Having a child with a disability doesn’t mean your family can’t travel as far and as often as other people. However, you may need to make some special arrangements before starting your next adventure.
Research Your Goals
When you travel in the United States, you know that you can find restaurants, hotels, and stores that accommodate people with disabilities. Other countries may not always offer that guarantee. You may find that some countries do not have businesses with ramps, disabled toilet stalls, and other accommodations for people with disabilities. Make sure you research your goals to learn more about accessibility for children with special needs.
Websites like Special Globes can help you learn more about destinations and how well they meet the needs of children with disabilities.
Include Layovers in Your Flight Plan
Some disabilities make it uncomfortable for children to remain seated for more than a few hours. Try to fit a stopover or two into your flight itinerary so your kids can enjoy some time outside of their airplane seats.
Be Prepared for Unexpected Illness or Injury
You can’t predict the future, but you can prepare for it. For parents of children with disabilities, this preparation requires planning for unforeseen illnesses and injuries. If your disabled child falls ill, you may not have access to proper medical services during your trip.
Sign up for a Medjet Horizon travel membership can calm the mind. If a member of your family is admitted to a hospital that is not ready to serve children with disabilities, then Medjet Horizon can arrange air medical transportation.
You never know what level of medical care you will find as you travel the world. Having a Medjet Horizon membership for a loved one helps ensure that you and your child can travel overseas with peace of mind.
Bring a Letter From Your Pediatrician
Some people may not understand the needs of children with disabilities. Those with no experience with special needs children may think their parents are trying to get a free upgrade.
A letter from your pediatrician confirms the seriousness of your child’s condition. Ask the doctor to include your child’s disability, some common symptoms of the disability, and what special accommodations will make traveling easier for your child.
Pack Medicines and Medical Devices
If your child needs medicine or medical devices to stay healthy, then you must remember to pack them before leaving the house. Depending on your goals, you may find that finding a replacement may be impossible.
Keep in mind that some medical devices your child is using may make a TSA agent suspicious. Check the TSA web page for guidance for passengers with disabilities and medical conditions. TSA officials may prohibit certain items, such as infusion bags, pumps, and syringes. Label and organize all bottles, bags and equipment for easy inspection. Always tell the TSA staff about your child’s condition, and use a letter from your doctor if you need support.
Children with disabilities have the right to see the world just like other children. With the right research and services, your child can experience all that traveling the world has to offer.
