Category: Vacations

Cruises that consider accessibility allow people with functional needs (commonly referred to as special needs), mobility disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and more to enjoy the ship’s games, shows, dining and activities. Many cruise lines are committed to meeting the needs of their guests with accessibility concerns.

Explore the accessibility resources offered by each cruise line, and start planning your next cruise ship vacation.

What to Look for in an Accessible Cruise

Many cruises have accessibility services to ensure guests with disabilities have a memorable vacation. Let your cruise line know about accessibility needs in advance, so they can prepare everything for you before boarding.

Accessible cruises can offer accommodations for various disabilities, including:

• Mobility: Accessible cruises have wheelchairs for rent, or you can bring your own. People who use wheelchairs can sit in designated areas at shows and use the pool lift to swim.
• Visual: Guests with visual impairment can use Braille signs to navigate the ship, large-print menus at dining facilities, and visual or tactile alert systems for door knocking, alarm clocks and more.
• Hearing: Cruises accommodate guests with hearing impairment by providing an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, assistive listening devices and televisions with closed captions.
• ASD: Many cruise lines partner with Autism on the Seas to offer cruises designed for guests with ASD. Accommodations can include staff trained in autism awareness, toy lending programs, fidget toys and more.

Top Eight Accessible Cruises for People With Disabilities

Here are the best cruises for people with disabilities.

1. MSC Seaside

MSC Cruises takes travelers to stunning international destinations, like the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. MSC Seaside offers 3-day to 24-day excursions where guests can enjoy the region’s natural beauty and the ship’s accommodations.

MSC Seaside offers services for guests with special needs. This ship has one of the highest numbers of accessible cabins among cruise ships — 52 in total. These rooms are designed for guests with disabilities, with features such as:

• Wide doorways with no sills or lips
• Fold-down shower benches
• Accessible balconies
• Lower closet rods
• Handrails

Travelers with visual impairment can use Braille door plates, handrail markings and directional signs and audio call signals to navigate the ship. ASL interpreters are available to assist guests with hearing impairment for cruises departing and ending in a United States port. Guests with hearing impairment will also have a teletypewriter or telecommunications device (TDD/TTY) installed in their cabin to set alarms, receive important alerts and communicate with guest services. All decks, public areas and amenities like theaters and restaurants are accessible for guests who use wheelchairs.

You can ensure your MSC Seaside cruise accommodates your needs by completing the accessibility and medical requests form and submitting it to your accredited travel agency. Send documentation at the time of booking or within 30 days of your cruise with your travel agent.

2. Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Cruise Line cruises stop at must-see international destinations like Aruba, Greece, Ireland or Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line’s private island. These 7-day to 21-day cruises allow you and your family to enjoy the sun and sand while staying on a handicap-accessible cruise ship like Norwegian Sky.

Norwegian is committed to accommodating guests with disabilities. Adults or children who need a mobility aid can rent one through Norwegian’s authorized vendor or bring their own wheelchair that meets certain specifications. Guests who use a wheelchair can use the pool lift to swim. You can also stay in an accessible stateroom that features:

• Large entryways
• A high-rise toilet
• Handrails in the bathroom and shower
• A roll-in shower with a bench

Guests with hearing impairment can take advantage of the stateroom’s visual-tactile alert system to alert to door knocks, phone calls and alarms, as well as assistive listening devices for the ship’s theaters. For guests with visual impairment, Braille and tactile signage is posted throughout the ship, and vessel orientation tours are available upon request.

To request accommodations for your Norwegian Sky cruise, complete the accessibility and medical questionnaire within 90 days of your cruise for interpreters and 45 days for all other needs.

3. Holland America’s Koningsdam

Holland America Line offers one-of-a-kind cruises with domestic and international ports. Enjoy a 1-day to 35-day cruise along California’s coast, around the Hawaiian Islands, on the west coast of Canada, or to other beautiful destinations.

Holland America’s Koningsdam is one of the cruise line’s newer vessels with advanced accessibility features and technology. The ship has a wide selection of listening devices with portable receivers and visual and tactile alert systems for guests with hearing impairment. Guests with visual impairment can use large-print or Braille menus and take a guided tour during embarkation.

Holland America Line recommends that travelers who use wheelchairs bring their own wheelchair, given it meets specific criteria, since Holland America Line wheelchairs are unavailable for use on board and shore excursions. Wheelchairs are also available for rent from their vendor partners.

This ship has 27 fully accessible staterooms that have:

• Wide, no-sill doorways
• Grab bars in the bathroom
• Roll-in showers, transfer showers or accessible bathtubs
• Fold-down benches

At least 45 days before your cruise departs, submit the special requirements information form to Holland America Line’s guest accessibility department.

