1. Sensory Accommodations
Summer vacations mean it’s time for fun, but your family member with disabilities could feel uncomfortable if in an overstimulating environment. Sensory accommodations should be a priority when researching places to visit. Find attractions with special modifications to make the experience more enjoyable. Ideal summer destinations should include sensory rooms or special accommodations for these sensitivities. For instance, some amusement parks include sensory bags with noise-reducing headphones, fidget toys and lap pads. These tools stimulate their senses and maintain calmness.
2. Wheelchair Accessibility
Another significant part of your research should include wheelchair accessibility. Everyone wants to explore and feel free, whether inside an amusement park or the woods. Find locations that maximize convenience for those with physical disabilities, featuring wide ramps, doorways and elevators. These amenities make your experience more manageable. If family members with disabilities want outdoor vacation destinations, search for places prioritizing paved trails, sizable bathrooms and accessible campsites.
3. Health Care Considerations
While vacation destinations for individuals with disabilities are fun, some are far from health care facilities. Prioritize proximity to hospitals or other institutions carrying the medical resources you need for your family member. Large cities typically have more health care access than rural areas.
Another health care consideration you should make is insurance. Review your plan to see your deductible and plan accordingly with an emergency fund. For instance, a $1,000 deductible means you pay $1,000 out of pocket before the insurance company covers the rest. Unexpected situations could arise, so it’s important to prepare for emergencies.
4. Airport Adaptations
While the destination is your focus, you should also consider the airport, if you fly. Airports are critical because you could spend hours waiting on a flight. Pick vacation destinations with airports that are accommodating to individuals with disabilities. Some airports assign professionals to guide you and your family member with disabilities through security and to the plane to make the day easier. Search for sensory rooms at the airport for calming environments while you wait to board.
5. Attractions for Individuals With Disabilities
Attractions accommodating individuals with disabilities stand out because they remove typical limitations you see in theme parks. Some include sensory-friendly movie theaters, easy-to-access roller coasters and adaptive playground equipment. Other attractions provide adaptive recreation with horseback riding and relaxing camping trips.
Summer is an excellent time to go on trips. While planning this vacation requires attention to detail, there are plenty of destinations for individuals with disabilities. Prioritize fun for your family member with disabilities, while balancing their comfort and safety in each location.
References
What are sensory toys and how do they help?
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/what-are-sensory-toys
Wheelchair-accessible trails of the Northeast
https://www.fws.gov/story/wheelchair-accessible-trails-northeast
Health for California What’s the Difference Between High Deductible and Low Deductible Plans?
https://www.healthforcalifornia.com/blog/difference-between-high-deductible-low-deductible-plans
Terminal Accessibility https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/ServicesAmenities/accessibility/Pages/Terminal-Accessibility.aspx
About the author:
Beth Rush is the family wellness editor at Body+Mind, a health and wellness brand. She covers topics like sustainable healthcare and all the ways human health is inextricably linked to planetary health. Beth is raising her own family on plant-based recipes and mindful nutrition.
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