Unavoidable vacation planning
Taking a family vacation can be challenging. Going on one when taking along one or more special needs children can be downright daunting. The answer is simple. Planning it out, in detail, is unavoidable.
There are many things to consider when planning a vacation: destination, transportation, hotel or other overnight arrangements, activities, adaptations, and general accessibility, to name a few. The following is a list of Web sites, which addresses those considerations. They contain information about vacation travel through articles, books, Internet links, and other resources.
Basic research over the internet, as well as networking with other families who have “gone the road before you”, will save much aggravation and frustration. For example, do you know that Continental Airlines have a placard that a user will be able to download on their own voluntarily. The placard would give details like chair weight, lift points, detachable items etc. It is voluntary and would allow the user to have their handlers know a bit more about the chair without the user having to be there explaining it. This will avoid damage to the wheelchair due to improper handling.
What about those people who “need a lift” getting around the cruise ship? Generally speaking, the cruise lines do not provide this type of equipment as standard issue in their accessible rooms. You can however rent a Hoyer lift and have it delivered to your cabin. Contact the special needs department at your cruise line to find out who their approved vendors are, and then shop around until you find the best rental price.
What about the cost of accessing outdoor recreation areas? Do you know that you can get a lifetime pass for free admission to all national parks, available free to anybody with a permanent disability. You can obtain a pass at Bureau of Land Management offices and at national park entrances.
Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland have good reputations for welcoming guests with disabilities. A "Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities"-- with details about services and facilities-- can be found at Guest Relations in all four theme parks and at Walt Disney World® Resorts.
How about bring along a care giver for your child when you are travelling. Not a babysitter - but some one who will come with you on your trip and help all the members of your family enjoy the trip. This could mean taking a swim with your child while you build a sandcastle with another or helping at a busy crowded theme park. The idea is to take a family vacation where in some cases it may have been difficult or impossible because of a child with special needs.
By MaryEllen Smith Tavares