4. Celebrity Reflection

Celebrity Cruises has a wide selection of vacation destinations, including Fort Lauderdale, the Bahamas, Cozumel and Perfect Day at CocoCay, an exclusive private island.

Celebrity Cruises is committed to making its cruise ships and shore excursions accessible. These services include transportation between the airport and pier, assistance at the pier and mobility assistance throughout the ship.

Celebrity Reflection is the cruise line’s largest vessel and offers 30 accessible staterooms. Some accessible cabins are suites for families. Features of accessible cabins include:

• Automatic or extra-wide doors without sills
• Grab bars in the bathroom
• Lowered sinks and closet rods
• Roll-in showers with a handheld showerhead and fold-down bench

Throughout the ship are accommodations for guests with disabilities. Travelers who use a wheelchair can take advantage of automatic doors and wide gangways to navigate the ship and pool lifts and wheelchair seating areas to use the ship’s amenities. Braille signage helps guests with visual impairment enjoy public areas and find elevators. Assistive listening systems and interpreting services are available for guests with hearing impairment.

You can ensure your cruise on Celebrity Reflection has the accommodations you need by completing the guest special needs form. This form should be submitted at least 30 days before sailing, or 60 days in the case of interpreting services.

5. Carnival Horizon

Carnival is known for their exciting cruise vacations that offer fun for the family. The Carnival Horizon takes guests on 4-day to 8-day excursions. The cruise starts and ends in Miami or Galveston, Texas, and tours the Western Caribbean and Southern Caribbean. Along the way, you’ll stop at Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Cozumel and other tropical destinations.

Carnival offers facilities and services for guests with disabilities to make the cruise fun and memorable. Individuals who use wheelchairs can bring their own wheelchair or rent one from a vendor and use designated seating areas in dining areas and the main theater. ASL interpreting services, tactile alert systems and TTY are available on select cruises for guests with hearing impairment. Travelers with visual impairment can use Braille signage, large-print dining room menus and familiarization tours.

Carnival Horizon has 65 accessible staterooms with:

• Beds approachable from both sides or one side
• 32-inch wide doors with no doorsill
• Roll-in showers with grab bars and a fold-down bench
• Accessible balconies

6. Princess Cruises Regal Princess

Princess Cruises takes guests to exciting destinations, like the Western Caribbean, Honduras, Cozumel, Belize and more. Some cruises stop at Princess Cays, the cruise line’s private beach in the Bahamas. This island has ramps to make the amenities accessible for guests who use wheelchairs.

Princess Cruises has a long history of accommodating individuals with special needs. They launched an accessibility program in 1992 and were the first cruise line to have an access compliance manager to oversee accessibility efforts.

The Regal Princess ship has 38 accessible staterooms with:

• Roll-in showers with grab bars
• Shower stools and toilet risers available upon request
• Lowered closet rods
• Wide doors without sills

Elsewhere on the ship is wheelchair seating in dining areas and theaters and open decks accessible by wide elevators. Travelers can use screen reader programs, large-print menus, Braille cabin directories and more. ASL interpreters, TTY devices and closed caption TV programs are available for guests with hearing impairment. Be sure to complete the mobility questionnaire at least 60 days before the trip to ensure Princess Cruises can meet your needs.

7. Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas

The Royal Caribbean offers accessible cruises to the Western Caribbean on the Mariner of the Seas. These 4-day to 10-day excursions take guests to Jamaica, Belize and Cozumel, where they can enjoy the beaches and sunshine.

Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas has resources for individuals with disabilities. The ship offers accessible staterooms with features like:

• 32-inch wide doors
• A 5-foot turning radius
• Roll-in showers with benches
• Lowered sinks, vanities and closet rods

Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas hosts an Adventure Ocean program, which offers immersive experiences for children with disabilities. Royal Caribbean can provide accommodations for guests who use wheelchairs and have visual or hearing impairment with accommodations like large-print menus, visual tactile alert systems, and wheelchair assistance for embarkation and disembarkation.

Ensure your Mariner of the Seas cruise accommodates your needs by completing the guest special needs form and submitting it 60 days in advance for interpreting services or 30 days for other accommodations.

8. Disney Fantasy

Disney offers a variety of magical and memorable cruises for families, with ports of call in the Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean. Many Disney cruises that go to the Caribbean stop at the private island Castaway Cay, which has paved paths and sand wheelchairs.

A cruise on Disney Fantasy is an accessible vacation option with various accessibility services to meet the needs of travelers with disabilities. Since Disney cruises are family-focused, Disney Fantasy is a great option if you have a child with functional needs. Disney Fantasy offers various activities for children with disabilities, like themed sea parties, character events, shows and more.

