[Travelandtourism] Issues with one of our members who are using Sabre Red

[cheryl echevarria]

February 22, 2012
Sabre Holdings Corporation3150 Sabre DriveSouthlake, Texas 76092 
To whom it may concern:
My name is Cheryl Echevarria, owner of Echevarria Travel.
I am also the President of the Travel and Tourism Division of the National Federation of the Blind.   The National Federation of the Blind is the largest organization of the blind in the United States, Founded in 1941, the Federation has grown to include over 50,000 members.  We Have our National Headquarters in Baltimore, MD, and have a state affiliate in all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.
I had a Travel Professional for over 25 years contact me today about the new Sabre Red System, because the updated system is mouse driven and is not accessible with Screen Readers such as Window Eyes or Jaws.
Mr. Qutaishat, who is blind and has been in the travel industry for over 25 years, has never had a problem with your product until now.  He had mentioned to me that when he contacted his Sabre Customer Service Support Team, he was told that they never heard of a Blind Travel Agent before, and that you will allow him to continue to use the old system for 6 months, after that he needs a letter from the National Federation of the Blind stating the reason why he needs to continue using your product.
Mr. Qutaishat, does not need a letter from the National Federation of the Blind stating this, you also do not need proof that the man is blind to use your product.  He stated that he is blind, and cannot use the new system any longer.  Sabre is one of the most commonly used products in the travel field and should be accessible to all that want to use it.  Sabre stating that you have never heard of blind travel professionals is not an excuse on your part or appropriate response.
I have used the Sabre product myself in the past, when I worked with a few host agencies, but since I am a sole proprietor of my own agency, I have yet to decide whether or not a system such as Sabre or Amadeus.  
The problem is that you system isn't accessible, and I would like to be put in touch with the US Representative of your company, since when I was on the phone with you customer service people, they stated that they are not in the US.  
I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,

Cheryl Echevarria, PresidentTravel and Tourism DivisionNational Federation of the Blind 10 Aljan DriveBrentwood, NY 11717631-236-5138 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            631-236-5138      end_of_the_skype_highlightingPresident at nfb-travel.org

 


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