s your current favorite TV show?

I love TV! It is hard to pick one, so I will have to say it is a toss-up between Game of Thrones, Black Mirror, and I Love Lucy.

Where did you go on your favorite vacation to date, and why did you enjoy it so much?

My favorite vacation to date is the trip I took to Paris last November. The city is full of amazing art, culture, history, and food. I loved walking through art galleries and museums, strolling through the

rues that have been walked on for hundreds of years, and eating at the same cafes as my favorite artists and novelists (Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Van Gogh, and Dali).

I was a Classics major during my undergraduate years at Florida State University, so naturally, I love history. It was an incredible experience being present in a city that was just as vivacious over a thousand years ago. Oh, and the food, especially the breads and pastries, were amazing. On every corner was a boulangerie (bakery), and the smells coming from them were intoxicating.

If you could have any super power, which one would it be and why?

It would be teleporting because I love to travel, but I wouldn’t want to take an 8-hour flight to Europe or 16-hour flight across the Pacific to Southeast Asia. I also wouldn’t have to take off my shoes at the TSA line when traveling internationally.

Our Top 5 Accessible Summer Vacation Destinations

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It’s time to talk about summer vacation plans. If you like to have all the info before booking a vacation, I’m guessing you’re still trying to decide on which destination will combine the ease of accessibility with all of the other elements you’re looking for in a vacation. If this is the case, don’t forego a summer getaway simply because you haven’t found the time to do the research, yet. Yes, venturing out into unfamiliar territory is certain to cause some degree of concern as a wheelchair user. That’s why we’ve done some homework for you and picked out five vacation spots we think you’ll love. So pack your sunglasses and a smile and leave the worries behind!

Chicago, Illinois

If you enjoy big, bustling, cities but also love the beach, Chicago is for you! Pick one of many accessible hotels along the Magnificent Mile where you’ll find world-class shopping just outside your door as well as several other popular attractions at a stone’s throw. To the south,  snap a selfie of your reflection at The Bean and watch children splash around in the Crown Fountain as a giant digital face spits water at them. After making your way through Millennium Park, head over to adjacent Grant Park, home of Buckingham Fountain, which may look familiar if you’ve ever seen the opening sequence of Married With Children. At the north end of the Magnificent Mile, Oak Street Beach has an accessible walkway that allows wheelchair users to roll all the way down to Lake Michigan’s freshwater shore. There are countless accessible tourist attractions in Chi-Town — too many to list here — but we promise, the Windy City will blow you away.

Vancouver, British Columbia

If you’re looking for an escape from hot or humid temperatures this summer, Vancouver’s northwest shoreline offers cool, salty breezes and contrary to popular belief, very little rain in July and August. Nature-lovers will feel recharged while rolling along wheelchair-friendly Ravine Trail in Stanley Park or taking in the botanical gardens of Queen Elizabeth Park. Vancouver Lookout offers views of the city, the harbor, and the North Shore Mountains on the other side of Burrard Inlet. Vancouverites love outdoor recreation, so make sure to check out summer programming from local organizations offering adaptive sports such as kayaking, hiking, and surfing.

Sicily

Though you may think of Greece as the best choice for ancient ruin viewing, Sicily is a close rival capable of taking you back in time with its temples, amphitheaters, and mythical tales. Using Siracusa as your base camp, you can take day trips to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the clifftop town of Taormina, and Catania, a city that sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, an active volcano. On a hot summer’s day, be sure to try a granita, Sicily’s signature frozen treat.

Slovenia

Since Melania Trump became the first lady, tourism in Slovenia has spiked. But even before US citizens were able to point out the country on a map (can you?), its government was committed to making accessibility a priority. Like many European capitals, Ljubljana locals walk a lot, and much of the city center is designed with that in mind. In fact, many of the sidewalks are flush with the actual street leaving no reason for curb anxiety while exploring. One of the main tourist attractions, Ljubljana Castle, sits on a hill and can be accessed by a wheelchair-friendly funicular. Less than an hour’s drive northwest of the capital is the picturesque town of Bled. Take a stroll on a paved path around the lake and stop to snap some photos of the church on Bled Island and the castle that watches over the lake from the north. Smaller than the state of New Jersey, Slovenia packs in mountains, beaches, forests, caves (don’t miss Postojna), and a highly accessible capital city.

Portugal

White flags marked with “praia acessivel” (accessible beach) make beach-going in Portugal a cinch — and who wouldn’t want to lounge around on some of the most beautiful coastlines of the Atlantic? With plentiful fresh, mouth-watering produce, a long history of making sweet port wine, stunning natural parks, and several walled medieval towns, Portugal will not disappoint. It does, however, have its accessibility challenges, even in major cities such as Lisbon and Porto. Thankfully, there are agencies like Travel For All who know how to navigate around cobblestone streets and hilly landscapes!

