Planning and Execution : Perfect family trip that appeals to all ages can be a headache for anyone. However, if your family includes a person with special needs, it can seem like even more of a challenge. Lack of accessibility, amenities or understanding from staff and fellow travelers can feel like immovable barriers if you or your travel companions have physical or developmental disabilities. But, with some careful planning and a positive attitude, special needs don't have to hinder families from traveling anywhere they want, whether that's across the country or around the world.

Air Travel : Flying is a stressful event for lots of travelers. But air travel can be especially hard on kids with special needs and their parents – even just navigating the unfamiliarity of the airport can include unique challenges for families. In recent years, there’s been a greater awareness of special needs kids as well as airlines and airports stepping up to meet these needs with compassionate solutions. Carry-on. If your child has frequent accidents, bring a full change of clothes in a carry-on.

TSA : Traveling with a child that has special health, developmental or mental health concerns may bring challenges and require extra planning. We’ve compiled information to help so please check our collection of travel tips from other parents, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), resources for families, condition-specific resources, and downloadable medical forms.

Transportation :  Rental car agencies are catering to families of all types, including those in need of modified cars and vans with room for wheelchairs, lifts and specialized seats. In large cities, most taxi companies offer a select number of wheelchair-friendly cabs, such as Los Angeles, CA Yellow Cabs. Request a list of taxi companies through your hotel and contact them to schedule wheelchair accessible taxis for airport and attraction transportation.

Another popular option for families traveling with special needs children is traveling by shuttle bus. Shuttle busses are larger and usually better-equipped for handicapped passengers than the average taxi, but, as expected, offer less privacy, as well as less control over where you’ll stop and when you’ll get to your destination. Contact your hotel to see what options are available.

Hotels : All U.S. hotels are required to offer wheelchair-accessible rooms, where doors are wider to the room and bathroom, and grips are provided for tubs and toilets. Be sure to request these special rooms well in advance of your stay. Some may also provide shower chairs, upon request.

However, not all international hotels may be so friendly. Be sure to thoroughly review hotel websites and reviews, and contact them directly to be certain. Also be sure to inquire about elevators, as some resorts may not offer elevators, in which case ground-floor accommodations are recommended. Stairs need to be considered for resorts offering bungalows — while quaint mountaintop accommodations overlooking blue seas are gorgeous, they may not be wheelchair accessible.

Road : Parents of children with special needs must always work harder than most parents even for the simplest things. A road trip, which is fun for most families, is a nightmare to many special needs families. How can a special needs family enjoy a road trip without meltdowns and upsets for all passengers? A successful road trip begins long before the departure day. Plan, prepare, and pack carefully so that all chances for a pleasant day or a longer road trip with kids are on your side. Road trips with kids can be a wonderful experience and you do not need a limousine.

PACKING

Anticipating problems before they occur can eliminate stress in the event a problem does occur. When packing, don’t forget: Bring whatever is reinforcing to your child. Maybe that’s an iPad, or maybe it’s a certain toy they need to sleep with—whatever is going to provide comfort. This is going to be very individualized depending on your child and where you’re traveling. But whatever gives comfort, I recommend bringing whatever that is and packing it first so that you do not leave it at home! And here’s a bonus tip: Talk to your therapist and find out what specific sensory and motor activities your child or adult will need during that vacation so that you can all have a great time. Give us a call! We want to help you have a relaxing and fun trip.

Medications :  Pack all medications in carry-on luggage in case checked bags are delayed or lost. Most liquids must meet the traditional 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage, which requires that passengers place liquids in a container with a capacity no more than 3.4 ounces, in one zip-top seal-able bag, and each passenger may only have one bag for liquids. However, liquid medication is one of very few items (including baby formula, baby food and breast milk) which may be allowed in higher quantities, if declared beforehand and approved during the screening process. Bringing a note from your doctor on the medications may come in handy, as would an extra prescription in case one must be filled.

Insurance : Check with your insurance company to be sure your child is covered when traveling to different states and abroad, as well as a list of facilities that are covered in the destinations you are visiting — including cruise ships — in the event you must visit a doctor. If insurance is not covered, consider purchasing travel insurance that may assist with unexpected costs. Make a copy of your insurance information, physician’s contact information and emergency contact list.

Purchasing travel insurance for a big-splurge trip may be something to consider, as well, in the event illness or trouble arises pre-trip that makes your family have to cancel or reschedule.

WHERE TO GO

Major attractions across the U.S. work hard to appeal to families and meet ADA requirements. Some may even offer special mobility equipment and wheelchairs to assist families, and calling ahead will help determine if there are any special restrictions or programs specifically for special needs families. Finding a vacation that accommodates every family member’s interest may be easier than you think.

City Travel : The cities most often visited by travelers are often the best for special needs travelers, as well. Many offer travel guides through their Visitors & Convention Bureaus, and these may include guides for people with disabilities, which can help you pre-plan your vacation, or look into last-minute information when you stumble across an attraction during the trip.

Theme Parks : Catering to kids is a theme park’s business, and thankfully, many theme parks have made parks friendly to those with special needs. Disney, of course, reigns supreme in accommodating special needs families, making it easy for kids to enjoy every attraction. The Disabilities Access Service Card also helps families avoid long lines, and many parks have followed in Disney’s footsteps with similar offerings. SeaWorld San Diego is another excellent choice for special needs children, with their Ride Accessibility Program to ensure guests are given equal access to every ride and attraction. They also offer their Special Access Pass to people who can’t easily wait in line due to their disabilities.

Cruises : It's essential that you contact your travel agent they will work with the cruise line in advance to let them know that your child will be on board and outline your child's specific requirements. Some cruise lines may even add extra staff if they have advance notice that a child with special needs will be on board.

DISNEY SERVICES FOR GUESTS WITH COGNITIVE DISABILITIES

Some simple services and strategies are available to give Guests with cognitive disabilities a magical experience.

TYPES OF SERVICES

Walt Disney World Resort offers a host of services to help Guests with cognitive disabilities—including those on the Autism Spectrum—maximize their Resort experience. Services include:

Services include:

Advanced Ticket Purchase
Stroller and Wheelchair Rental
Strollers as Wheelchairs
Rider Switch
Accessing Attractions
Break Areas
Companion Restrooms
Helpful Guides for Attractions and your General Resort Experience.
Dietary Accommodations

At Beaches, we are proud to provide exceptional family vacations where everyone can enjoy the beauty and serenity of the white sand beaches, luxurious facilities and amenities, and crystal clear turquoise seas!

Beaches is committed to providing access to as many guests as possible. We provide accommodations in select room categories for our guests with mobility restrictions or special requirements. Additionally, all Beaches resorts boast a committed team of highly experienced staff who will ensure your every need is met and that your vacation is relaxing and enjoyable—a Luxury Included® standard!

Beaches Resorts offer supervised kids programs for different age groups. For children with special needs, there are professional nannies available on a one-to-one basis, as well as child-care experts—all who have been thoroughly trained in safety, nutrition and child development—for kids under 12.

Autism on the Seas: For those guests, Will provide a "Cruise Assistance Package" (Cruises without our Staff) on all of the major Cruise Lines. This service is free of charge, by simply booking with us. Autism on the Seas is the Leading Developmental Disability Service Supplier to the Cruise Industry.

Your gateway to accessible and unforgettable travel experiences.

Our Gallery