|
Categories
|
|
|
|
|
Tips For Traveling With Special Needs Kids
By
Lisa Simmons
|
|
Summer is an ideal time for
family vacations and get-a-ways. Most parents will tell
you that successful family traveling takes planning.
Traveling with a special needs child takes even more
preparation, but is sure to create wonderful families
memories for everyone.
Here are some tips to help make your trip a true success!
1. Be brave!
Many families with special needs kids are just plain
scared of trips away from home. The thought of trying to
do sensitive medical procedures "on the road" or
deal with behavioral outbursts in front of a crowd is
simply too overwhelming to contemplate. Unless your doctor
or specialist has specifically ruled out travel, don't let
your fears take over!
2. Planning is everything!
Map out your trip & select destinations that can
accommodate you & your child's needs. If you're not
sure what type of questions to ask, try this Accessibility
Checklist found here:
http://tinyurl.com/2yzew
If any of your destinations seems totally unable to meet
your needs don't be shy about asking for other
recommendations in the area. Maybe the knowledge that they
lost a potential customer will inspire them to improve
their accessibility.
3. Consult with your child's physician.
Ask for recommendations, tips, and a special "travel
pack" with items you may need in case of an
emergency. Your travel pack might include items like:
· a list of any prescription drugs your child is taking
and a copy of the prescription (just in case)
· a physician's description letter of your child's
condition and needs in case of an emergency
· phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and/or pager numbers
of your home physicians/specialists.
· recommendations for physicians & specialists in the
area you're visiting.
· health insurance cards and phone numbers (be sure
you've reviewed your insurance policy before you leave –
many require prior approval before out of town emergency
room or doctor's visits)
· phone numbers of any necessary medical supply company
4. Make a small checklist of items that cannot be left
behind.
If your special needs child has favorite toys, security
items or essential medical items, you don't want to
discover them "missing" half way home. Make a
list as you pack of all essential items & double check
it before you leave each stop of your journey.
5. Don't Be Shy
During your travels you're bound to run into individuals
who don't know what to do or how to react to an individual
with special needs. As diplomatically as you can, let
people know what you need & expect them to make
accommodations for your child's special needs. Most people
will be more than happy to help. If they offer you a room
or seating accommodation that just won't work, politely
decline & explain again what you need & why. Look
at as an opportunity to do your part for disability
awareness!
Traveling, like everything else, is an acquired skill. If
you're first trip doesn't turn out perfectly, don't give
up! Sit down (after you've rested) & analyze what went
wrong. How could you have prepared differently or more
effectively? Which of your destinations & stopovers
worked well? Which ones just need to be crossed off your
list? Chances are if your trip was to visit family or
friends you'll be traveling that road again. Time spent
establishing relationships along the road can be time well
invested!
Just remember, every trip is a learning experience for you
& a precious family memory for you children! Safe
travels!
© 2004, Lisa Simmons. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
<< Back to the Article Index
©
Copyright 2004, ArticleJunction.com
|
|
|