The 25 accessible rooms on Disney Fantasy allow individuals who use wheelchairs to navigate easily, with features like:

• Lowered, ramped doorways
• Roll-in showers
• Lowered rods in the bathroom and closet
• Open bed frames

You should complete and submit the request special services form with advance notice for interpretation services and service animal requests and three days’ notice for all other accommodations.

Get Ready to Cruise With Products From Enabling Devices

Handicap-accessible cruises are a fantastic way for children and adults with disabilities to experience the joy of a cruise ship vacation. Enabling Devices has tools, toys and assistive technology to help your family member with a disability fully participate in the world. Some products to bring on your cruise include:

• Sensory products that engage the senses to stimulate or calm the user.
• Mounting systems to hold items for people who use a wheelchair or have mobility needs.
• Switch-adapted toys and games designed for children with functional needs.

Shop our online store today and contact our team to learn more!

Few summer activities are as beloved as a trip to the beach or pool on a hot summer day. But did you know that research has found that people who live with autism are particularly attracted to water?

According to the Autism Society of Florida, “water offers a multisensory experience that fulfills multiple needs at once. The visual aspects of water, like its sparkling, bubbling, and reflective properties, can be particularly captivating. The sensation of water on the skin, combined with the pressure it exerts, can provide a soothing effect and address tactile sensory sensitivities.”

While water offers many engaging sensory experiences, it can also pose significant safety risks for autistic individuals. This is especially the case for people on the autism spectrum who tend to wander, as well as those with communication challenges, poor impulse control, or a lack of situational and environmental awareness.

Shockingly, a study by the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University found that children with autism spectrum disorder are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than their neurotypical peers.

So, how do you allow your child to take advantage of the many benefits of swimming and water play without putting them at risk? Here are some precautions you can take.

1. Supervise, supervise, supervise
Drowning can happen fast, quietly and without warning, so even if your child knows how to swim, it’s essential that they be supervised whenever they are in or near the water. This is true even if the pool, beach or lake your family frequents has full-time lifeguards. While it may seem excessive, it’s wise to provide 1:1 supervision of all children in or near the water. If you’re a designated water supervisor, you should avoid reading, using your phone, use of alcohol or drugs, or any other activity that will take your attention away from a child under your supervision.

2. Provide swimming lessons
The ability to swim decreases the likelihood of drowning. Look for a class especially geared toward neurodivergent children where your child can learn to swim, gain knowledge about the dangers of water and understand the safety protocols that prevent drowning or injury. Start early! It’s never too soon to teach children about water safety.

3. Install Protective Barriers and Safety Devices
If you have a pool on your property or live near any sort of body of water, make sure that your child cannot access the water without supervision. Pools should be fenced and gates should be locked and alarmed.  If your child tends to wander, install alarms on your home’s doors and windows so you are alerted if he leaves the house. You can take additional steps to protect children who wander by utilizing GPS tracking devices and making sure that they wear ID bracelets and carry identification at all times.

4. Learn CPR
Be prepared if a water emergency happens at a beach, pool or elsewhere. Practice CPR skills long after classes end, so that they’ll be at your fingertips when or if you need to use them.

5. Notify neighbors or emergency responders
If your child is a wanderer, and especially if you know she’s attracted to water, make sure that the people around you know about it. Making others aware of your child’s vulnerabilities can have lifesaving ramifications.

Thinking of getting away with the kids over the upcoming spring break? If so, Peppa Pig Theme Park located outside of Dallas may be the perfect destination.

Based on a British children’s television show about a pig named—you guessed it—Peppa—the brand-new $40 million theme park was designed especially for young children living with disabilities and their families.  It was created by Merlin Entertainments, which has other Peppa Pig locations in Florida and Germany.

According to Disability Scoop, several of the park’s most exciting accessible attractions include “Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, which allows wheelchair users to roll right into a basket that soars into the sky.” There is also “a splash pad that’s graded for wheelchair use,” accessible paths and rides with transfer options such as Mr. Bull’s High Striker, Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster, and Grandad Dog’s Pirate Boat Adventure.

Peppa Pig’s Theme Park is also well-suited for children on the autism spectrum. In fact, the park is a Certified Autism Center. In other words, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards collaborated with the site to offer autism sensitivity and awareness training to all park staff members. Additionally, IBCCES assisted with the making of sensory guides that explain how park rides and attractions might affect individuals with sensory processing issues. Per the park’s website, “this guide will act as a comprehensive planning tool that will provide the information needed to make it easier for parents and families to plan activities that satisfy their child’s specific needs and accommodations.”