Whether you like beaches and nature or cities and culture, the world is waiting for you to get out and explore it. For experienced travelers and debutants alike, Travel For All can help you plan your itinerary and put your mind at ease. Their partnerships with travel specialists all over the world allow you to sit back and enjoy what you came for rather than worrying about when you’ll stumble upon the next accessible restroom. So check the weather at your intended destination and pack your comfy clothes; you’re in for the trip of a lifetime!

Where Do You Want to Go?

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Have you always dreamt of seeing the Aurora Borealis in Alaska? Or ordering a pizza at a restaurant in Naples? What about touring vineyards and wine-tasting in France? Maybe you’re fascinated with the fauna and flora of the Galapagos Islands or have been dying to visit all seven wonders of the modern world. Our planet is big and beautiful, but at the same time, it can be scary and intimidating — especially for someone who uses a wheelchair. The fear of the unknown is a valid one, and that’s where Travel for All comes in.

Founder Tarita Davenock’s motto is, “Travel should be inclusive — not exclusive.” With extensive travel experience as a wheelchair user herself, she works diligently to ensure that special requirements don’t stop anyone from enjoying their dream vacation. Let’s take a look at some of the amazing vacations she is planning for current customers.

Peru

Main Attraction:  Machu Picchu – On UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1983, this ancient Incan city is considered an architectural and engineering masterpiece. Spanning over 125 square miles and sitting at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, visitors are awe-struck by the beauty of its stunning peaks and valleys.

How to visit in a wheelchair:  Travel for All can arrange for use of an off-road wheelchair or helpers to carry visitors in their own chair when needed.

All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the view!

South Africa

Main Attractions: Large cities and diverse wildlife – Fly into Johannesburg or Cape Town and experience city life South African style before heading over to the lowlands, home to Kruger National Park. There, you can hop on a safari bus to catch a glimpse of the African Big Five in their native habitat.

How to visit in a wheelchair:  Your itinerary will be custom-built by Travel for All and will include inter and intracity transportation, as well as an accessible safari where you board an open-sided tour vehicle in the comfort of your own chair.

Scotland and Ireland

Main Attractions:  Castles, cliffs, whiskey, and Guinness – Visit the Edinburgh Castle, hunt for four-leaf clovers along the Cliffs of Moher, learn about the whiskey-making process while touring a distillery, and sip on pints of Guinness with the new buddies you’re sure to make at the local pub.

How to visit in a wheelchair:  Wheelchair accessible taxis and tour buses can be booked in advance by Travel for All. Most tourist attractions have ramps or other ways to allow for wheelchair access.

Travel for All will contact all destinations in advance to ensure they will be able to accommodate you!

Don’t see your dream vacation spot on this list? Not to worry! Head over to travel-for-all.com to learn about other popular locations that have been successfully navigated by wheelchair users in the past. If you still can’t find your number one bucket list destination, send an email to info@travel-for-all.com. The possibilities are endless!

“Put aside your disability. Forget the fact that your legs don’t work, or your arms don’t work, or whatever it is. Just decide where you want to go, and we’ll find a way to make it happen.”

-Tarita Davenock, Founder, Travel for All

Why You Should Be Traveling and How to Make It Happen

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The world we inhabit is vast and beautiful, but living with a disability shouldn’t mean it’s not just as much yours to discover as your next door neighbor’s. Through travel, we find adventure, we push our limits, and we learn about other cultures that in turn make us reflect more deeply on why we do things the way we do at home. We come to realize that despite practicing contrasting customs, speaking different languages, or worshiping gods incompatible with our own, people on the other side of the planet seek peace, love, and happiness — just like you and me.

It’s easy to dream about visiting far-off places, but if you’ve yet to step outside of your daily routine since your injury or diagnosis, the thought of actually traveling can be terrifying. That’s why CEO of Travel for All, Tarita Davenock, suggests starting small. By spending a weekend in a nearby city, you can test the waters without the fear and anxiety that come along with being so far away from home or in a country where you don’t speak the language.

Once you feel comfortable taking short trips and have been able to successfully handle unforeseen events — because they are bound to happen and are an integral part of your travel adventures — you’re probably ready to move on to further destinations for longer durations. Davenock says group travel is a great way to do this. Going on an organized tour with an agent who specializes in travel for people with unique requirements will help ease the concerns you may have about accessibility. They’ve been there and done that. They know whether you’ll be able to wheel through the cobblestone streets of Carcassonne and they’ll arrange for a beach wheelchair rental for you in Phuket. Group travel also allows you to meet new people with similar interests and life situations. Experiencing adventures or witnessing a natural wonder with a travel companion has a powerful way of forging lifelong friendships and memories.

