6 tips for enjoying summer travel when you have children with disabilities
Getting the family
organized for a vacation can involve a lot of moving pieces. This is especially
true for families that include a child with disabilities. These tips can help
set families up for success when planning out summer vacations.
1. Know your options and rights.
You can take the family van, rent a
wheelchair-accessible RV, travel by plane, take a train, or even go on a
cruise. Public transportation must meet certain
accessibility guidelines required by law.
For example, airlines
must transport wheelchairs for people with
physical disabilities. Foldable manual wheelchairs can often go in a plane's
cabin, while larger manual and power wheelchairs are put in the cargo area.
People who are unable to walk to their seats can use the airline's aisle chair.
All airlines are
required to provide these services, but each has different procedures. Check
with your airline before your trip to avoid surprises. It will also help to
know the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) screening procedures before you go.
Hotels must also offer
accessible rooms and reasonable accommodations, such as a mini-fridge for
medication, risers under the bed to make room for a lift, and flashing lights
for the phone. If the hotel isn't full, you can also request a room away from
others to avoid noise.
Talk with an accessible
travel agency if you need help.
2. Call ahead and leave extra time.
Always call at least 48
hours in advance of your travels to confirm plans and needs with airlines,
hotels, and other travel companies.
If flying, plan to be
at the airport early and anticipate unexpected delays. Schedule at least 90
minutes between your arrival and departure if you have a connecting flight.
3. Practice traveling.
Some conditions, such
as autism, can make it difficult for a child to adjust to scenery changes or
new routines. For those children, preparation is essential when traveling. The
following tips can help:
●
Ask hotels or airports if you can take a tour.
●
Practice using different public restrooms.
●
Read a story about traveling.
●
Talk about the trip when you're planning.
If your child receives
early intervention, special education, or therapy services, ask for support from
your team.
Be ready for sensory needs.
Sensory overload can
make traveling unpleasant for some children with disabilities. To help
ease their stress, pack a travel bag with:
●
Activities for children to share or do alone
●
A compression vest or lap weight for comfort
●
A favorite stuffed animal or toy
●
Candy or gum for helping with airplane ear popping
●
Quiet fidget toys
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Healthy snacks
●
Headphones for calming music or noise suppression
5. Stick to routines and create a schedule.
Your child's daily
routine provides a sense of comfort. Whenever possible, follow that routine,
particularly at bedtime and mealtimes, and include your child in making the
vacation schedule. You can also use cue cards, visual schedules, or visual
timers to let your child know what will be happening next and when.
6. Plan for safety.
Talk with your child's pediatrician about medications,
special feeding needs, and other concerns before the trip.
Make a family emergency plan. The TSA also offers printable disability ID
cards
to help with safety at the airport.
If your child is very young or has difficulty sitting unsupported, bring a car seat or safety restraint system. Double-check to ensure it will fit within the airplane or train seats.
Traveling with children of all ages and
abilities can bring unique challenges, but you can still have a great time with
your family. Reid Health
Rehabilitation Services can offer more ideas for safe, summer fun suited to your
child's needs.