The park also has quiet areas for children on the spectrum and any other visitors who may need a break from noise, crowds or bright lights.

Families who visit with a disabled child can make use of the park’s HERO passes. The passes permit your child and as many as five additional companions one chance to board each ride or attraction without waiting in line. If your child wants to ride a second time, they can receive a return time for immediate boarding.

Jeremy Aguillen, general manager of Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth said “Merlin Entertainments is dedicated to providing safe, inclusive and engaging experiences for all families. We’re thrilled to bring the magic of Peppa Pig to life in Texas and look forward to welcoming guests for a day of unforgettable adventures.”

If you go, please let us know what you think!

Packing for a late summer trip to the beach? Don’t forget to pack a book or two. Here are some of the season’s most highly acclaimed literary selections on disability-related themes for readers of all ages and interests.

Novels
“True Biz”
By Sara Novic (Random House Group) 416 pages, $18, paperback
The New York Times Book Review calls Novic’s new novel about a teacher and her students at a boarding school for the deaf “tender, beautiful and radiantly outraged.”

“Happiness Falls”
By Angie Kim (Hogarth) 400 pages, $28, hardcover
When a 14-year-old non-verbal boy with autism returns from a walk with his father, alone and bloody, his family begins a desperate search to discover what happened to the missing dad. The crisis leads to a host of fascinating revelations about family members and their relationships.

Nonfiction
“The Country of the Blind”
By Andrew Leland (Penguin Press) 368 pages, $28, hardcover
As the author of this 2023 memoir gradually loses his sight to retinitis pigmentosa, he chronicles his journey into blindness while also exploring the rich culture and history of the blind community.

“Floppy: Tales of a Genetic Freak of Nature at the End of the World”
By Alyssa Graybeal (Red Hen Press) 280 pages, $17.62, paperback
Graybeal’s memoir is one of the first to be written about what it’s like to live with the connective tissue disorder Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

“Born Extraordinary: Empowering Children with Differences and Disabilities”
By Meg Zucker (TarcherPerigee) 272 pages, $18, paperback
Zucker’s latest book provides help for parents raising children with visible and invisible disabilities in a world that values sameness. Warm-hearted and honest, “Born Extraordinary” encourages parents and children to celebrate their differences.

 Young Adult
“Where You See Yourself”
By Claire Forrest (Scholastic) 320 pages, $15.20, hardcover
This coming of age and romance novel chronicles wheelchair user Ellie’s senior year of high school in Minnesota and her dreams to attend college in NYC. Over the course of the year, Ellie learns that the possibilities for her future are endless!

Middle Grades
“Time to Roll”
By Jamie Sumner (Atheneum Books for Young Readers) 208 pages, $17.99, hardcover
When wheelchair user Ellie’s friends convince her to join a beauty pageant, she’s forced to contend with a variety of issues that test her self-confidence and ability to stand up for herself.

Picture Books
“Dancing Hands: A Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language”
By Joanna Que & Charina Marquez, illustrated by Fran Alvarez, translated by Karen Llagas (Chronicle), 40 pages, $17.99, hardcover.

“Dancing Hands” tells the sweet story of young neighbors and friends Sam and Mai who learn to communicated in Filipino Sign Language.

“A Day With No Words”
By Tiffany Hammond, illustrated by Kate Cosgrove (Wheat Penny Press) 48 pages, $14.99, hardcover.
“A Day With No Words” is the book that Black autistic author Tiffany Hammond wrote for her two autistic sons and others who are curious about non-verbal people. The book chronicles a day in which Hammond and one of her sons use a tablet to communicate.

It’s summer vacation season and we’re looking out for readers with updated tips on disabilities travel. Read on to learn about how you, your loved ones and travel companions can enjoy a safe, accessible and worry-free vacation.

1. Choose your destination carefully
Disabilities travel has become a major industry and the internet is full of resources that can educate you about the best travel destinations for individuals with disabilities. For example, places like Disney World, Dollywood and Morgan’s Wonderland are renowned for their accessible rides, attractions, shows, parking lots, restrooms and disability services.

If traveling with a companion or family member with autism, be aware that some resorts and destinations are autism certified. The autism certified designation means that at least 80% of the organization’s staff members have received training in serving the needs of guests on the autism spectrum.

Some cities are also friendlier to individuals with disabilities than others. According to Lonely Planet, San Diego, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Barcelona, Spain are among the destinations most accessible to people with disabilities.

2. Consider using a travel agent
These days, many travel agents specialize in disability tourism. If you can afford any extra costs associated with using an agent, you will save a great deal of time, energy and anxiety by passing on some of the work and planning to someone who is an expert in the field. Some examples include Wheel the World, Travelable, and Travel for All.

