Vacation—Here We Come
Vacations are magical, adventurous, exciting, relaxing, family time, educational, and many more adjectives which makes it a ‘must’ for everyone.
Most of us have favorite places we like to visit. Our family (including all five children) can say they have been to all 48 of the contingent United States. Granted our youngest was young enough he has only pictures to prove he was there, rather than a specific memory. But he’s visited many of those same places since he’s become an adult with his own family. Our favorite place to visit, however, has always been the Black Hills of South Dakota.
I remember years ago we took my mother-in-law with us on an extended vacation. It was interesting accommodating her needs, which were much different than our children or even my husband and mine. We were anxious to walk along side the Grand Canyon with our children. The colors were stunning as the sunlight caught the different layers of the canyon making them look like they were rippling. There were times, however, when depending on how you looked at it, it felt like you were spinning, falling, or at least walking wrong. To a point, it was eerie.
My mom-in-law, however, chose to not go with us on this outing. She was content to sit on the bench. Her legs, and particularly her knees which often gave her great pain, wouldn’t have been able to make the trek. There were other instances where accommodations needed to be made because of her navigational abilities.
This kind of circumstance isn’t anything new in the world of disabilities, when vacationing or trying to travel. Challenges abound from start to finish whether it’s regarding a wheel chair requiring navigation, eateries which aren’t always helpful to folks with special needs, nor are other vacationers who choose to not be bothered with giving assistance when they could, or so busy with their own plans, even waiting on someone with a disability makes them cranky—and unkind.
Some with disabilities, because of these barriers, choose another method of traveling! There are travel experts available to make the journey much more satisfactory! They not only provide destination ideas, but have the tools to make your dream vacation happen! They make sure, where you are traveling, can accommodate wheelchairs and other necessary elements, work for their guests.
There are inclusive travel companies for those who have intellectual or development disabilities, as well. Some are non profit and offer amenities that go well beyond expectations. Ideas include vacations to balloon festivals, cruises, theater shows, even to offering guided tours to places like London, Hawaii and other places.
There is still much to be aware of when traveling with someone who has a disability. A priority is making sure medications are up to date and none forgotten. Any doctor instructions should be written down (or printed) to help give aid if necessary. A food substitution list should be available (perhaps non-perishables even included when packing) and all things medical should be carefully thought through.
Regardless of ability or lack of, planning is necessary. But travel and vacations are such a joy and provide opportunities beyond our front door, town, perhaps even our own cultures. Choose to grab your camera, journal for note taking, and other required elements, along with your loved one, regardless of ability, and venture into a place of magic, adventure and family.
Witness and share their excitement as you and all participants explore, taste the life of another culture, experience the oceans or the grandeur of the mountains. Whatever the dream, grab it and make marvelous, lasting memories!
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