Before you buy your tickets, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your trip and reduce the possibility of mishaps:

  • Notify your airline and hotel in advance of any special requirements you may have and confirm they will be able to accommodate you.
  • US citizens, make sure to register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Many other governments have similar services or you can contact your embassy in your destination country to let them know you’ll be traveling there.
  • Share your itinerary with your friends and family.
  • Add international roaming to your cell phone plan in case you need to call someone or look up information while away from wifi.
  • Memorize the emergency telephone number for your destination country. For example, instead of 911, European Union countries use 112.
  • Bring an extra stash of any vital medical supplies and prescriptions in your carry-on. You never know when your checked baggage will be lost, a connecting flight will be canceled, or bad weather will extend your vacation by a few days.
  • Do your research. There are more and more websites, blogs, and apps dedicated to making accessibility information for tourists available. Read up on other people’s experiences so you know what obstacles to expect.
  • Check out Travel for All’s Tips for Traveling with an Ostomy and Tips for Traveling with a Catheter.

“Travel Should Be Inclusive – Not Exclusive,” according to Travel for All, and we agree. So dust off your passport (or apply for one), brush up on that foreign language you took back in high school, and come home with some great stories to tell and photos to share!

Comfort Medical can help you choose the right catheter or ostomy supplies for your next trip. Just give us a call at 1-844-700-7013, and we’ll send everything you need your way!

Top 3 Places to Travel Abroad When Accessibility Is a Must

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Since the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was drafted in 2006, nearly the entire world has signed it and a good chunk also decided to ratify. Great! But 11 years later, progress has been slow and many countries are still struggling to hold up their end of the deal. Fortunately, some have made it a priority to put the necessary infrastructure in place to allow everyone to enjoy their destination. Here are three of our favorite spots that have put significant effort into providing accessibility for their residents and tourists alike.

Barcelona, Spain

Despite recent turmoil between the Catalonia region and the Spanish government, Barcelona should be on any aspiring globetrotter’s list. Though many of western Europe’s castles and churches may seem similar to the untrained eye, even the architecturally challenged will quickly notice the uniqueness of Catalonia native Antoni Gaudí’s creations. His famous Basilica of the Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882, and though he probably didn’t include accessibility plans in his original blueprints, wheelchair users today are able to appreciate his magnificently detailed design from both inside and out. Other accessible must-sees include the city’s main drag, La Ramblas, and its famous market, La Boqueria, as well as Nova Icaria Beach which has amphibian wheelchairs and volunteers ready to help you get into the water. Sports fans should book tickets to an FC Barça match, one of Europe’s most famous football (aka soccer to us North Americans) clubs. Their home field, Camp Nou, is the second largest soccer stadium in the world with a capacity of nearly 100,000 and includes a designated wheelchair accessible area. Your ticket gets your caregiver in for free, but be sure to book early as seats sell out quickly!

Useful links:

BarcelonaTurisme’s Accessible Informational Website

Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (public transportation accessibility information)

Singapore

With a year-round average temperature of around 80ºF, world class shopping, beaches, very little crime, and a commitment to accessibility, who wouldn’t want to escape to Singapore? Widely known as a family-friendly destination, kids and adults alike will enjoy the Botanic Gardens which include an accessible educational center for children to learn about plants and all things nature. Get a 360º view of the island from the Singapore Flyer (a Ferris wheel nearly as tall as Las Vegas’ High Roller) by booking tickets in advance to make sure staff is on hand to assist you with boarding. You also won’t want to miss Gardens by the Bay, a 101-hectare nature park that will make you feel like you’re in some sort of Avatar-like fantasy world.

Useful links:

SMRT (public transportation accessibility information)

Singapore Flyer

Gardens by the Bay

Sydney, Australia

Sick of navigating snow and ice already this winter? Consider catching a flight to Sydney where the average high from December to February is around 78ºF. Since enacting the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act in 1992, Australia has been actively working toward eliminating discrimination against persons with disabilities and improving the accessibility of public spaces. Take a roll through Sydney Harbour before catching a show at the world-renown Opera House, which contrary to its name, actually hosts a variety of events including arts festivals, rock concerts, kid-friendly spectacles, and more. The Sydney Tower Eye allows wheelchair users to take in skyline views from above, and the Royal Botanic Gardens provide access to nature without having to venture out of the city. Access to several of the area beaches, including the popular Manly beach, is possible by taking a wheelchair-friendly ferry ride.

Useful Links:

Sydney Accessibility Map (beta)

Sydney For All website

Transport for NSW (public transportation accessibility information)

Plan Ahead!

All three of our favorite travel spots have accessible public transportation systems, but before leaving, be sure to check transit websites for the most updated information. Unfortunately, most hotel booking websites aren’t quite up-to-par when it comes to finding truly accessible accommodations. Companies like Handiscover and Airbnb (who recently acquired Accomable) are aiming to fix that, but they are still in beginning stages. Call hotels and airlines directly before reserving to confirm they can meet your individual needs. Also, remember that no travel destination is perfect. Barcelona is notorious for pickpockets, Singapore has laws that may seem strange to westerners (don’t bring any chewing gum with you), and getting to Sydney from the United States is quite a trek. However, doing your homework and planning ahead can help you prepare for any potential mishaps and allow you to fully appreciate everything these amazing sights have to offer. Now get out there and discover the world!

Planning a trip? Be sure you’re prepared and have all of the catheter and ostomy supplies you need.

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