3. Contact travel providers before you go
Don’t trust that your needs will be fulfilled just because the website or brochure says that they will. Florida Panhandle’s Comprehensive Guide to Traveling with Disabilities recommends contacting your airline, train or bus company before your travel date to make sure that vehicles are equipped with “assistive devices like wheelchairs and oxygen; facilities accommodations like accessible bathrooms, lifts, and bulkhead seats; services like pre-boarding and baggage assistance; and accessible communication systems like through a TTY or video remote interpreting (VRI).” Likewise, reach out to your hotel, Airbnb host, or bed-and-breakfast to ensure that you have been booked in an accessible room equipped with the accommodations you need to be comfortable.

4. Know the rules about service animals
If you are traveling outside of the United States, be sure to research the laws about service animals. You can find information you need at  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). In the United States, federal and local laws permit you to keep service animal in your hotel or rental without charging an extra fee. But if a service animal causes damage to the property, you may be liable for the costs of repair.

 5. Take advantage of discounts
Some sites may offer discounts to disabled travelers. Amtrak, the National Park Service, Hop On/Hop Off bus tours and many museums are among these. If you’re unsure, it never hurts to ask.

6. Be aware of medical resources near your destination
This advice is particularly important for travelers who are medically fragile. Before you travel, make sure that you know the locations of hospitals, pharmacies and clinics in the vicinity of your hotel or destination. Also, find out what your insurance company will cover if you travel outside of your state or country. Consider purchasing travel insurance in case illness interferes with your travel plans.

7. Bon Voyage!
Traveling with a disability takes more planning, but with the necessary foresight, the experience is well worth it. And, once you learn the ropes, it gets easier. That paves the way for more fun, adventure and relaxation. And that’s what vacationing is all about right?

Now that the summer travel season has arrived, many are looking forward to vacationing with their loved ones. But traveling with one or more children on the autism spectrum can be challenging. Good news: help could be on the way!

In April, Breeze Airlines announced its intention to become “the first certified autism-inclusive U.S. network carrier.”

To do so, Breeze is working with Autism Double-Checked, a Connecticut-based company that trains staff in the travel industry on how to make travel “stress free” and even “pleasant” for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The company also assesses travel businesses such as hotels, resorts and attractions to determine their level of autism friendliness.

Autism Double-Checked was cofounded by Alan Day and David M. Tait OBE in 2014. Day and Tait are both veteran travel professionals who are also parents of children with special needs. Hence, they are well aware of the challenges special needs families face when they travel. The cofounders have developed a classification system that assesses travel businesses based on their levels of expertise in serving individuals with autism and their families.

According to Autism Double-Check’s classification system, travel companies fall into one of three tiers.

• Level I – Autism Aware
  Companies that are “autism aware” have provided training about autism to their service staff. According to Autism Double-Checked, these companies will “be prepared to answer your questions before you book and travel. They have been trained to expect the unexpected, be non-judgmental and autism-inclusivity aware.” So, if your child has a meltdown, you don’t have to panic.
• Level II – Autism Ready
  Staff at “autism ready” companies have more intensive training. According to the Autism Double-Checked website, employees at these companies have received “job-specific [training that] deals with the kind of real, everyday situations that you may encounter when away from home with your child.” For example, these staff members understand that some individuals on the autism spectrum have particular dietary needs; how long lines and waiting times may be problematic for autistic travelers; and that some people with autism have a tendency to wander.
• Level III — Autism Double-Checked Certified
  These companies go even further in training their employees to “roll out the red carpet” for guests with autism and their families. They go further than others to help families to plan their vacations based on autism friendliness. For example, the Autism Double-Checked visitor guide provides “specific details about possible sensory issues, safety issues and much more: all specific to that location,” according to autismchecked.com. “Best of all, the index is listed by sensory challenge, which allows you quickly to focus on only the information that is specific to your own child’s needs.”

Autism Double-Checked hopes that companies in the industry will increasingly recognize the value of providing autism education to their employees. Considering the fact that more than 20 million North Americans are parents to one or more children with autism who might otherwise be unlikely to travel, Day and Tait point out that supporting autism families is not only a moral imperative, it’s also good business.

Everyone can benefit from the rest, relaxation, rejuvenation and intellectual stimulation afforded by a well-planned summer vacation. Children and adults with disabilities are no exception. Yet, finding accessible hotel rooms, restaurants and historic sites and resorts with beach wheelchairs and sensory-friendly entertainment can present challenges. Fortunately, options for accessible travel are becoming more and more prevalent. In fact, according to Smarter Travel, “travel by people with disabilities, also known as ‘disabled travel’ or ‘accessible travel,’ is on the rise. The travel industry is waking up to disabled travelers’ special needs by providing more services and greater accommodation.”

