Introduction
If you’re planning a trip, there’s no reason to avoid traveling with someone who has a disability. After all, it’s an opportunity to learn from each other and make new experiences together—and you’ll likely realize that your needs are similar! Whether it’s just one person with a disability or multiple people traveling together, here are some tips for making sure your trip goes smoothly:
Plan ahead
Planning can help you avoid problems. Consult with a NDIS plan management provider. You should know your destination and the activities you want to do, as well as what you need to bring, what you can leave at home, and how long it will take to get there. Book accommodation like this NDIS specialist disability accommodation in Sydney in advance so that if something goes wrong with public transport, you have a place to stay overnight. If possible, book tickets in advance too—but not everything is set up for this kind of thing yet (e.g., some museums don’t accept bookings). Finally, if necessary, make sure that your mode of transport has wheelchair access—and think about whether an accessible vehicle would be best for the journey or whether another option might work better for everyone involved.
Be prepared for delays
- Know the airline’s policy on cancellations. Some airlines will allow you to cancel without penalty if a member of your party becomes ill or injured, but others require you to pay a fee.
- Know the airline’s policy on rescheduling. If your trip can’t be postponed, will they refund your money or let you rebook?
- Know the airline’s policy on refunds. If you miss part of the flight because of airport traffic or long security lines, will they refund some or all of your ticket cost?
- Know the airline’s policy on lost luggage. How much time does it take for luggage to make its way from one location to another? Do they prioritize lost bags by value so that those containing valuables are sent back first? Can I get reimbursed for my items even if they were not returned (or never were)?
Consult with a Healthcare
- Talk to your doctor and get continence assessment. If you have a condition or illness, be sure to consult with your healthcare practitioner and obtain any required prescription medications.
- Discuss vaccinations. You should make sure that you have all of the required vaccines for your destination country before traveling abroad. Some countries require proof of vaccinations against certain diseases before entry, so please check ahead of time.
- Check on special equipment or supplies needed in the event of an emergency evacuation from the location where you’re staying (e.g., wheelchair).
Get wheelchair-accessible accommodation
You can begin by checking the hotel website to see if they offer wheelchair-accessible accommodation. If they do, it’s best to book as early as possible. You may also want to ask for a room on the first floor, as some hotels don’t have elevators, and this could make it difficult for your loved one to navigate stairs with their wheelchair.
If you’re not able to find a hotel that offers accessible rooms or there are none available when you make your reservation, you can always ask them about rollaway beds. These are beds that fold into an upright position so that people who need help getting out of bed can sit up independently without having others around all the time.
Research accessible activities ahead of time
- Research the accessibility of the place you are visiting.
- Check with the venue about their disability access policy.
- Ask about accessibility features in the venue. For example, if a museum or event space has elevators, you can make sure they work!
- Find out if any other activities can be done instead of what you’re planning on doing if it won’t be accessible. This allows you to plan and save some time so that everyone has a good time!
- If there is wheelchair access to public transportation, make sure that your trip includes enough stops so that everyone can get on and off easily without having to wait too long for assistance or assistance with ramps or lifts for wheelchairs/scooters.
Prepare Portable Oxygen
When you are traveling with disabled people, you should prepare portable oxygen. Portable oxygen is a device that can be used for administering supplemental oxygen to patients who need it. It’s important to keep in mind that not all types of portable oxygen are the same. You need to know how much portable oxygen you’ll be needing before choosing a brand or model.
Once you’ve chosen the type of portable oxygen that’s right for your needs, make sure it’s in good condition and serviceable at all times because it may save someone’s life someday. A good way to determine whether or not something is broken is by asking yourself whether or not any cracks are appearing on any part of the apparatus (e.g., tubing). If so, then chances are good that part won’t last as long as expected—so don’t buy one yet! The next step involves learning how exactly these devices work since they aren’t exactly intuitive when first encountered by someone unfamiliar with them; however, luckily enough there are many online guides available that will explain every step needed in order effectively utilize this type of equipment without becoming overwhelmed by confusion from trying too hard without enough knowledge beforehand.”
Know your resources
- Know your resources.
- Be aware of the resources available to you and those who can assist if necessary. Consider contacting your travel company, tour guide, or hotel about any special needs travelers might have. You might also want to reach out to local or state organizations that specialize in helping people with disabilities before going on a trip abroad.
- Ask questions! If there is something specific that you need help with, don’t be afraid to ask for it!
Don’t overbook days
A general rule of thumb is to plan no more than three days in a row of activities. It’s important to have time to relax and recover, so don’t plan too many days in a row that require long drives or travel. This can be especially true if your loved one is using a wheelchair—the physical stress from this type of travel can be significant over multiple days.
If you’re planning an extended trip or vacation, take care not to engage in too many activities at once. You want to make sure your disabled relative has plenty of time between events where they can rest and recuperate before embarking on another exciting adventure!
There’s no need to apologize for needing accommodations.
It is not necessary to apologize for needing accommodations. You are not inconveniencing anyone by asking for accommodations. You are not being a burden by asking for accommodations. The only thing you are doing is making sure that you have a good time on your trip with your friends and family, just like everyone else!
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip with someone who has a disability, you don’t have to worry about it being difficult or awkward. With some planning and preparation, you’ll be able to make the most of your time together as if nothing were different at all!
