There’s nothing more fun than traveling as a family of five. Pack your bags, set off on an adventure, and make your hectic life a distant memory.
Traveling with kids is usually difficult, but traveling with a child with a disability is even harder. Add in the wheelchair and medical equipment my middle son has needed since he was 3, and I could easily become overwhelmed and stay home. Instead, I think ahead and make extra efforts to make the trip go as smoothly as possible.
Because I’m always looking for help, I reached out to the experts for some tips and tricks to successfully navigate my wheelchair adventures.
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Airplane travel can be complicated for wheelchair users. The wheelchair has to be physically lifted and transported from the wheelchair to the plane seat. The wheelchair is then stored in the cargo hold. This entire process makes the wheelchair vulnerable to damage. Corey Lee, a regular traveler who blogs about his wheelchair adventures, does his best to ensure his wheelchair arrives safely. “This includes putting wheelchair parts in carry-on luggage, wrapping joysticks in bubble wrap, and clearly communicating to airline staff how to best handle the wheelchair,” he says.
Amanda Devereaux of Iowa recently used TSA Cares to look after her daughter, who is non-speaking, uses a medical stroller and was struggling to wait in long lines. “I called TSA Cares 48 hours before my flight, and someone met us at security and moved us to the front of the line so we could go through security faster.”
Through the Wings for All program, children with intellectual disabilities can get advance air travel experience, said Kelly Mauger of The Ark. “The program is offered in 70 airports across the U.S. and gives kids hands-on experience navigating an airport.”
Rather than flying, several of our recent vacations have been spent in a wheelchair accessible van, with plenty of luggage packed into a rooftop luggage box so we can make as many stops as we need along the way, and smaller suitcases packed with clothes and toiletries make stops quick and easy.
Nicole Bryson, owner and president of FT Mobility, a New Jersey vehicle conversion company that rents wheelchair-accessible vans to airports throughout the tri-state area. “We’re a proud member of a national organization called Wheelchair Getaways,” she says. “We have over 250 locations across the country and can rent a van by the day, week, weekend or month.”
If you plan on driving a car or renting a van, check out handicapped parking in the state you’ll be visiting – for example, handicapped parking is free in Burlington, Vermont.
Other forms of transportation include trains, buses, subways, and taxis, but these options are not consistent or easy to find, so I always do my research beforehand. For example, my family has had great experiences riding the subway in New York City and Washington DC, but not all entrances are wheelchair accessible.
Find fun activities
From the beach to the city, there are plenty of ways to find easy adventures the whole family can enjoy.
When planning a beach trip, call the hotel to see if they offer beach wheelchair rentals and if they are easily accessible from your room. When my son was little, the beach wheelchairs were too big for him, so I would push his wheelchair as far as I could along the beach sidewalk and carry him to his blanket.
We had the same experience with a pool lift that was too big for our son, so we look for pools that have a zero-gravity entrance or steps that gradually deepen the pool depth to make it easier to help him get into the water.
Museums and other city attractions are often wheelchair accessible. We’ve seen many Broadway shows as a family – call the box office or search online for the theater to see what facilities they offer.
Many museums and facilities are wheelchair accessible and have special spaces or days to accommodate people with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
And don’t forget to adventure in the national parks. “The National Park Service is working to expand the hiking options available to visitors with disabilities, and each national park now has information on its website about accessible infrastructure,” explains John Morris, founder of Wheelchairtravel.org. “Wheelchair users and people with disabilities can gain free admission to America’s parks and wilderness areas with access passes.”
Wherever you go, “plan at least five months in advance. Research the destination to make sure it suits your and your child’s specific needs,” advises Sofia Bravo of Wheel the World. “Also take into account seasonal fluctuations like weather and peak seasons. During peak seasons, all the activities will be crowded and difficult to get around.”
Where to stay
I usually prefer to book a hotel suite. The extra space is great for extra supplies. The kitchen is convenient for storing my son’s formula and special foods. A washing machine is also handy. In general, hotels often have large, open entrances with automatic doors that don’t have steep thresholds. For now, since my son is small, I don’t need a fully accessible room. But that will probably change as he gets older.
Sandy Gilbreath has been traveling with her adult son, Corey Lee, for years. “Always call hotels directly and ask specific questions about your child’s accessibility needs. I ask if the room has a roll-in shower and if there’s space under the bed for a Hoyer lift. When booking activities, I ask if there are steps at the entrance or during the activity. Asking precise questions forces staff to think more thoroughly before answering.”
Airbnb now has an accessibility category on its site, where renters can search for properties that meet specific needs, such as a bedroom with no steps or a home with a flat, level floor. Hosts submit photos of their accessibility features and provide descriptions that are reviewed for accuracy.
I haven’t taken my family on a cruise yet, but since most cruises have ramps, elevators, and flat decks, a cruise is at the top of my list. “Cruises are definitely one of the most accessible ways to travel,” agrees Jamie Santillo, an accessible travel agent. “Travelers should book a cruise as early as possible,” adds Christy LaCroix, a certified accessible travel specialist. “Some ships have 43 accessible staterooms, while others only have four.” LaCroix maintains a list of accessible island tours. You may find it easier to find one by contacting an accessible travel agency, such as LaCroix or Santillo, directly. These agencies’ services are free to travelers.
Wherever I end up, a few weeks before I leave I review a typical day caring for my son and make sure I have everything I need: extra medications, medical supplies, clothing, etc. I also remind myself that no matter what I plan, it’s almost inevitable that I’ll forget something. As long as my basic needs are met and I’m safe, I just go with the flow and learn for next time.