We’ve done some digging and come up with some of the best travel and vacation websites for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Airbnb Gets Accessible
Last year, Enabling Devices blogged about a new travel website called Accomable, which helped travelers with disabilities find accessible accommodations. Since then, Accomable has been acquired by accommodations and travel start-up Airbnb. In November 2017, Accomable’s cofounder and CEO Srin Madipalli  told Tech Crunch, he is hopeful that because of its significant resources, Airbnb will be able to grow and improve Accomable and its offerings. In turn, Airbnb acknowledges that their own disability services haven’t been up to par. “While the company has offered the ability to search for whether a property is wheelchair accessible, the company now acknowledges that this wasn’t cutting it,” says Tech Crunch. “Guests weren’t getting the information they needed to find the right homes, nor the confidence that the home they selected would actually be accessible for them,” Airbnb noted in a blogpost. “Now, the company is updating and enhancing this with more detail, including whether there is step-free entry to rooms, and if entryways are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. These search features are now live on the web version of Airbnb and will soon get added to its iOS and Android apps.”

Accessible Journeys
Accessible Journeys isn’t new — the company has been around since 1985, so founder Howard J. McCoy, III, and his staff have plenty experience in the disabled travel industry. A registered nurse who grew up in a family with an uncle with a disability, McCoy says his family always included Uncle Ralph in all their trips… I grew up knowing nothing about disabled issues; I only knew solutions,” says McCoy. His experiences led him to found a company that finds solutions for travelers with disabilities and their families. The company provides vacation planning, accessible group tours and cruises, individual accessible cruises, licensed travel companions, and disability travel resources.

New Directions Travel
Like Accessible Journeys, New Directions has been operating since 1985. A nonprofit organization, New Directions offers travel experiences to teenagers, adults and seniors with mild to moderate intellectual and/or developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and autism. According to its website, New Directions serves over 650 people per year, taking them on trips to places such as Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand, Las Vegas, Israel, Disneyland, Japan and the Grand Canyon. They’re escorted by trained travel guides including special educational instructors, recreation therapists, residential counselors, vocational and independent living skills counselors, and other professional staff trained to work with people with developmental disabilities.

Autism Travel
According to Autism Travel.com, “a lot of research shows that travel is one of the most intellectually stimulating events for individuals on the spectrum.” Yet, many families with autistic members are hesitant to take trips because of the many challenges they face. Autism Travel’s goal “is to help the leading travel destinations in the world create safe sensory friendly certified travel options for parents and individuals on the spectrum.” The website provides information on autism-friendly resorts such as Beaches in Turks and Caicos and Ochos Rios, Sesame Place, the Santa Barbara Zoo and so many others. According to its website, “the destinations featured on Autism Travel have completed an in-depth training and certification program [in autism] that is second to none.”

Wheelchair Traveling.com
Started in 2006, by Ashley Lyn Olson, who has been paralyzed since age 14, Wheelchairtraveling.com is an online community for travelers with disabilities. The site includes “thousands of resources, reviews, guides and tips from many writers about accessible travel.” The website covers destinations all over the word, providing information on accommodations, transportation, equipment and more. Its goal is: “empowering people with limited mobility, their friends and loved ones to access and experience the world of adventure and leisure travel.”

Do you have suggestions about traveling with a disability? Share it with Enabling Devices on Facebook or Twitter!

Is it August already? Where have the summer months gone? If you’re a parent of school-age children, or a teacher, August means the start of back-to-school shopping, lesson planning, carpool scheduling, doctor’s visits, haircuts and more. But not so fast— there’s still time for some late summer fun. It’s just a question of planning. For parents of children with disabilities, arranging a last-minute excursion or vacation requires a little extra planning. Here are some tips to make end-of-the season travel more manageable:

Before setting off, do your best to provide your child with as much information as possible about your family’s travel itinerary. Some children, especially those with autism, sensory sensitivities or anxiety disorders, have difficulty coping with changes to their routines and anticipating the unknown. Social stories about travel or vacationing are a great way to lessen their anxiety. If there isn’t time to design your own story-book, look for one on the web. Here’s one created by Pam Drennen, V.P. Director of Clinical Services Speech at Kidmunicate in preparation for a trip to the beach. You can also try “photo albums, schedules and maps to help our children understand where [they]are going and whom [they] will see,” says Karen Wang, an author at the Friendship Circle. “Any type of visual support will reduce anxiety and increase interest,” says Wang.

