From 1 July 2016, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will start to roll-out to regions across Victoria. The full roll-out will take place over the next three years. The NDIS supports people with a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everydayFor more information see the National Disability Insurance SchemeThe Taxi Services Commission is responsible for ensuring transport services, including taxis, are accessible for all members of the community, including people with a disability. This page provides information on accessible taxi services across the state.Wheelchair accessible taxis (WATs) allow people who use wheelchairs to travel in their wheelchair provided that they and the wheelchair can be safely restrained in the vehicle. WATs are vehicles designed to carry 1 or more people seated in wheelchairs (depending upon the vehicle type) and between 4 and 11 passengers when not configured to carry wheelchairs. Scooters, Princess, and other 'high-care' chairs must not be transported in wheelchair accessible taxis if the passenger is seated in them.
However, they can be carried in a WAT if both:Read more about mobility aids in wheelchair accessible taxis.WATs are required to give priority to bookings by people who use wheelchairs but may be used to carry other passengers when not engaged with wheelchair bookings. When not carrying wheelchair passengers, WATs have the same operating rights and conditions as standard taxis, but charge a higher high occupancy fee (metropolitan) and high occupancy fare (Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Country and Regional) when carrying 5 or more passengers.WATs are available in Melbourne and regional areas. Ask for a WAT when you book. In Melbourne, call 8413 7202 or 9277 3877To book a WAT in Melbourne, call:In regional areas, call your local taxi depot and ask for a WAT. See the Yellow Pages for contact numbers.The Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) is available to assist with the travel needs of people with severe and permanent disabilities by offering discounted taxi fares to members of the program.
When carrying an MPTP member with a wheelchair or scooter (M31) taxi card, drivers receive a lifting fee when loading and unloading passengers from wheelchair accessible taxis. In non-metropolitan Victoria a lifting fee is also paid for loading a wheelchair into the boot of a sedan or station wagon.The lifting fee is covered under your MPTP membership. The current lifting fees are:Please note the lifting fee recognises the time it takes drivers to load and unload wheelchair and scooter users.The taxi meter must not be turned on while an MPTP passenger with an M31 taxi card is being loaded or unloaded.Drivers do not receive the lifting fee when carrying passengers who do not have an M31 card. The taxi meter must not be turned on while a wheelchair or scooter is being loaded or unloaded.Passengers do not pay a lifting fee to the driver. If a driver asks you to pay a lifting fee, take their details and report this to us.Initiatives to improve the availability and reliability of taxi services for people who use wheelchairs include:The TSC correct charging of fares brochure is a guide for both passengers and drivers in charging the correct fares under the Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP):Assistance animals, such as guide dogs, for people with a vision or hearing impairment must be accepted by the taxi driver for carriage within the cab.
All other animals are not permitted in the cab and drivers must refuse a request for them to be carried.All other animals are only permitted in the cab when travelling to the vet. If not travelling to the vet, drivers must refuse a request for them to be carried.You can find more information about your rights when travelling with an assistance animal here:Built in 1932, Giraffe Manor became the home of Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville in 1974. The couple founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) and took in five orphaned, endangered Rothschild giraffe; today the numbers have increased significantly, with giraffe wandering the lawns during the day before retreating to the sanctuary at night. The colonial-style manor is impressive; wide stone steps lead to an imposing mansion with gables, chimneys, a red-tiled roof and creeping ivy, which the giraffe like to eat in the morning. A high-arched doorway leads to a grand entrance hall and spacious living room featuring deep sofas, a grand piano, numerous books and family photographs.
Speak to someone who's been there Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our Kenya specialists on 01993 838 510 There are just a handful of rooms and suites, each of which has its own distinct style and character. They boast original furniture, including four-poster beds in some cases, and are individually named. They’re split between the main house and a separate garden manor, which has its own dining area and lounge, as well as housing the Finch Hatton family suite for two adults and three children. There’s also the Karen Blixen Suite, which is attached to the main house and particularly suitable for families or wheelchair users. It has a double bedroom, two single beds and a cosy lounge area, opening out onto a courtyard. Giraffe Manor is situated in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, set in extensive private grounds of green lawns and sunny terraces within a large area of indigenous forest. The AFEW Giraffe Centre is just a stroll across the lawn, and within the local area you can explore various museums, arts and crafts outlets and wildlife sanctuaries, as well as Nairobi National Park.
There’s a breakfast room along one side of the property, where giraffe often peer through the windows as you eat, hoping for a treat. Dinner is served in a panelled dining room complete with candelabras for a more refined dining experience, while a variety of drinks can be served out on the terrace. Families can stay in Kelly’s room, which can be set up as a triple, the Finch Hatton Suite for up to two adults and three children, or the Karen Blixen Suite, which has space for two adults and two children. Encountering the giraffe is exciting for young and old alike, and there are lots of family attractions in the local area. We recommend visiting the AFEW Giraffe Centre on site, where you can learn about the endangered giraffe and take guided walks around the sanctuary when no other visitors are there. At the nearby Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage you can feed and adopt baby elephants. The Karen Blixen Museum features exhibits on the Danish explorer and writer, and there are several art galleries in the area.
A massage service is available on site. The Karen Blixen Suite is located on the ground floor and is suitable for wheelchair access. Staying at Giraffe Manor is a truly unique experience. It’s a rather eccentric place, but great fun. We think this makes the perfect beginning or end to a safari for wildlife lovers. Lakes of the Great Rift Valley Ultimate Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Samburu and Masai Mara Rwanda's gorillas & Kenya's Big Five Culture, villages & wildlife of the Mara Mara & Mahe Explorer Luxury Kenya safari & beach Green season safari in Kenya & Zanzibar Kenya Safari & Zanzibar Beach Places & hotels on the map In & Around Giraffe Manor Hemingways Nairobi is a new luxury boutique hotel situated in the peaceful suburb of Karen. Set on a ten acre plot, this is a stylish country hotel with plenty of places to relax. The House of Waine is a converted house in Nairobi's peaceful suburb of Karen. Whilst many will love the décor it will not be to everyone's taste.
That said the comfort is exceptional. Macushla House is a quiet, charming guesthouse in the serene Langata area of Nairobi. It’s ideal for people looking for a good value property within easy reach of a number of facilities and attractions, without the noise of a city stay. Just 11 kilometres from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Ole Sereni is unique in that it overlooks the wild Nairobi National Park while having the convenience of being in the city. The Palacina is a small luxury hotel where the core emphasis is on making guests feel at home during their stay in Nairobi. The staff are very attentive and the food is excellent. The Nairobi Serena is an international style hotel, set in tropical gardens with jacaranda, bougainvillea and acacia trees. There is a lovely pool and small health club. The Norfolk Hotel is one of Nairobi's oldest and best-known hotels. It is also well known for its excellent cuisine and many Nairobi residents come to enjoy food here.