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Other
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Special Places,
Special Kids
How to Have a Great Vacation
with Your Handicapped Child
complete credit for this article goes to
© Lynn Moore
Aug 1, 2006
Great vacations don't just happen. Travel with a child with a
disability can be challenging, but not impossible.
Here are some things to consider when your great family getaway
is approaching.
Planning Do what you can to cover all bases. Then relax and have
fun. Unexpected things ALWAYS come
up. You have done your part to make it a great trip.
Packing Too much stuff is bad. The wrong stuff is bad. You know
your child better than anyone else. . . Your packing will be
great!
Meds and Equipment
Snacks
Things to Do
Clothes
Transportation How will you get from Point A to Point B?
Car Driving can give you the greatest flexibility as far as
where you will go, how long you will travel, and what you can
take.
Bus This classic choice is one to think about. You can devote
yourself to your child's needs; it is relatively inexpensive;
but it does take a while to get there.
Train Some children, many times autistic children, are
fascinated with trains. Trains can be a fun alternative, but
have a plan for getting off when you reach your destination.
Plane This is, of course, the fastest way to go. Consider your
child does in close proximity to strangers.
Accommodations Where will you stay?
Motel Some kids think this is fun. . . especially if you stay in
a "chain" establishment so that the set up is almost identical .
. . and, of course, there is a pool and great vending machines!
Camp A tent or RV can bring familiar accommodations anywhere. If
you choose this route you will want to think about tolerance for
hot weather and for bugs.
Home of a Friend or Relative
This can be a great choice if the host is supportive of your
child's needs.
Activities and Sights What will you do while you are there?
Just Chill!
Scenery
Landmarks
Theme Parks
Touristy Places
Home Again Your child will need some time to settle back in.
Revisiting the Familiar Lots of kids with special needs seek
routine and familiar settings. The world is not so confusing
when it is familiar.
Checking the Boundaries Kids test limits. Your rules will be the
same as before the trip. You know it. Your child just wants to
make sure.
Getting into the Routine If your schedule was well established
before the trip, it will easily become the schedule again.
Sometimes it takes a few days.
Theme Parks and Disabled Children
A Parent’s Guide to Services
© Lynn Moore
Jul 19, 2006
Many families "hit the road" in July for family vacations. How
can parents check out services for the disabled ahead of time?
Maybe you are heading out to the local theme park. Perhaps you
plan to stop at one while on the family vacation. Before you
leave home, check out the services for the disabled.
Look on the Internet
Enter the name of the park.
Go to search and enter Services for the Disabled
Accommodations and Services to Check
Is there a reduced cost for admission for visitors with
disabilities?
Is documentation of the disability required?
Does the park provide a pamphlet or booklet that is a guide to
the park's accessibility?
Can wheelchairs be rented at the park? Is there a fee? Are
electric wheelchairs available?
Which rides, shops and restaurants are accessible?
Is there a special pass to avoid lines?
Does the park provide personnel to aid in getting on and off
rides?
What type of emergency medical services are available in the
park?
What buildings / services in the park are available to take a
break from the heat?
What accommodations are made for service / guide dogs?
Things to Take
Documentation of disability
Handicapped parking tag
Park guidebook
Special equipment needed
Medications
Emergency information: medical condition, allergies,
medications, doctor contact
Water
Healthy energy snacks
What about the siblings?
Consider going to the park as a family.
Make sure enough adults are along to help with supervision and
physical needs.
Also consider giving your child with special needs a day just
for him at the theme park.
Do the same special outing on a different day for the siblings.
Ready? Set? Go have some fun!
Never hesitate to call if you have questions about the park and
its services. A well planned outing without surprises is always
good. . . Unless, of course, the surprises come from the rides
themselves!
Note: Activities represented here are ideas. Parents (not the
author) are responsible for choosing an appropriate activity for
a particular child and for the consequences of that activity.
Some great links CPN has found!
http://www.chronicbabe.com/help-desk/cat/79/
http://www.gimponthego.com/
http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/departments/news/000476.html
http://stlucianow.com/info/traveling-resources-for-the-disabled
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