Wang also recommends parents carry a “portable sensory toolkit.” Toolkits may contain a “baseball cap or wide-brimmed hat; ice-cold water bottle with a sport cap for sucking or an ice-cold juice box with a straw; hand lotion or lip balm; soft fabric for rubbing on hands or a stuffed animal; a squeeze or koosh ball; soundproof headphones [or earmuffs] and a change of clothes…” says Wang. You may also want to pack one of Enabling Devices’ weighted vests or blankets or our Miracle Belt. All these products help children with sensory integration challenges satisfy their needs for sensory input.

If your child has physical disabilities or a chronic medical condition, find out where nearby pharmacies and emergency medical facilities are located, and make sure that your health insurance is accepted there.

If you’re flying, familiarize yourself with the latest airline regulations. While most airlines have information for travelers with disabilities on their websites, be on the safe side and call the airline to ask questions and make special arrangements such as early boarding, deplaning and seating preferences. Huff Post’s Meg Harris recommends calling the TSA prior to your flight. “Alert TSA to your child’s disability,” writes Harris. “Children with disabilities can be screened without being separated from their parents or guardians. Be sure to communicate to the TSA agent suggestions on the best way to approach and screen their children. Also remember that children under 12 do not need to remove their shoes.” Make certain to leave time for airport traffic, long lines, finding gates and changing flights. Rushing with children, especially children with physical or developmental disabilities, is usually a recipe for disaster.

If you’re driving, make sure your car is in operational order before heading out. Allow plenty of time for bathroom and food breaks, traffic jams and weather conditions. Separating squabbling siblings and having teens bring their own musical selections (with headphones!) will go a long way toward making the ride more bearable. Even better, borrow some audiobooks from the library. Don’t forget to bring blankets and pillows. Napping is an ideal way to pass time on a long road trip.

Visiting an attraction or theme park? Purchase tickets ahead of time whenever possible. Don’t assume that parks, beaches, museums and historic sites will be able to meet your child’s accessibility needs. Call ahead to make sure there are no disappointing surprises. If your child tends to wander, make sure she wears a wandering bracelet or carries easily visible identification. Some vacation spots such as Walt Disney World offer special privileges for children with disabilities. Inquire about these before you go. Some may require documentation of your child’s disability, so bring a doctor’s note along.

Now, go ahead and make some wonderful memories!

By the time February rolls around, many of us have had more than enough of wintry weather. And while the calendar tells us that spring is just around the corner, “Old Man Winter” doesn’t always cooperate. That’s why many families choose to get away to warm weather destinations during March and April.

A successful family vacation takes careful research and planning. For families with children with special needs, choosing the right vacation spot is especially crucial. If you’re planning a spring break getaway, now’s the time to book it. But no worries. We’ve scoured the Internet to find an up-to-date list of the best warm-weather vacation resorts for families whose children have special needs.

1. Autism On The Seas

Traveling with a kid on the spectrum can be challenging. Waiting on long lines, bright lights, loud noise, unfamiliar foods, and stressful social situations aren’t exactly conducive to relaxation and fun. Autism On The Seas to the rescue! Founded in 2007, the company works with cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line to provide individualized services for cruise guests with special needs. And don’t be fooled by the company’s name. Autism On The Seas is not just for children on the spectrum. The company’s staff members, all trained to work with children with special needs and to anticipate the needs of their families, are also able to accommodate children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and a range of developmental and cognitive disabilities. Families who travel as part of the Autism On The Seas charter don’t wait on lines, can request special diets and take part in activities especially designed for them. In addition to enjoying activities together, families have opportunities to socialize with other families whose children have special needs. Since staff members are able to manage all kinds of behavioral challenges, parents are free to have some much needed alone time to refresh and rejuvenate.

2. Disneyworld and Disneyland

What child doesn’t dream of a trip to Disney? Fortunately, Disney resorts are among the most accommodating vacation spots for people with disabilities. They offer advanced ticket purchase, stroller and wheelchair rental, a rider switch program that saves waiting time, accessible attractions, break areas, companion restrooms and dietary accommodations.

Check out Walt Disney’s guide for guests with disabilities and its resource guide for guests with cognitive disorders including autism, which rates each attraction on sensory stimuli such as noise, smells, lighting, periods of darkness, wetness, bumpiness and elements of surprise. Once you’ve got the lay of the land, pack your bags and prepare to enjoy “the happiest place on earth!”

