Special Needs Group® / Special Needs at Sea® Announces Partnership With MAST Travel Network

Special Needs Group® / Special Needs at Sea®, a global provider of mobility and medical equipment rentals, has announced a new partnership with MAST Travel Network, a member-owned travel agency consortium and marketing network, to expand accessible travel education and resources for MAST's member travel advisors.

Through the partnership, MAST members will gain access to Special Needs Group's educational resources, including its Certified Accessible Travel Advocate (CATA®) program, which equips travel professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to better serve travelers with mobility and other accessibility needs. Members will also have access to Special Needs Group's mobility and medical equipment rental solutions, helping them coordinate services for clients traveling aboard cruise ships and visiting hotels, resorts and other destinations.

"Accessible travel begins long before a traveler reaches their destination. It starts with a knowledgeable travel advisor who understands their client's needs and knows what resources are available," said Andrew J. Garnett, president, founder and CEO of Special Needs Group® / Special Needs at Sea®. "Our partnership with MAST Travel Network allows us to expand that knowledge among its member agencies while connecting advisors with the equipment and services their clients need. Together, we're helping more travelers experience the world with greater confidence, comfort and independence."

Special Needs Group's CATA® program is the travel industry's first e-learning curriculum designed to educate travel professionals about the accessible travel market. Through online coursework and testing, participants gain essential knowledge to help address the needs of travelers who require mobility assistance and other specialized services. Travel professionals can earn the designation by completing the online three-module curriculum and required testing or participating in a live presentation and testing session. The certification program is available at no charge to travel industry professionals with a valid industry identifier.

"This partnership is an important step in MAST's growth," said Andrew Davis, president and COO of MAST Travel Network. "Accessibility isn't a niche market. It's a fundamental part of serving every traveler well. Partnering with Special Needs Group allows us to give our advisors the tools and education they need to confidently serve travelers of all abilities."

In addition to the CATA® program, MAST members will have access to Special Needs Group's comprehensive equipment rental services, including wheelchairs, scooters, oxygen and other specialized equipment. Special Needs Group provides service in 217 metropolitan areas and cities across 70 countries, helping travelers access mobility and medical equipment during their vacations.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding accessible travel opportunities by providing travel professionals with the education, equipment and resources needed to better serve clients with diverse mobility and accessibility requirements.

For more information about Special Needs Group's CATA® program, visit https://www.specialneedsatsea.com/advisors/sng-cata-certification/ .