Pack your bags. Load the car. It’s time for a family vacation! Traveling with children is a daunting task for most, but families with special needs face even greater challenges. Knowing what to pack, where to go, how to get there, and what to do in case of emergency can make a vacation feel anything but relaxing. It’s not uncommon for parents of a special needs child to feel like no one understands their unique challenges, but there are a multitude of resources available.
The travel industry has finally responded to the calls for more accessible travel options. Family-centered vacations are becoming increasingly popular and readily available. And growing disability communities, like Disaboom, share a wealth of wisdom from others with experience. With precise planning, careful preparation, and the right support, parents can offer their special needs child new experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
Long before the packing and picture-taking comes the first step in planning the perfect family vacation:
Choosing the Right Location for Your Special Needs Child
This decision can be the most overwhelming part of the vacation planning process. Parents must consider their budget, the area’s accessibility, transportation options, and the developmental age of their children. For many families, choosing a destination that is somewhat close to their home is a great way to test the waters of traveling with a special needs child. It’s also a good fit for today’s tightening budgets.
The true accessibility of an area is often a mystery until the family arrives. Avoid this by consulting other families with special needs child who have traveled in the area. Online communities of people with disabilities and thoughtful avid travelers can also prove to be exceptionally helpful resources.
Ask questions pertinent to what accessibility means to you: How are the curb cuts in the area? How did you get your child’s wheelchair to and from the airport? What are the rates for an accessible taxi? It’s usually these answers, not the quality of the sand at beaches, which determine the vacation hot spots for families with special needs. Once you have selected a destination, gather materials that will give you a general overview of the activities available in the area. Feel free to call ahead and ask detailed questions to determine which activities are age-appropriate and accessible to your special needs child.
Jody Cheek is the mother of a child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bones). He daughter, Catie’s, health status, can change at any time, but this does not keep the family from being well-traveled. Their positive and negative experiences allowed Jody to share a few first-hand recommendations.
“Parking, curb cuts, uneven sidewalks, and transportation,” made Washington D.C. and Destin, Florida particularly challenging. Although Chicago’s construction can make getting around the city difficult, Catie identifies this destination as one of her favorites. Accessible taxi cabs and the train are available and Jody notes the generally helpful nature of people can sometimes make up for the occasional bumpy sidewalks. Disney, however, wins the Cheek family’s top ranking. Jody says, “It is one of the easiest and stress-free wheelchair accessible vacations you will ever take if you have a special needs child.”
What to Pack for Your Special Needs Child
In addition to your typical family vacation baggage, parents that have a special needs child must consider what unique medical needs might arise during the course of the trip. Bags should include medication and equipment for everyday routines as well as preventative measures to handle the unexpected. In case Catie fractures a bone while on vacation, Jody packs pain medication and splints. She also brings her disabled parking placard to allow the family to park closer to entrances. Since it is not always possible to minimize walking distances, especially in airports, Jody brings Catie’s wheelchair in addition to her walker.
If traveling by plane, let the airline know you have medical equipment to avoid the additional expense for checked luggage. Keep all medication in their original containers. While general airline security rules prohibit liquids as a carry-on, passengers with disabilities are allowed to have juice or water to meet their medical needs. Let security know about your medication and check these disability-related TSA guidelines before traveling:
Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
TSA Recommendations for Children with Disabilities
In Case of Emergency
The possibility that there could be an emergency during a family vacation should not eliminate the adventures that these trips can bring. Preparation is key. While you are researching hotels, make note of the closest hospital.
For rare medical conditions, it may be helpful to keep documentation of your special needs child’s disability with you. Jody dealt with the frightening possibility that she might not always be able to communicate her child’s need (e.g. in the case of a car accident) by placing a packet of information on Catie’s car seat. The packet includes phone numbers, allergies, and instructions on how to handle Catie. Thankfully, the family has never had a need for the packet. Preparations like these, however, can provide the peace of mind that makes a relaxing vacation possible.
Bon Voyage!
Whether near or far, family vacations are an important experience for children. We all need an occasional change of scenery. Traveling offers families with a special need child opportunities for exploration and self-advocacy. If you encounter a barrier on your trip, try to make overcoming it a positive learning experience for all. Use the many resources available to plan your vacation. Prepare for the best, worst, and unexpected aspects of travel. And while it won’t fit in your suitcase, don’t forget your willingness to let go, have fun, and make memories.