3. Tradewinds

Island Grand and Outpost resorts, located side by side on St. Pete Beach in St. Petersburg, Florida, earned the “autism friendly” designation by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities in 2010. Employees at the resorts receive comprehensive training about autism that teaches them how to make resort guests on the autism spectrum feel comfortable and enjoy their vacations. Families with children with autism receive  “safety kits” containing outlet covers, corner cushions for tables and hanging door alarms to alert family if a child with autism wanders out of their room. In addition, the resorts’ kids clubs welcome children with special needs at no extra charge. The clubs offer sensory and recreational activities, leaving parents free to enjoy some down time.

4. Morgan’s Wonderland

Located in San Antonio, Texas, where the weather usually reaches 70-plus degrees in March, Morgan’s Wonderland is the first theme park ever built especially with people with disabilities in mind. Founder, Gordon Hartman created the park to honor his daughter, Morgan, who had physical and cognitive disabilities. According to its website, Morgan’s Wonderland is “completely wheelchair-accessible … [and] features more than 25 elements and attractions including rides, playgrounds, gardens, an eight-acre catch-and-release fishing lake, 18,000-square-foot special-event center, 575-seat amphitheater, picnic area and rest areas throughout the park.” New for 2017 is Morgan’s Island, “the world’s first ultra-accessible splash park.”  The island, as well as the rest of Morgan’s Wonderland is committed to “inspiring guests with special needs to achieve things previously thought to be impossible.”
An added benefit— children with disabilities pay no admission!

5. LEGOLAND, Florida Resort

In 2016, LEGOLAND, Florida partnered with Autism Speaks to enlist the organization’s expertise on making the popular destination more sensory-friendly. According to the Orlando Sentinel, last March, the resort “installed a large panel of hands-on, sensory-stimulating activities in a quiet space within its theme park.” Other projects such as additional quiet spaces and online social stories to help prospective guests to know what to expect during their visits are also in the works. Especially significant is the resort’s commitment to providing autism education to all staff members so that they can better serve their visitors with autism.

P.S. Not everyone can afford to take a family vacation. However, the following organizations offer opportunities for vacation grants. With a little luck, you could be lying on a beach in no time!

· Autism on the Seas Foundation

· Gifts From the Heart of Downs

· Kidd’s Kids

· Give Kids The World Village

· Sunshine Foundation

With spring break in the rear view window, many of us are turning our attentions to summer vacation planning. Although planning a family trip can be fun, it does have its challenges. After all, coming up with a destination and itinerary that suits each family member while also adhering to a timeframe and budget is no small feat. The task can seem even more daunting when one vacationer requires special accommodations because of a disability.

English entrepreneur, Srin Madipalli, who has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and uses a motorized wheelchair, discovered this first hand in 2010, when he took six months away from his job at a law-firm to travel. Madipalli found the experience “eye-opening.”

“It was extremely difficult to find information on adapted accommodation and transport. A lot of times it involved hours of searching online, taking a major risk and hoping for the best. While I enjoyed the challenge, it also felt very frustrating and I’d often just like the planning to be easy!”

While traveling, Madipalli reached the conclusion that technology could offer solutions for the frustrations faced by him and other travelers with disabilities.

“Such systems have revolutionized travel for other customer sectors, [think: airbnb], so why not for the accessible travel market?” he wondered.

When he returned to the UK, Madipalli and his childhood friend, Martyn Sibley, an avid traveler who also has SMA, co-founded an online magazine called Disability Horizons. The publication covers a variety of topics including employment, entertainment, relationships, technology, news and travel. Through the magazine’s online community, Madipalli and Sibley learned that others were also concerned about the lack of travel resources for those with disabilities. Always up for a challenge, they decided to see what they could do to change the status quo.

“I put myself through an MBA at Oxford and taught myself to code, so I could build the website for Accomable,” says Madipalli. “The idea is to make everything as transparent as possible for customers looking for accessible hotel rooms and vacation rentals.”

Each property listed on Accomable includes information about all the accessible features of that property. Need a place with step-free access and roll-in showers? Are height adjustable beds and ceiling, mobile or pool hoists necessary? Would you like to rent a wheelchair when you arrive? The platform allows you to search for lodgings vetted by the Accomable team, filter listings according to your needs, make a reservation, rent equipment if necessary, plan your trip with Accomable’s accessible city guides, get tips and recommendations from other users and share your experiences with the staff and fellow travelers. While you’re online, you can view gorgeous photos and read interesting blog posts about travel-related topics.

Although Accomable started in the U.K., its more than 500 listings are located all over the world. Last month, the company opened its first U.S. office in Austin, Texas. “We want to be the easy go-to travel company for all of these people, and their friends and family, initially for hotel and vacation rentals, but eventually for specialist car hire, activities and insurance too,” says Madipalli. “That’s our big push for this year: finding hundreds of great, quality accessible hotels and rentals across the country.”