Accessibility Policy

MT Sobek is committed to providing inclusive adventure travel opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We welcome guests with disabilities and will work to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to our trips.

It is the policy of MT Sobek to comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We will make reasonable modifications to our policies, practices, and procedures when necessary to afford goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations to individuals with disabilities, The only exception is if we have assessed the accommodation meets the follow criteria for exclusion:

1. The modification would fundamentally alter the nature of the trip or service.
2. The modification would result in an undue burden (significant difficulty or expense)
3. The participation poses a direct threat to the health or safety of any trip participant which cannot be eliminated by the modification.

Scope of Accommodations

A. Domestic Trips (USA) For trips taking place entirely within the United States, we strictly adhere to ADA guidelines regarding reasonable accommodations, effective communication, and barrier removal where readily achievable. This includes Service Animals.

B. International Trips The ADA does not apply outside of the United States. However, MT Sobek strives to accommodate guests with disabilities on international departures where local laws, infrastructure, and safety standards permit. Please note that accessibility standards (such as wheelchair ramps, accessible vehicles, service animals, and hotel amenities) vary significantly by country and region.

Requesting Accommodations

To help us ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, participants requesting an accommodation must notify MT Sobek prior to booking.

• Individualized Assessment: We review every request on a case-by-case basis. We do not make assumptions about what a person with a disability can or cannot do.
• Dialogue: We will engage in an interactive dialogue with you to identify necessary modifications (e.g., requesting a lower-floor hotel room, use of a specific mobility device, a service animal, or dietary needs related to a medical condition).
• Additional Accommodations: Even when an accommodation cannot be made on a scheduled group trip, we offer custom trips where we may still be able to provide similar services and due to their bespoke nature have more flexibility to deliver an amazing experience.

Personal Devices and Services

While we strive to assist, the ADA does not require MT Sobek to provide personal devices or services of a personal nature.

• Personal Equipment: We do not provide wheelchairs, hearing aids, prescription eyeglasses, or other personal mobility or medical devices.
• Personal Care: MT Sobek guides and staff are not permitted to assist with personal tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, or feeding.
• Companions: If a guest requires assistance with personal care or moving extensively across difficult terrain, they may be required to travel with a companion who can provide such assistance.

Service Animal Policy

MT Sobek complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to allow the use of Service Animals on our domestic trips, provided their presence does not present a direct threat to safety or fundamentally alter the nature of the trip.

Definitions & Distinctions

A. Service Animal: Under the ADA, a Service Animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

B. Essential Eligibility Requirements (EERs): The fundamental physical, cognitive, and behavioral requirements necessary for safe participation. The presence of a Service Animal does not exempt a participant from meeting these requirements.

C. Fundamental Alteration: A change so significant that it alters the essential nature of the goods, services, programs, or activities provided.

Scope & Procedure

A. Domestic vs. International: This policy applies to Domestic (US) trips. In many cases, Service Animals cannot be accommodated on international trips due to strict quarantine laws and foreign airline regulations.

B. Request Procedure: A participant must notify MT Sobek at the time of booking. Staff may ask:

1. Is the dog a Service Animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

We will not ask for medical documentation or proof of certification.

Handler Responsibilities

To ensure safety and compliance:

1. Control: The animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless doing so interferes with the animal’s work.
2. Care: The handler is solely responsible for feeding, walking, and cleaning up after the animal.
3. Damages: The handler is responsible for any damage caused by the animal.

Criteria for Exclusion

We reserve the right to exclude a Service Animal if:

1. Direct Threat: The animal’s participation poses a significant risk to the health/safety of others
2. Fundamental Alteration: The animal’s presence requires alteration to the essential nature of the trip.
3. Loss of Control: The handler cannot effectively control the animal.