Special Needs Group® / Special Needs at Sea® Celebrates Fifth Anniversary of Certified Accessible Travel Advocate™ Program with Over 3,000 Certified Members

Company Also Names Debra Kerper 2016 Power Partner of the Year

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Nov 17, 2016, 08:40 ET

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Special Needs Group^® / Special Needs at Sea^® (SNG) www.specialneedsgroup.com, the leading global provider of special needs equipment rentals, celebrated the fifth anniversary of its Certified Accessible Travel Advocate™ Program on Nov. 11 by announcing a milestone achievement: 3,131 travel professionals are now SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocates. This far exceeds the number of certifications SNG leaders anticipated for the five-year mark, when the program was launched.

On Scooter - Debra Kerper, Power Partner 2016 Winner, Cruise Planners Franchise Owner. From Left to right: Caitlin Gardner, Cruise Planners Director of Public Relations; Roberta Schwartz, Professor at Johnson & Whales, Cruise Planners Franchise Owners, 2015 SNG Co-Power Partner; Bob Sharak, SNG 2015 Co-Power Partner; Vicky Garcia, COO at Cruise Planners; Andrew Garnett, President & CEO of SNG; Steve Kerper; Alessandra Laricchia, Community Relations Manager at Camillus House; Michelle Fee, CEO & Founder of Cruise Planners; Jackie Friedman, President at Nexion; Betsy Geiser, VP at Uniglobe Travel

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440435
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440439LOGO

"We are thrilled that 3,131 travel professionals have earned their designation as SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocates," stated Andrew J Garnett, SNG president & CEO. "Our internal goal at the inception of the program was 2,000 certifications in the first five years. The overwhelming support we have received is indicative of the resplendent character and empathy throughout the travel agency/agent distribution system."

SNG's powerful online Certified Accessible Travel Advocate course is the travel industry's first eLearning curriculum that allows travel professionals to become conversant with the accessible travel market segment through online study and testing. The groundbreaking initiative is not only leading to a more accessible world, but also providing increased success for travel professionals.

In addition, SNG named Debra Kerper of Cruise Planners — Easy Access Travel in Carrollton, Texas as the company's Power Partner of the Year.

"Debra is a shining example of the indomitable spirit possessed by Americans with disabilities," said Garnett. "Within four months of becoming a bilateral amputee, she has escorted groups on cruises to Alaska and beyond. She leads by example and is most deserving of this award and recognition."

About Special Needs Group^® / Special Needs at Sea^®
Special Needs Group^® / Special Needs at Sea^® 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 travel industry's only total special needs travel solution. Special Needs Group provides service in 135 cities located in 30 countries. It is located at 302 NW 1st Street, Dania Beach, FL 33004. For more information, visit www.specialneedsgroup.com or call 1-800-513-4515.

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SOURCE Special Needs Group